Page 16 of Danger

“Nothing,” I say brightly. “Refills?”

But my chest feels tight, and I can’t help wondering if this is just how the world works. Some people get doors held open, and the rest of us are stuck knockin’ from the outside.

CHAPTER FIVE

danger

The kid’sgot on rain boots and a pair of swimming goggles.

“Hey.” My voice bounces off the entryway. “Why you got rain boots on? Ain’t rainin’.”

Fisher weighs the question and slides his goggles up. “Nana says when my shins hurt, it’s gonna rain,” he says, and shrugs. “So, I’m prepared.”

Can’t argue with that logic. Mama’s been predicting storms with her arthritis since I was younger than him. The ache in her hands starts a whole day before the forecast. By the time the weather app blinks red, she’s already baked bread and stockpiled the laundry. Fisher’s hands are too small for calluses yet, but the gene’s strong. Maybe his shins don’t lie.

“Alright, weather man,” I say, folding my arms and leaning against the counter. “That covers boots. Explain the goggles.”

His frown deepens, and I see the gears turning. “If it rains real bad, gotta make sure I can still see.”

I almost laugh. There’s a split-second flicker at the edge of my mouth. “Real bad, huh.”

He nods.

“Get out there and feed the horses, Cyclops.” The smirk finds its way through. “I’ll meet you down there.”

He’s halfway out the door when I call after him. “Oh, by the way. Heard you got a new feed helper.”

He skids to a stop.

“Winnie?” he asks.

“Yeah. You’re the boss, right?”

Fisher turns slowly, considering this like a man offered a promotion. “I am?”

“Don’t let it go to your head.”

He nods solemnly. “Too late. It’s in my head.”

Then, after a moment: “Can I make rules?”

“You do you, bud.”

He grins. “This is gonna be awesome.”

He’s gone before I can respond.

I grab my phone off the counter, but I don’t start typing until I see the kid run past the window to the barn.

Danger

Need a few more eyes on my house

Don’t care if we have to hire extra guards

Rylee comes anywhere near Fisher, I want to know first

Rogue