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I’ll end up wanting more, and she’ll leave. Then I’ll be left with an ache in my chest while also dealing with everything else going on in my life. Making sure Wayne behaves, helping my sister, being present for Tripp, and working like a dog for Hank is much easier without moping around missing someone.

Someone I knew wouldn’t stay from the beginning.

Leading Kitty to her stall, I remove her bridle and brush her. “Good work today, girl,” I tell her, feeding her a peppermint to stay in her good graces.

Hank takes care of Dolly in the next stall.

When I leave Kitty, latch her door behind me, Hank is pouring both mares a scoop of pellets. He’s quiet as he works, not looking at me until he’s fed the girls. Finally, he turns his gaze on me. The look in Hank’s eye is knowing.

“You want to talk about it?” he asks.

“Nope.” I sigh. “I’m heading home for the night. Poppy’s probably worried.”

Hank arches an eyebrow. “You’re going to leave without telling her goodnight?”

I blink. “Tell who goodnight?”

Hank blows out a breath. “You’re asking for trouble, Linc. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I nod and brush past him, knowing he’s right. I also know that I need some distance. I shouldn’t have kissed her, shouldn’t have given into the temptation.

I had decided to be her friend, or even just less of an asshole…not stick my tongue down her throat.

Jumping in my work truck, I take off down the long driveway before I can change my mind. Guilt eats at me during the short drive home. All I want to do is get home, take a long, hot shower, and go straight to bed so I don’t have to think about anything or anyone.

But first I need to check in with my siblings. My phone died earlier, probably because it was roaming and looking for a signal out in the middle of nowhere. I’d be surprised if Poppy hadn’t tried to call at least a dozen times.

Once I pull up to our farmhouse, I breathe a sigh of relief when I see both of my siblings’ cars in the driveway. Everyone is home safe and sound, so I’m the only one who got stuck in the random October snow.

Although, stuck feels like the wrong word. More like the fantasy I have every damn night came true. Except in my dreams, Hattie and I are wearing far less clothing.

The moment I open the front door, Poppy steps into the hallway and crosses her arms. “You couldn’t have called? Where the hell have you been?”

I remove my hat and hang it on the peg by the door, then run my hand through my hair and slip my boots off. “I’m sorry. I got stuck out in the storm while mending the fence in Hank’s back field, I don’t get service that far out there, and then my phone died.”

“I was worried sick.” She throws her arms up.

Tripp appears by her side. “It’s okay, Uncle Linc, I kept us all safe while you were gone.”

“Thanks, Bud.”

Wayne appears in the kitchen doorway and leans against it. He furrows his brow, staring down at his nephew. “What about me, Little Man? I was here.”

Tripp gives me a knowing look, like he doesn’t think Wayne could fight off a bad guy.

Poppy forces a smile, but I can tell she’s still unnerved by my absence. It was exactly this kind of weather that came out of nowhere two years ago on the evening our parents died.

“Have you eaten?” she asks.

“No,” I say with a heavy sigh.

Tripp yawns loudly. It’s way past his bedtime.

Wayne studies our sister in concern, then rests a hand on Tripp’s shoulder. “I’m gonna put this kid to bed.”

Tripp doesn’t argue. He kisses Poppy goodnight and gives me a big hug before Wayne lifts him into his arms and carries him upstairs.

I follow my sister into the kitchen; her shoulders still tense. Poppy stoically ladles some vegetable soup into a big bowl, then turns and hands it to me. Her eyes are red-rimmed and glossy with the emotion she’s holding back.