Always Dakota - Debbie Macomber [54]
In fact, this entire marriage had turned out to be a shock. He’d respected and liked Margaret when he’d married her, but he hadn’t really known her. He’d discovered since that every day with her was an adventure. The best kind of adventure. Not only did she know cattle and ranching, but she was one hell of a worker. She put in twelve-hour days without complaint, working as hard and long as he did. There was something about having a partner, an equal partner, that lightened the load and allowed him to find enjoyment in ordinary things. At night Margaret proved she was one hell of a woman, too. She’d been a virgin when they got married, but her appetite for the physical side of marriage was strong and inventive.
When he married Margaret Clemens, Matt hadn’t known what he was getting. He hadn’t expected to acquire a knowledgeable and intelligent partner any more than he’d anticipated finding a best friend. That was what Margaret had become. His wife, his partner and his best friend.
The first week of February, Sadie fended off two more calls from Sheryl. Matt knew the housekeeper had reached the end of her limited tolerance when she pulled him aside to suggest he “take care” of the situation. For once Matt found himself agreeing with the woman. Enough was enough. He decided to talk to Sheryl himself and put a stop to her harassment.
Late the following afternoon, when Margaret went over to visit Maddy McKenna, Matt hopped in the pickup and headed into Devils Lake. This was better done in person; he’d settle matters with Sheryl and when he was finished, there’d be no room for doubt. Whatever had once been between them was long over. He was married now and he wasn’t interested in a relationship with anyone else.
He would never have believed Sheryl was capable of this. The closer he got to Devils Lake, the angrier he became.
Pulling into the parking lot at the truck stop, he saw that the place was crowded. Five o’clock on a Friday—he should have known it would be. Although the bar and grill catered to truckers, it was a favorite watering hole. The locals often came by for a reasonably priced dinner and a couple of beers to wash it down.
The bar was filled with cigarette smoke so thick it stung his eyes. He thought he saw Sheryl by the bar and he edged past a burly cowhand to get there.
“Matt!”
He whirled around to see Sheryl’s friend, although for the life of him, he couldn’t remember her name.
He shouldered his way over to the waitress, who wore a cowgirl outfit with a too-short skirt and a fringed vest. “Sheryl’s going to be so happy to see you,” she said as Matt reached her. “Stay here and I’ll find her for you.”
He was close to the bar, and would have stepped up to it and ordered a beer if there’d been room. On second thought, maybe that wasn’t such a good idea, since he didn’t intend to stay any longer than necessary.
“Matt.” Before he had time to respond, Sheryl hurled herself into his arms. “I knew you’d come. I told Lee Ann you’d come by and I was right.” Her heavily made-up face was bright with happiness.
“We need to talk,” Matt said, tugging her arms free from his neck. He surveyed the room and realized it would be impossible to hold a private conversation.
Sheryl seemed to realize the same thing. “Follow me,” she said, and when he hesitated, she reached for his hand, linking their fingers. She led him behind the bar, pausing long enough to lean forward and whisper something to the bartender. The other man glanced at Matt, frowned, then reluctantly nodded.
“Sam said we could talk in his office,” Sheryl said, dragging Matt through the kitchen.
He walked past two chefs and the stove, obediently following Sheryl. Still, he argued with himself every step of the way. What he had to tell her would only take a minute. He’d rehearsed his statement on the drive in: They’d shared a short-term relationship that was mutually enjoyable while it lasted, but it was over. It’d been over well before