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CHAPTER NINE
Blake
Blake burst into the house and took the stairs up to his room two at a time. Mrs. Harding had stopped him in the church parking lot and asked about Everly. It seemed the whole town already knew about her breakup. Thankfully, Mrs. Harding and the others who’d brought it up only showed concern for Everly. They weren’t the type to spread rumors or kick someone who was already down.
The extra chatting that he should have prepared for had cut into his schedule for the daylight hours. He’d worked the trails in the dark before, but it wasn’t ideal, and he had to be extra aware of his surroundings. The more dangerous wild animals roamed the darkness.
He threw off his church clothes and slipped into a flannel work shirt and jeans. He occasionally worked on Sundays but never in a rush. Not going back to work yesterday had set him back a little, and there were other workers depending on him to get his part done before they could start their own jobs.
Within minutes, Blake was rushing back down the stairs. Everly hadn’t been at church this morning, so he sent her a quick text. That was normal, right? They texted often, but rarely about trivial things. They kept the chat to things like work and when and where to be. He’d never wanted Everly or David to get the impression he was making a move.
Today, he didn’t feel any of that reservation. He wanted–no, needed–to know how she was doing. There was also the tingle of anticipation at the thought of seeing her again.
But things were changing. How was he supposed to act around her after yesterday? Should they pretend nothing had happened for the sake of keeping things in the cozy comfort zone they’d both settled into? No, he couldn’t pretend his feelings didn’t exist anymore. He’d been so close to telling her last night.
Should they act now while they were able? Jump at the chance to see what could happen between them? No, that didn’t seem right either. He wanted her to be completely over her jerk of an ex before anything really got going between them.
Was he jumping the gun? What if she didn’t feel what he did?
Blake slipped his phone into his back pocket as he entered the kitchen. There was a slight hitch in his gait when he spotted Ridge leaning against the counter beside the coffee pot.
In the back of Blake’s mind–the way far back–he’d known Ridge would be back from the pack ride this morning. There’d also been a distant realization that he’d have to face Everly’s brother at some point. The fact that Ridge was his best friend only complicated things more.
Blake grabbed a thermos from the cabinet. That’s what he would normally do. Only, nothing felt normal about standing in the kitchen with Ridge. The discomfort was completely new, and Blake didn’t like it.
“Morning. How was the ride?” Blake asked.
Ridge rubbed his face. “Same as always. We had two stupid teenagers in the group who couldn’t help sneaking off every chance they got.”
Blake leaned against the counter and breathed in the smell of the brewing coffee. “Guess they didn’t pay attention during the whole talk about local predator wildlife before the ride.”
“Yeah. I have a feeling they were too busy staring longingly into each other’s eyes during that lesson. Their parents were there, but they didn’t seem to care if the kids turned into wolf dinner.”
“You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.”
“Well, no one got hurt, but I ended up hunting them down a couple of times. I didn’t sign up for babysitter duties.”
This was normal. Talking about work and the ranch was something Blake and Ridge did often. Totally normal. Nothing was different.
Blake’s phone dinged in his pocket, and a vision of Everly flashed in his mind. Nope. Everything was different, and he’d have to talk to Ridge about it at some point.
Pulling his phone out of his pocket, he decided to get it over with. “You talk to Everly?” Blake asked. Did his question have the right tone? Did he sound suspicious?
The thoughts were ridiculous. It was Ridge. Why were things suddenly weird?
“No, why? She make it to Cleveland okay?”
Blake read the text.
Everly: I overslept. Looking for a new place today. Jess is coming over later to help pack. I’ll let you know if I find something today.
The message sounded normal. She didn’t seem upset. He wanted to offer his help today, but he’d dodged his responsibilities at the ranch enough for one weekend.
“She broke up with David yesterday.”
The coffeemaker beeped, then the kitchen was silent. Neither of them reached for the carafe.
“She what?” Ridge’s volume was normal, but the carefully controlled anger slithered through the words.
