Page 2 of Broken
My heart shattered when she left. She and her mother moved away a few months before our high school graduation, and I never heard from her again.
Not once.
But here she stands.
I know the stable stinks of hay and horse manure, but I swear to God, all I smell is the sweet citrus floral of Avery’s perfume. She always smelled so good.
“I can’t believe it’s you.” I blink to confirm it’s really her.
“I’m actually here on…” She looks down at her feet.
Her blond hair is pulled up into a loose bun, and she’s wearing black pants, a white silky blouse, and a dark red blazer.
But I see her in cut-off shorts and a violet tank top, her silky wheat-colored waves tumbling over her shoulders.
That’s what she was wearing the last time we saw each other.
Those were the clothes she put back on after we made love in that spring on the edge of the ranch. We took each other’s virginity that day, and the next day she left.
“Here on what?” I ask.
“On business, Chance.” She draws in a breath as she flips open a small black case to reveal a badge. “I’m a special agent with the FBI.”
What? I never imagined her going into law enforcement, or her being back.
My eyes widen. “What? The EPA—”
“The EPA is doing its own investigation. I’m here about the death of Joseph Hopkins.”
I shake my head. “I don’t understand. We’ve been working with the local sheriff’s office.”
“Not anymore.” She closes her badge holder. “As of now, the Feds are taking over this investigation. That means I’m here on Bridger Ranch until further notice.”
1
AVERY
My heart is racing,and my flesh is on fire.
Chance.
Chance Bridger.
I’m standing in front of Chance Bridger—the man who broke my heart fifteen years ago.
You think there’s a woman out there for me?
I’d like to think there is.
What was I thinking, answering him like that?
I knew he was single. That he’d never left the ranch. I’m in the FBI and have access to all the intel I want on him. Except I hadn’t looked into him until my supervisor put me on the case. To do so would have been too painful.
McGuinness knew the case was in my hometown. What he didn’t know was that I’d been in a relationship with the suspect…and more.
One look at Chance and I’m that eighteen-year-old girl again, believing his professions of love and devotion, giving him the gift I could only give once. Trusting him. Loving him.
God, after all these years, the wound still hasn’t healed. I didn’t want to come back, but this is my job, and my hometown. I’m the best person for the case.
