Page 65 of Thaw My Heart

“Hey, have you seen Kit?” Ryker asks Blake.

“He just left,” I say coldly, before Blake can respond.

“Damnit,” Ryker mutters. “He’s supposed to make a speech.”

A what?

Cole’s raspy voice sounds through a microphone, wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving. Delivering a beautiful speech about how much he loves and appreciates everyone on the ranch. How he considers all of us his family. Tears build in my eyes. “And now I’d like to welcome Kit up here to say a few words.”

“Fuck,” Ryker murmurs, nervously glancing around the room. “Where did you last see him?”

“He saw me and left.”

Ryker chuckles, a low, mischievous chuckle, before he smiles at me.

“Do you want me to go look for him?” Hudson offers.

Cole calls out his name once more.

Before I can ask Ryker why he thinks that’s funny—because it’s fucking not—I spot him, walking breezily through the crowd. Ryker exhales, cursing under his breath in relief as Kit takes the microphone from Cole, turning towards the room. I’d glare at him, except his face is full of raw emotion. Something I didn’t expect.

“Because I know how much the family gossips,” Kit rolls his eyes, letting out a deep sigh. “I’m sure you all have heard by now that I’ve been promoted to Ranch Manager.” Whistles and hollers fill the room. Ryker is one of the loudest.

“I’m not sure what Cole sees in me,” he continues. “But it’s an incredible honor to be here, and to have the chance to work alongside all of you.”

Except for me. The only person in the room who makes him run away. My chest feels heavy at the thought.

“Today is about friendship and family, and of course, good food.” A smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. “And to Cole, this place exists because of you and your dedication. I know that I speak for all of us when I say how thankful we are to have you.” He pauses, and I swear that Kit’s about to cry as redness forms in his eyes. “I can’t imagine the ranch without you standing by my side. You’re the heart and soul of this place, and I’m honored to be in your presence every single day.”

Loud claps fill the space, echoing through the room as Cole soaks in his words with glassy eyes, wiping a tear from his cheek. After Cole calls out for everyone to dig in, I watch as Kit makes his way out of the room, sparing me a glance as he goes.

He looks at me as if he needs to, soaking up the moment for a fraction of a second before he disappears.

For the rest of the night, I drown out my confusion with beer and good company. Enjoying Blake’s presence, Ryker’s humor, Wes’s stories, and Hudson’s silent gaze. Hudson doesn’t say a word, and yet I feel like he can read me. Like he’s aware that I keep watching the doorway, waiting for someone to reappear.

But not once does he come back.

Two weeks pass. It’s officially December in Montana, and I’ve already mastered “The Horse with No Name,” so I’ve been dabbling in other country tunes. The guitar has been a great distraction from my thoughts and the anger in my heart.

Since the Thanksgiving party, Kit’s been avoiding me like the plague. I saw him once a few days ago in the Mess Hall. He walked in, spotted me, and immediately walked out. And it was as obvious as hell as I stood around talking to Blake and Hudson.

Of course, I pretended it didn’t bother me, that I didn’t even notice as I proceeded to flirt with Blake. But I think Blake is catching on with those quizzical eyes of his. Questioning things between us.

I still haven’t gotten the nerve to kiss him. Besides soft cheek kisses, you’d give a family member. If he were one of the men I fooled around with on the road, I would’ve done far more lascivious things by now. A fact that bothers me, but this easy thing between us is the steadiest constant I have. Facing it meant hurting him, and I can’t.

Surreal evening skies painted with soft blues and pinks surround me as I ride in with Blake, just finishing our long day on the ranch. My back is sore, and my ass feels bruised, but it’s a good feeling. Hard work is what made Lone Pine the best ranch in Montana, and doing my part makes me feel like I’m a part of something bigger than myself. Like I deserve this bit of goodness in my life.

That I’m a part of the legacy I’d read about as a kid.

“What a day,” I exclaim. “I can’t wait to have a hot shower.” And possibly an entire bottle of whiskey, but I deserve it. Damn the consequences.

Blake nods in agreement, but he’s been off today. Quieter than he usually is. I’m about to ask him what’s wrong, but the sight of Kit’s bright blue eyes stops my words, taking me by surprise.

He freezes in his tracks, like a deer in the headlights.

My heart rate accelerates as he stands a few feet in front of me. His scruff is at least an inch longer, and dark circles have formed under his eyes, nearly hidden under his Lone Pine ballcap.

“Cowboy,” I greet him as coldly as I can, the nickname catching unsteadily in my throat.