AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It was a nice day for a walk, and she let Ritchie chatter like he always did because it distracted her from the crazy thoughts inside her head.One day at a time.She’d deal with everything like she always did.
They found a small café that had a sign outside with the wordsThe Best Waffles in Town.
“That sounds like the place for us,” Autumn said, opening the door.
There were a few people already inside including Sheriff Dans, and two large men.
“Hi, Sheriff Dans. We met in Ryker Falls.”
“Sure. Hi there, Autumn. These are my nephews, Ryder and Sawyer Duke.”
“Hi,” Ryder said.
Sawyer just nodded, his gaze intent on her.
“This is my son, Ritchie.”
“Hi, Ritchie. You enjoying your visit to Lyntacky?” Sheriff Dans asked.
Her son nodded, suddenly shy in front of the strangers.
“Well, I better feed him or he gets hangry,” she said quickly when an uncomfortable silence settled around them.
She found a table and sat, keeping her back to the men. A waitress called Mary Sue took their order.
“I like Ford, Mom. He’s nice.”
Real nice.
“He is.”
“I’m going to his ranch some more to learn to ride.”
“That sounds good, but you need to remember he’s a busy man, Ritchie.”
Since her coffee and his hot chocolate arrived seconds later, thankfully no more questions were asked.
Ritchie was totally absorbed in his food like he always was. The back of her neck prickled, and she turned to find Sawyer Duke looking at her again.
What is that man’s problem?
“More coffee, honey?”
“Lovely. Thanks, Mary Sue.”
“These are really good waffles, Mom.”
Ritchie had syrup around his mouth and a chocolate mustache. She laughed, and it felt good. This was her life. Her boy and her. For now she’d focus on that, and maybe the tall brooding rancher would be a part of that too. Or not. Probably not.
Chapter28
Ford pulled on clothes before lacing up his sneakers. The thump on his door told him the conversation he’d avoided with his brother last night was about to happen. Unless it was Autumn, but he didn’t think she’d knock using her fist. Besides, he’d pushed her away last night and told her they were wrong together.
He’d had a nightmare and woken hurting her. His hand had been clenched, ready to strike, and he knew she’d have bruises from his grip on her wrist. His instant reaction had been to send her away from him. It had been instinctive.Deal with your problems yourself, Ford. No one needs to look out for you. You’re strong enough to do that alone.
When vulnerable and backed into a corner, he always reacted defensively.
“Fuck,” he muttered, looking at the ceiling. He’d hurt her. He knew that. Knew she would be seriously pissed with him when the hurt eased, and he deserved it. All she’d wanted was to be with him. Lie with him and help him sleep, and he’d sent her away.
