Quinn by R.C. Ryan Page A

other side, that happier, less painful side, it seems all the sweeter because of the pain of the past.”
    Quinn nodded and realized that his own cup was empty, though he couldn’t recall drinking the coffee. He’d been mesmerized by this woman and her story.
    It occurred to him that he could sit and listen to that soft, breathy voice all night. Added to the voice was that sweet, expressive face that gave away every emotion she was feeling. “You’ve told me about everybody in the family except you. Where’d you go to school?”
    “Homeschooled until high school. How about you?”
    He nodded. “The same.”
    “The town was just too far from the ranch to travel back and forth every day. But once I was old enough to drive, I felt a real sense of freedom. And when it was time for college, I followed Buddy to Laramie.” She gave a self-conscious laugh. “Still his shadow.” She shrugged. “I really only went to college to please my father. He never had any formal education, and it was a source of pride that both his children graduated from college. In truth, all I ever wanted to do was be a rancher like him. But once I got caught up in college life, and got over my homesickness, I found that I really liked learning so many new things in a different setting.”
    Quinn laughed. “You sound just like my brother Jake. His first thought was to get his college degree online, sohe could stay home and be with the family. Our pa was having none of that. He practically had to kick Jake out of the house to get him to go. Then, after Jake got over his rebellion, he discovered that he was a really good student, and decided that he could become an even better rancher if he took the time to study veterinary medicine.”
    “How did your folks feel about letting their son go?”
    Quinn’s smile faded. “Like you, we all had to deal with our life decisions on our own. Our mother’s been gone since I was ten.”
    “I’m sorry. What did she die of?”
    Quinn frowned. Even after all these years, he hated having to answer this puzzling question. “She went missing without a trace.”
    Cheyenne clapped a hand to her mouth. “What was I thinking? I’ve heard about your mother’s disappearance. Not when it happened, of course,” she added with a nervous laugh. “I was probably around five or six. But through the years I’ve heard bits and pieces of the story. Have you ever found out what happened?”
    He shook his head and tried for a flip answer. “It’s our big deep, dark family mystery. ‘Where did Seraphine Conway go? And why did she leave her loving family without a word?’ ”
    Cheyenne reached a hand to cover his. “That’s just horrible. I can’t even imagine losing a parent without knowing the why and where and how of it. It has to eat at your soul. I’m so sorry, Quinn.”
    At her touch he felt the quick sexual rush and was reminded of the kiss they’d shared.
    His head came up sharply and he turned to her with a look so fierce, she was reminded of the animals he studied.
    Wolf eyes. A predator’s eyes, and she the prey.
    At once she removed her hand and struggled to her feet. “Well, I think it’s time I went up to bed.”
    “Yeah. Me, too.” He reached out for her empty cup.
    When she handed it over their fingers brushed and they both turned away quickly.
    Quinn deposited the two mugs in the sink in the kitchen and followed Cheyenne up the stairs.
    At the door to his room he paused. “If that shoulder gives you any trouble, let me know. I don’t mind losing sleep to drive you to town. In fact, I’d feel a lot better if a doctor looked at it.”
    “Thanks, Quinn.” She started to reach out a hand, then seemed to think better of it and clasped her hands in front of her. “For everything. ’Night.”
    “Good night.” He waited until she reached the door of her bedroom. When it closed behind her, he stepped into his room.
    Buddy’s old room
, he thought. Now that he knew a little more about the man