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“I taped him up real good,” Doc said. “Leave him taped up for twenty-four hours. Here’s four Percocet. Take one every six hours, Jack.”
“I don’t need any drugs.”
“You stubborn man.” Lilia shook her finger at him. “You’ll do what the doc says.”
Rafe chuckled. Yep, just like Ma used to say. Maybe Lilia would have better luck. He doubted it.
“You boys go on home,” Jack said. “It’ll take more than a little fall to bring me down.”
“Just promise you’ll be a little more careful, Dad,” Rafe said, as he and Tom each took one arm.
“Oh, he will be,” Lilia said. “The boys’ll get you into the car. Let’s get you home.”
They helped him into the passenger side of his car while Lilia sat down in the driver’s seat. Soon Rafe’s father was heading toward Echo Gardens.
“Hey”—Tom pointed—“isn’t that your girlfriend?”
Rafe shifted his gaze. Angelina Bay was leaving the boutique, her arms full of packages. What was the boutique doing open on a Sunday?
“She’s not my girlfriend.” But God, I wish she were.
“Sure seemed that way the other night at the bar. I was afraid you two were going to make a baby right there on the dance floor.”
Yes, they had gotten carried away. The fresh lavender scent of her hair still made his nostrils tingle, the smoky orange taste of her kisses, her soft breasts crushed against him as they swayed to the music.
But that was all over now. He couldn’t marry her in time to save her ranch. So what good was he? She didn’t want him any longer anyway. She wouldn’t even listen to him when he’d tried to explain about his marriage.
And she’d never said she loved him.
He was nothing. Just a ranch hand. She’d made that clear as day.
So why can’t I get her out of my heart?
“Hey there!” Tom gestured to Angie.
“Shit. Don’t call her over here.”
“Too late.”
Angie ambled over, her bags an obvious burden.
“Let us help you with those,” Tom said, taking the biggest one and handing it to Rafe. “Here, help the lady to her car.”
Rafe gave his brother what he hoped was a “fuck you” look.
Tom laughed. “I gotta run. An…appointment.”
“On Sunday?” Rafe tried the “fuck you” look again.
“Yep, on Sunday. See you.” With a tip of his hat, he was gone.
I owe you one, Tom.
“What are you doing around here today?” Angie asked.
“I live just down the street, as you recall.”
“Right.” Her cheeks turned crimson.
