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from the situation. A tactic she used as a child whenever she wished to be someplace other than with her parents.
    But this time, her imagination failed to engage her fully as a spicy male scent wafted over her senses. A thigh brushed hers, leaving heat in its wake.
    Not wanting to draw attention, she placed a bite of food in her mouth and shifted away at the same time.
    Funny how the once fiery-hot casserole now tasted bland. Her gaze rose yet again and caught the grim yet knowing frown on the handsome face to her right. She reached for her water, and over the next half-hour, played with the remaining food on her plate, refusing to look at the man crowding her space.
    The glass of wine drew her attention more often than not, mocking the years she’d gone without. Maybe the liquid would help get her through the night…
    Trent’s shoulder brushed hers. A tingling swirled from the limb to her toes, and she sucked in a breath. What the hell—anything had to help at this point. Grabbing the goblet, she drank a healthy swallow then another, with less guilt than she expected at breaking her vow. Her limbs relaxed a little more with each taste. The notion of excusing herself filtered in and out, but every time she got up enough nerve, Darcy pulled her into whatever conversation was flying around the room. Not sure if her answers even made sense, she observed the others, her attention pausing on the one person responsible for her discomfort.
    Their gazes caught.
    Trent shoved the plate of half-eaten casserole away as the legs of his chair scraped the wooden floor. The air snapped with tension as he stood and stared down. “You ready to end this charade, Jordan ?”
    All conversation ceased, and she froze.
    “Trent, that’s no way to speak to a guest,” Nick scolded.
    The brothers made eye contact for a split second. “I used to know her.”
    “Used to?”
    She fisted her hands, digging her nails into the palms. Five pairs of eyes fell on her, and heat crawled up her neck. Oh, how she’d give anything to be anyplace else right this moment. Why did he have to do this now?
    “We met at a bonfire over at Charlie’s the weekend he graduated.”
    “You mean she’s the one you spent the night with. The reason April—”
    “Shut up, Chris.”
    Apparently, his family knew all about her and their night together. Humiliation struck hard, and her heart skipped a few beats. The wine and acidy food swirled in the pit of her stomach, getting ready to erupt. Bile rose in her throat, causing her to breathe deep through her nose.
    “Ah hell,” Sam exclaimed, tossing his napkin on the center of the table.
    How could she even begin to explain the past to these people? More importantly, how would she explain to him ?
    Her gaze found the familiar brown one from that precious night long ago. Panic edged its way in, and breathing became difficult.
    Trent held out a large palm. “We need to talk, Lynn .”

Chapter Four
    Not wanting to have this conversation in front of the whole family, Jordan rose as Trent seized her hand.
    “Lynn? Who’s Lynn?” Darcy asked, following the pair to the door. “What’s going on?”
    “Darc, let them go. I’m sure we’ll find out soon enough.” Nick’s voice filled the room behind them.
    Heart hammering in her chest, Jordan hurried down the steps and across the yard. Not that she possessed much choice with her fingers tucked in the cowboy’s tight grip.
    “Will you stop? Or do you want me to break my ankle?” With great effort, she pulled her hand from his.
    He glanced to her sandaled feet and adjusted his pace.
    “Where are we going?”
    “Someplace to talk without bein’ interrupted,” he answered, his drawl thick.
    Some time ago, she loved how his southern tone intensified when he was aroused; apparently this rang true when he was upset as well. She’d loved listening to him talk while laying side by side in the back of his pickup, loved the feel of his chest rumbling when he laughed,