We watch the cattle for a bit, making sure there’s no limping—no signs of illness. It’s peaceful out here. Just the sound of the herd, the buzz of insects, the distant call of a hawk.
Then Colt has to go and ruin it.
“So…your girl coming by today?”
I tense immediately. “Why?”
“Just asking. Trying to make conversation.” He glances at me. “Is that a problem?”
“Molly’s got her own thing going on.”
“Right. Teaching?”
“Elementary school. She’s off for summer.”
“That’s cool. Must be nice having a girlfriend who gets summers off—more time together.”
There’s nothing in his tone that suggests he’s fishing, but I’m waiting for the dig—the comment about last night, about how I couldn’t even take her inside.
My phone buzzes in my pocket and I freeze, every muscle in my body going rigid.
Colt notices. “You good? You look like you saw a ghost.”
“Fine.” I pull out my phone, half expecting another message from that unknown number.
It’s Molly.
Molly:
Good morning! Hope you have a great first day with your new coworker. Can’t wait to see you later this week
The relief is immediate, followed by guilt. She’s being sweet and supportive—everything a girlfriend should be.
And I’m out here, paranoid about anonymous texts and hyperaware of Colton Dawson’s shoulders.
“Everything okay?” Colt asks.
“Yeah. Just Molly checking in.”
“She seems nice. Real sweet thing you’ve got.”
“She is.”
“You’re lucky.”
I look at him, searching for sarcasm, but it isn’t there today.
“Yeah,” I manage. “I am.”
By noon, we’re both drenched in sweat. Colt pulled his hair back with a rubber band he had around his wrist, and there’s dirt smudged on his face. He looks?—
I stop that thought before it finishes.
“Water break?” he suggests.
“Yeah.”
We head to where I parked my truck, and I pull out the cooler I brought. I grab a water and sandwich for myself, and toss one to him as well.
