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“Where were you?”
He walked closer and turned on a small table lamp. “Working.”
He looked annoyed and sounded impatient. The muscles in his forearms were taut, and he was filthy.
“What were you doing?”
“It’s late,” he repeated.
I cocked my head. “That would be the answer if I’d asked the time of day, and a vague one at that.”
“I’m not in the mood, Siren.” He turned away from me. “Go to bed,” he said over his shoulder. When I didn’t move, he stalked down the hallway, leaving me sitting alone as I had been for the last few hours.
I got up and switched off the light, picked up the blanket I’d had on my lap, and wheeled my IV pole over to the daybed.
“Everything okay?” I heard Maureen ask from the hallway Smoke had just gone down.
“Fine. I have the pager if I need you.”
She walked over to me. “I might as well check your blood pressure since we’re both awake.”
“Leave it for now,” I snapped.
“Very well.” She left in the direction from which she came.
* * *
I’d been lying on the bed, looking out at the night sky for some time, when I heard footfalls. They were too heavy to be the nurse returning.
“Why are you still out here?” Smoke asked, his tone of voice much softer than it had been earlier. He’d also changed his clothes and looked like he’d showered.
“I don’t like sleeping in your bed.”
He pulled a chair over and sat beside me. “What’s going on, Siren?”
“I have nightmares.”
“I’d think you’d have them wherever you slept.”
“When I’m in your bed, they’re about you.”
He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. “Of us, fighting?”
“It’s so much worse than that, Smoke.” There was enough light from the moon that I could see the pained look on his face. “It’s as though you hate me.”
“I don’t hate you. I’ve never hated you.”
“Was there a time I thought you did?”
His head hung and he shook it. “I didn’t say that.”
“But you’re not shocked by it.”
“I told you before that we argued.”
“There’s something you’re not telling me.” I rolled so my back was to him, hoping he would leave.
It was a long time before he spoke again. I heard him let out a heavy sigh. “I’ve lost some cattle, calves mainly, but several thousand dollars’ worth. I found one of the places I believe the rustlers used to gain access to the herd. I was out late with the rest of the crew, trying to get it sealed off.”
