Already today he’d felt more than he had in weeks, possibly years. There’d been the feeling of being hit by a runaway train when he first saw Piper, which he was doing his best not to acknowledge, then meeting his family again. Now there was this anger over his mother’s behavior. He’d thought coming back to Ryker would be hard, but something he’d cope with because it had to be done. Now he wasn’t so sure, because suddenly here he was experiencing uncomfortable feelings... something he hated.

“I really am sorry, Joe.”

“I know you are, and as you’re not responsible, how about we leave it alone now.”

Dylan wasn’t really a leave it alone kind of guy, but he did... for now.

As the bar had started filling up, Joe was soon busy, and Dylan was left standing beside Piper. An uncomfortable feeling, it had to be noted.

She looked good tonight. The emerald-and-white-striped top sat off her shoulders, and all that hair was on top of her head. Her eyes looked bigger, which he put down to makeup, and her scent was something soft and floral that danced around his senses.

He could feel her vibrating with the need to speak beside him, which was weird as he usually wasn’t that perceptive where women were concerned. Dylan did silence well, it was something he used often in his line of work, but he guessed that wasn’t the same for the woman beside him. In fact, he’d already worked out she had a lot to say and rarely held back.

“Okay, look. I know she’s your mother, but you have to understand that we’ve had years of trouble from her, especially Joe.”

“Family loyalty is to be commended,” Dylan said.

“I know it’s not your fault, but it’s hard to separate you and your mom, especially as she’s been throwing you in our faces as an example of a fine upstanding citizen since forever.”

“Sins of the mother and all that?”

“Go ahead and make me feel bad.”

“You’re the one with the problem..., which you’ve had from the start.” Dylan picked up the beer Joe had poured him. “I just wanted to share your table, not your attitude.”

Her exhale was loud. She wriggled some more on the seat. Even on short acquaintance he knew this was not a woman who knew how to be still and quiet.

“I’m sorry for that. I was having a rough day, you just got caught up in it. The other stuff with your mom is going to take time... besides, you don’t need me to like you.”

She was right there. Piper Trainer was about as hospitable as a skunk.

“True that.”

“Plus you lied to me.”

“About?”

“You being here on vacation.”

“I am actually, and visiting with my family at the same time.”