Not good.
There’s still awe in her expression, but it’s guarded now. Careful. Like she’s learned not to reach for the things she wants.
She mouths a silentthank you.
I don’t know what for.
My brow tightens, but I nod once, unsure what else to do. Anything more would feel like encouragement.
I don’t owe her kindness.
I don’t owe her anything.
I’ve been cold since the day she showed up. Distant on purpose. If she thinks this is something else, that’s on her.
Still, as I pull the reins and lead Falcon away, something unsettled twists low in my gut.
Knowing whatever this is, won’t last.
Babysittingduty.
Apparently Sadie requires not one, buttwoescorts to take her to the lodge. Pissing me off seems to be my dad’s favorite hobby—and babysitting the princess is his new method of choice. Lucky me.
The lodge hums with noise—boots scuffing against the pine floors, silverware clinking, scattered laughter. This is only the beginning. Next week, there won’t be a single empty seat.
We have a separate room in the back for staff, but Dad likes for us to show face. Says it“helps guests feel welcome.”Which is a nice way of saying it sells the experience.
That’s always been more Emmett’s thing—small talk, easy charm, and smiling through the bullshit.
Emmett slaps my shoulder, nodding toward a row of empty barstools. I move with him, guiding Sadie, and without thinking, my hand lightly brushes the small of her back.
She stiffens.
It’s subtle, a micro-reaction, but it’s enough. I drop my hand immediately, shoving it into my pocket like I should’ve done in the first place.
I wasn’t thinking.
It doesn’t mean anything.
The middle stool scrapes against the floor as she gently pulls it out. She glances up, those vivid green eyes flicking to mine before she looks away and slips onto the stool.
Emmett’s already taken the spot to her right, flagging down the bartender. I settle into the one on her left. The long dining tables are packed, but we can order from here.
“Well, if it isn’t the two most handsome cowboys in all of Elk River,” Lydia says, smirking as she drops coasters in front of each of us. She pauses when she gets to Sadie, one brow lifting. “And you must be the new girl,” she teases, grin tugging wider. “How’s your stay so far?”
I bite back a smile. Lydia is my best friend, Landon’s little sister. This is her second summer living on the ranch and working in the lodge.
We all grew up together, until their parents split. They had to sell the house and move back in with their mom’s family on the reservation.
Landon doesn’t talk much about what it was like moving there those few years. He came back and started working on the ranch when he was fifteen and has lived in the bunkhouse ever since.
Sadie shifts beside me, her fingers tugging the hem of her shirt.
She’s infuriatingly impossible to ignore. A distraction—and distractions only lead to trouble.
“Oh, no. I’m not really a guest.” She clears her throat. “Just here to help out for the summer.”
Lydia returns with three waters, setting them on our coasters. Her gaze lingers on Sadie, studying her.
