Hooked by Cat Johnson Page B

anywhere, even seated and from behind.
    At the touch of a hand on her elbow, Annie turned to see Mustang, cowboy hat removed out of respect for where they were. He motioned with a cock of his head toward a space along the back wall where they could stand out of the way. She nodded and moved in that direction. Every pew seemed filled, to the point they were not the only ones standing.
    The preacher’s calming voice continued, though Annie couldn’t have told someone what he’d said. Instead she glanced at the front again at Luke with his head bowed and Lilly’s arm around his shoulders.
    A sick feeling twisted Annie’s stomach. She leaned her hand against the wall and braced herself as she felt shaky. Swallowing the bitter taste that had risen to the back of her throat, she tried to reason away the fear. Or rather what she feared was the truth—which was that Lilly and Luke had reconciled.
    Lilly was a family friend, just like Chris. Of course she’d be there to support Luke. But did her support have to include her arm wrapped possessively around him?
    Mustang laid a hand on the small of her back. She glanced up and saw him shake his head. He leaned low and pressed his lips close to her ear. “Stop worrying. They’re friends.”
    How did he know there was nothing to worry about? She wanted to ask that. To question him if he knew something she didn’t know. Instead, she felt her forehead crinkle in a frown and turned back to the front of the church.
    With a concerted effort, Annie tried her best to listen to what the preacher said. In reality, all she did was watch Lilly’s hand stroking the same shoulders Annie had clung to just days ago while Luke had made love to her.
    As Lilly leaned close to Luke’s head and whispered something to him, Annie distinctly remembered why she’d avoided getting involved with a man most of her adult life. It sucked.

Chapter Nine
    Luke sat in the front pew with his mother on one side and Lilly on the other and listened to the service. The preacher knew his father as well as anyone in the town. Thankfully, he could handle the service alone, speaking eloquently about the man and his life without Luke’s participation. Luke didn’t think he had it in him to stand, let alone get up there in front of everyone and tell them how much he’d miss his father. That would have broken him for sure. As it was, it was difficult enough simply listening.
    One big fat tear rolled down his cheek. He brushed it away quickly with the back of his hand. His father had never given him the real-men-don’t-cry speech as a kid, but still, Luke wouldn’t let himself break down. Not here. Not now.
    Lilly leaned closer. “You all right?”
    What the hell kind of question was that? Of course he wasn’t all right. His father was laid out in a coffin when he should be out enjoying the prime of his life. Somewhere in the back of Luke’s mind he knew Lilly was only trying to be nice, but right now he wasn’t feeling all that receptive.
    “I’m fine.” His words came out short and low, just like his level of patience.
    He shifted slightly away from Lilly and closer to his mother who reached over and squeezed his hand in response. Meanwhile, the only thing Luke could think of was he wanted this service and this day to be over.
    The preacher brought the service to a close and it came time to carry the coffin to the hearse. Luke would have rather had the service go on for a little bit longer than have to do what was required of him next.
    Rising from the pew, Luke feared his legs wouldn’t hold him. That he wouldn’t be able to do it. He pushed himself forward anyway, joined by Chris, Mr. Collins and three friends of his father’s. Their steady presence nearby helped a bit.
    He must have looked as unsteady as he felt. As he lowered himself to lift the mahogany casket, Chris whispered, “You okay?”
    What was it with the Collins siblings and that question?
    “Fine,” was all Luke could manage in answer