Read Keeping What's His: Tate (Porter Brothers Trilogy Book 1) for Free Online Page B

been there for years.”
    Sutton didn’t miss having to explain every detail of her life.
    “I wanted some rest and relaxation while I’m visiting.” She stood, giving Cheryl a brief hug. “Get back to work. I’ll take care of the bill. I’ll see you before I leave.”
    “You better. I’ve missed you. Bye, Sutton.”
    “Bye, Cheryl.”
    Sutton went to the cash register to pay the check, ignoring the glances she felt on her back as she headed to the door. She was about to push the door open when she saw a couple sitting at one of the tables.
    Tate was sitting in the restaurant with a woman she didn’t recognize. She was very attractive, smiling at Tate, and a child, who looked about five or six, was seated at the table next to them. When Tate looked up, Sutton glanced away from his gaze, quickly going out the door.
    The little boy had the Porter red hair. Did Tate have a child while she was gone, or was that Dustin’s son? He would be about the right age from what she remembered from the news article. The Daily Herald had written about Samantha Langley’s death and her missing child. Months later, another article had given an update of how a man named Knox had been cleared of her death and that her child had been found.
    Sutton had always wondered what a child of Tate’s would look like. She now had her answer. The little boy inside the restaurant was the image of him. He had the same auburn hair and green eyes. Their facial features were similar, although where Tate’s features were harsh with an I-don’t-give-a-fuck attitude, the little boy was all boyish innocence.
    Sutton dug her fingernails into the palm of her hands, battling back emotions she had thought were locked away. She forced them back, strengthening the emotionless void that was the only way she knew to survive.
    She started to cross the street as she almost bumped into a couple who were about to enter the diner. They stared at her curiously, both of them taking only a second to recognize her.
    “Sutton.”
    “Hello, Cash … Rachel.”
    Of the two, Cash Adams was the friendliest. Rachel’s smile had left her face, an angry glint entering her eyes.
    “When did you get back in town?”
    Rachel didn’t wait to hear the answer to her husband’s question, trying to ignore her as she headed inside the restaurant. Cash draped his arm around her shoulders, holding her in place.
    Sutton licked her lips. This was far worse than she had anticipated it would be. Rachel wasn’t even trying to hide her hatred.
    “A couple of days ago.” Sutton began to leave, not wanting Rachel to feel uncomfortable.
    “Where are you staying?”
    Sutton hesitated. Cash was the only one in town who knew she wouldn’t be stepping into her old home.
    “I’ve been staying at the hotel, but I’m going to be staying at Pap’s house.”
    Cash’s face became concerned. “That place has been empty for a long time. Be careful. Several of the men around town have been using it while you’ve been gone.”
    “The house or the property?”
    “The property.”
    “If they stay away from the house, then it’ll be fine.”
    “You have a gun?”
    Sutton rolled her eyes. “What do you think?”
    “Good. Keep it loaded. If you have any trouble, call Knox. He’s a friend of mine and the sheriff now. I’ll let him know you’re staying out there and to keep an eye on you.”
    “Thanks, Cash.” Sutton didn’t look at him, keeping her eyes on Rachel’s expression. The two were going to have a massive fight when she left.
    “Congratulations on your marriage. I hope you both will be very happy.” Sutton glanced away, her voice choking with emotion. She had known Rachel hated her, but being faced with it was hard. At one time, she and Rachel had been extremely close.
    “I better be going and let you two eat your breakfast. It was nice to see you both again.” Sutton moved away without giving them a chance to answer, stepping down off the sidewalk to cross the street