Around 2:00, Charlie and Faith took the gang to Willow Lake. Megan entered the barn and saw a note tacked on Misty's stall. "Meet me by Willow Lake at 5:00. I have something to tell you. Colby."
She folded the note and put it in her pocket. Thoughts about the meeting kept her work pace slow. "What does he want to tell me? Is he returning to Florida? Why would he need to say goodbye in private?"
At 4:30, Megan left the ranch and ambled towards the lake. Though eager to hear Colby's news, part of her remained hesitant. She was not ready to say good-bye. Within feet of the lake, Megan stopped. She closed her eyes and bent her head. "Why is he here?" With each breath, she considered turning around, but common sense lost and she approached the man instead. "Where's Colby?"
"He's not coming." The smile on the man's face infuriated Megan.
"Why not?" she stammered.
"He was never coming."
"But," "The note?" he said, a glint of laughter in his voice, and a twinkle in his eyes.
Those two simple words settled in her throat like screams of frustration. "What sick game are you playing, Clay?"
"No games, tenderfoot. We need to talk."
"I have nothing to say." Her arms crossed in front of her chest, more out of protection than defiance.
"Good, because I do." Clay moved closer and touched her arm. He wore a serious look, very unlike him. Megan awaited his words but the look quickly changed and he said, "Did you miss me?"
"No." The word did not sound convincing. His velvety voice left her on unsteady footing. She took a deep breath and tried to calm her erratic beating heart. He refused to say something that shone in his eyes. Megan did not know how to read him.
His grip tightened. "Did Colby charm his way into your heart, tenderfoot?"
"None of your business," she said, pulling her arm from his hold. "What do you want?"
"Tenderfoot, you have so much to learn," Clay said, a hint of sarcastic laughter coming through. "I want to talk. Nothing more; nothing less." He motioned with his finger for Megan to follow him.
"No." She refused to budge.
"Fine, we can stay here. Night turns cold with no fire and no warm bed. Wouldn't you rather be inside a cave, protected from nature?"