Free Cross My Heart by Carly Phillips

she’d also eased the slap he’d felt over her conversation with Alex and that was all that mattered.
    â€œThis got me through some really tough times.” She delicately fingered the treasured piece around her neck. “You got me through.”
    That long-ago night, she’d sworn she’d never forget him. And she realized now that no matter where she went or who she was with, she’d always had him with her—his strength, his courage and his caring.
    She reached out and touched his cheek, forcing him to meet her gaze. “I never forgot you. Cross my heart,” she whispered, before she turned and ran for the safety of the rest stop.
    Â 
    T Y AND L ACEY MET UP with Hunter at Ty’s place as soon as they hit town. They entered through the back entrance off the bar. There were no awkward hellos when Hunter saw Lacey for the first time, Ty thought, watching stiffly as she bolted across the room and into Hunter’s arms.
    â€œIt’s so good to see you!” Her voice rose in an excited squeal.
    Hunter pulled her into a tight hug. “You, too.” He pulled back, looking at her with a grin. “You’re still as gorgeous as ever.”
    She laughed and punched him lightly in the shoulder. “You’re looking pretty good yourself.”
    â€œHe works at it,” Ty muttered.
    He hadn’t received such an easy greeting and rationally he understood why. She hadn’t expected to see him, so she’d been caught off guard. Once she adjusted to his presence, he’d dropped one huge bomb about her uncle.
    Ty knew he was consoling himself with platitudes and tempering his jealousy, neither of which sat well with him. He was normally a guy who went about his business with few highs and lows. Man, things had changed.
    Ty cleared his throat. “Hey you two, break it up. We have some planning to do.”
    Lacey turned toward them. “That sounds like old times. So how do you want to handle things?”
    Ty stepped toward her. “I suppose the first order of business would be looking into the terms of the trust and finding out exactly what you need to do in order to claim the money.” Ty glanced at Hunter. “Am I right, lawyer man?”
    The other man nodded. “You’re right. And I’ll look into that as soon as possible. I’m going to need some help because I’m a criminal attorney.”
    â€œThat’s amazing,” Lilly said, her eyes glowing with pride in what Hunter had accomplished.
    Ty felt the same way.
    â€œWhat kind of cases?” she asked.
    â€œA little of this and a lot of that,” he said and laughed.
    â€œDon’t be so modest,” Ty said. “Hunter’s well known around town. He’s one of the biggest trial lawyers in the state. His clients are pretty high profile even for upstate New York standards.”
    Hunter actually flushed at the complimentary description. “I take those cases to make money so I can afford the pro bono ones for people who couldn’t otherwise afford decent representation.”
    Lilly wrapped her hands around her forearms and nodded in understanding. “And I am so proud of you! I should have known you’d end up helping people.”
    His cheekbones flushed even redder. “Ty’s the one who played savior while I went along for the ride. I guess I learned from him.”
    â€œWell as far as I’m concerned, you’re both the best.” She grinned at them both. “Thanks for looking into things for me,” she said to Hunter. “I can’t afford to hire anyone without depleting my savings.”
    â€œWhich won’t make a difference once you get the trust fund away from the bastard who calls himself your uncle,” Ty said.
    She nodded. “Still, having a friend to depend on is so much easier.”
    â€œI’ve got an important trial next month, but I have some time now and I’ll handle it for you.”