Texas Secrets, Lovers' Lies. Karen Whiddon

to go back to the place that haunted her nightmares.

      Unfortunately, she couldn’t go alone. She’d have to ask Brock. At least she trusted him. He was and always would be the most honorable man she’d ever known. But then again, Shayna had changed completely. What if Brock had, too?

      Still, she’d ask him. At the thought, her insides churned. Still, maybe they could figure out a way to work together for Shayna’s sake. “I’ll let you know,” she told Cristine, pushing up from the table.

      Instead of going home, she took a deep breath and headed out to the one place she knew she could find Brock. McCauley’s Feed Store.

      Several pickup trucks were parked in the lot. She pulled in between two of them and killed the engine. Taking a deep breath, she squared her shoulders and got out.

      Inside, she blinked. The store had changed dramatically. She remembered a homey place of disorganized chaos. Saddles had been mixed in among bird feeders, dog food next to fertilizer. Customers had to hunt to find the items they wanted.

      Now, everything had been arranged in logical order. Saddles were grouped with bridles and halters and bits. There was a bird section, a wildlife section, and a gardening section, among others. Hunting was big business in these parts and come deer season McCauley’s would sell out of deer stands and feeders. There were even two entire rows of fishing rods and reels, along with lures and various other angler items. The concrete floor appeared clean and well swept, and the checkout counter had been relocated to the opposite side of the store.

      Again, she scanned the interior, almost feeling as though she was in another place entirely. She didn’t see Brock anywhere.

      Two men were standing by the shelves containing sacks of dog food, hotly debating the merits of particular brands. They fell silent and turned to stare as she walked by. She gave them a friendly smile and tried to move past.