Page 44 of Thaw My Heart

I hang up the phone and head back into the bathroom to take a hot shower and clear my mind. Steam builds in the large space as I rest my head against the cold natural stone tiles. Hot water trickles down to my feet, swirling around on the intricately designed tile flooring.

Or you could just kiss me, Cowboy.

Her words play over in my head. Like a song you hate, and yet you can’t stop listening. Can’t stop trying to understand the meaning behind it. How could one voice be so sexy and yet so goddamn annoying?

It would be great to admit that I didn’t think about kissing her, that the thought of her lips repulsed me. But of course, I thought about kissing Sadie far too often, and it’s getting on my last nerve.

The next morning, I’m up before the sun, jolting out of a nightmare about Sadie falling into the river. Except this time, she didn’t resurface.

Sweat pools on my forehead, and there’s a raw tickle in my throat. Maybe it’s sore from the icy plunge, or perhaps I was screaming her name last night. With fear and adrenaline still pumping through my veins, I decide to visit Ryker before the meeting with Cole.

Bandit hops in the truck with me, excited for the whole ten minutes it takes to drive to his loft-style cabin on the western side of the ranch. We’d often go fishing on our days off, Ryker’s favorite hobby, but I merely tolerated it for his benefit. Running or hiking is more my style.

When we pull up to Ryker’s cabin, his Border Collie named Oreo greets us before running around the back with Bandit close behind. I bet Ryker is already out fishing this morning.

The chill in the air hits me first, pricking my nose as I take in the view, heading towards the dock. Ryker’s cabin sits next to Pine River, a suitable distance from the other surrounding log cabins.

Smooth water like glass reflects the picturesque mountain scene on the surface. Absolutely stunning. The scent of pine fills my nose as I inhale a deep breath, exhaling water vapor. Bandit runs up to Ryker, spreading kisses to his hands. Ryker sits on the edge of the deck with a fishing pole in one hand and a stainless-steel mug in the other.

“Well, hey Bandit,” Ryker greets him before turning to me. “You’re here early this morning. Are you having trouble sleeping next to your hot neighbor?”

Yes, but I’m not going to admit that.

I roughly sigh, taking a seat next to Ryker, letting my feet dangle over the side of the deck. “I came to check on you.” The smell of stale beer fills my nose. I thought he was drinking coffee, but I’ll bet that mug is full of something much stronger.

“You came all this way just for me? I’m flattered.”

I frown. “You never told me what happened with Averie the other night. How did it go?” I ask.

His gaze turns to the river, taking a moment before he drinks from his mug. “She was busy,” he murmurs.

“Busy?”

“Her boyfriend showed up.”

“I see.” I didn’t understand this Averie thing, as women to him were nothing more than a means to an end. But something in his eyes shone differently when he said her name. Genuine. Something I didn’t think was possible for him. “I was going to tell you⁠—”

“I already knew, but I was hoping to change her mind,” he grins, crinkling his mustache. “She did admit that she likes my dimples, so that’s something.” He sips from his mug, pretending he’s fine. But I know he’s hurting.

“Do you want to talk about it?” I offer.

He laughs, setting down his mug. “Not even a little bit.”

He reaches into the pocket of his flannel, pops a lid, and swallows three white pills before I can stop him.

I reach for him. “What the fuck, Ry⁠—”

He smacks my arms away. “Oh, calm down. It’s just Advil for my hangover. If you can’t tell by the smell, I had a pretty late night last night.”

My heart races, trying to recall the look of the pills, double-checking to make sure he’s telling the truth. I thought he was past all this type of behavior… what have I been missing?

“I’m being honest. Just Advil,” he lifts his hands, noticing the panic in my eyes.

“You swear?” I stare into his brown eyes.

He reaches into his coat, pulling out a small container of Advil. “See? I told you I’m clean.”

“Good,” I mutter. “You better be.”