Free It Had to Be Love (An It Had to Be Novel) by Tamra Baumann Page B

underdressed on top of being a hot mess on the inside.
    Ryan stuck his hand out to help her mother up the two steps. The deck held a stainless steel outdoor kitchen and a seating area. He’d set the table for them to eat outside.
    She expected Ryan to follow behind her parents but he waited for her too, holding out his hand to help her up the steps as well.
    “Thank you.”
    He leaned close and said, “Relax.”
    The easy way he held Sherlock, along with the amusement dancing in his pretty eyes, helped some of the tension drain from her shoulders. But the last thing she should do is relax around the snoopy, cutie-pie sheriff. “I’ll try.”
    After a tour of Ryan’s house, Tara and her parents settled into comfy outdoor furniture on the deck, drinks in hand, under the shade of a giant pine tree. Ryan tied Sherlock’s leash to a nearby post and then joined them.
    Her mom glanced out across the beautiful, still lake, and sighed. “This is just a lovely spot, Ryan. Thank you for having us.”
    Just when Tara thought things might actually go well, her mother added, “And I’m so glad Tara will have a date now for her sister’s wedding next weekend. We look forward to having you stay with us.”
    What was her mother thinking? Everyone coming to the wedding had known her since she was a kid. No way would she be able to keep her secret from Ryan if he came.
    “Mom, Ryan is on duty on Saturdays. He won’t be able to come.” She stared at her mother, hoping she’d catch a clue.
    Her dad said, “He’s in charge. I’m sure he can switch things up.”
    Had her parents both lost their minds?
    She turned to Ryan and shook her head ever so slightly. “You really can’t, right, Ryan?”
    Ryan stared into her eyes for a moment, as if debating, then said, “I wouldn’t miss it. Thanks for inviting me.”
    She wanted to kill all three of them!
    “I need to help Ryan with dinner. Please excuse us.”
    Ryan shook his head. “It’s all—”
    She didn’t let him finish; instead she grabbed his arm and pulled. “We’ll be right back!”

H e was in trouble. Tara’s stiffened posture left no doubt as Ryan followed her into the kitchen. But he wasn’t giving up the perfect opportunity to get to the bottom of whatever Tara was hiding. Between staying with her parents and talking to the other guests at the wedding, he’d surely get closer to the truth.
    She spun around and crossed her arms. “Why did you say yes to the wedding? What could you have possibly been thinking?”
    Probably time to dig deep and have a real conversation. “I just found out I have a job interview in Denver on Saturday. I was going to be there anyway.” The e-mail should have been good news, but something hadn’t sat right with him ever since he’d read it.
    “Oh.” Tara cocked her head, no longer looking like she wanted to hit him again. “You’re thinking of leaving? Bored with small-town life?”
    “No. More like I’m tired of dating and ready to have a family. I’ve pretty much exhausted my choices around here.”
    “And Sarah married Ed. Your sisters told me all about that.” Tara shot him a “you’re not telling the whole story” look.
    “My sisters have big mouths.” He didn’t want to discuss Sarah, especially with Tara. “And it was your idea for us to play a couple for your parents.”
    Tara opened her mouth, then snapped it shut. He could practically see the wheels spinning inside her brain.
    She finally said, “Yes. But just for tonight. Please tell them you can’t go.”
    “I’m not your type. Okay. I get it.” That she wasn’t interested in him hurt. She’d awoken feelings in him he wasn’t sure he’d ever have again.
    “No! That’s not what I meant.” Tara looked him straight in the eyes for a change as she laid a soft hand on his forearm. It was the first time she’d touched him without jerking away.
    Progress.
    She leaned in, her warm breath feathering lightly across his cheek. “You would be just