It’s only a few minutes past seven in the morning when I fling open the door to John’s office. His head shoots up from whatever he was working on. “Where is she?”

His brow wrinkles. “Where is who?”

“Haley.”

“She isn’t here.”

“Where did she go?”

He slumps in his chair, like his bones are slowly melting inside his skin. “She’s gone.”

“What do you mean ‘gone’?”

“She left.”

“Left.”

“Yes.”

“Just left?”

“Yes. Just like she did ten years ago.”

“Where did she go?”

“Why the sudden interest in Haley’s whereabouts?”

“I need to speak with her, but she won’t pick up when I call, so I need you to call her. She’ll pick up for you.”

He drops his head, shaking it. “No. She won’t want to hear from me.”

“Why?”

“She’s upset because I sold the ranch.”

“She told you that?”

“She didn’t have to.”

“It’s not just you. She’s upset with me, too.”

At that, he raises his head. “You’ve done nothing wrong. You bought a property. We’re the previous owners. You don’t owe us anything.”

“I’m afraid it’s a little more complicated than that.”

“How so?”

“Haley and I were…well, we’ve had more of a relationship than I think you realize.”

I know the moment understanding dawns. His face turns beet red. Now I know where Haley gets her volatile skin; she turns a beautiful flattering pink in the cheeks when it happens to her, but John looks like he might burst something.

“You took advantage of my daughter?”

“It wasn’t like that. Do you really think I’m that kind of man?”

“It appears I don’t know what kind of man you are. I’d never have expected you to be the kind who would get involved with one of my girls when she’s in a vulnerable situation. But, clearly, I was wrong.”

“I didn’t know who she was at first. By the time I did, it was too late.”

“Too late for what?”

“Too late for me to stay away.”

“You have so little self-control you couldn’t restrain yourself around my daughter? Is that what you’re saying?”

I feel a stab of guilt and shame. “I guess I am.”

“And that’s supposed to make me look more favorably on you?”

“No, I just...”

“Do you love her?”

I ponder his question for a long time before I answer. “I care about her, John, but I don’t really do the love thing.”

He comes to his feet and points toward the door. “Get the hell out of my house.”

It’s undoubtedly the wrong time to say something like this, but I’m not exactly thinking straight. I slept like shit, so I’m tired, I’m frustrated, and the one person I want to talk to is the one person I can’t find. “Technically, it’s my house.”

“Get out!”

This time, I do as he asks without saying anything.

I make my way back through the house, hoping to find one of the sisters. So far, everyone has been curiously absent this morning.

Luckily, this time, I spot Hannah in the kitchen, pulling fresh eggs from a basket.

“You seen Haley this morning?”

She doesn’t even turn around to look at me.

“I just want to talk to her, Hannah. Tell me where she is. Please.”

“She said she was going home.”

“To Colorado?”

“I suppose.”

“Did she leave last night?”

“Yes.”

“How? She didn’t even have a car here.”

“Harper drove her into the city.”

“Is she back yet?”

“Nope.”

I grit my teeth, fighting the urge to shake this woman. Whatever she may know, she isn’t telling. “Will you at least give her a message for me?”

“I’m not sure when I’ll hear from her.”

“Sooner than I will, I’m sure.”

“What do you want me to tell her?”

“Tell her that...” I trail off. I don’t know what to have her tell Haley. Hell, I don’t even know what I’d say if she were here. I haven’t thought that far. I just know I need to talk to her. “Just tell her that I really need to talk to her. It’s important.”

At that, Hannah swings around. She looks at me, narrowing eyes that are a darker, mossier green than her sister’s. “You hurt her.”

“I didn’t mean to.”

“You know that doesn’t always matter, right?”

“It should.”

“In a perfect world, intent would make all the difference, but…”

“She won’t even listen.”

“I thought she heard you out.”

“She did, but…”

“But?”

“She’s gone. Apparently, she didn’t listen.”

“Or maybe you just weren’t convincing.”

“I was honest with her. What else can I do?”

“Then why do you want to talk to her again? If you don’t have anything new to say...”

“Maybe she just needs to hear it again when she’s calmer.”

“Or maybe she doesn’t need to hear what you have to say at all.”

“Look,” I snap, getting more irritated by the minute. “I have to at least try again.”

“Why?”

“Because I want her to come back. That’s why.”

“But why? It’s obvious you two had a fling. Why not just let it go at that? Be done with her and move on.”

“Because I’m not ready to be done with her yet.”

“How long before you are?”

“I don’t know. All I know is that I want her to come back. Isn’t that enough?”

“For most women, maybe. For Haley? Never.”

With that, Hannah gives me what seems to be a sad smile and turns back to her eggs.

“I—” I stop to gather my thoughts, but they don’t form any better, so I just start again. “I don’t do the love thing.”

“Then let her go, because that’s the only thing that will bring her back.”

I let Hannah’s words sink in. I weigh them against what I feel, and then I turn on my heel and walk out of the kitchen. She’s right. I need to let her go.