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“I think the same. I was also thinking I’m not sure I like this train of thought.”
“There’s something on your mind,” Zach says. “Are you going to spit it out or do I have to drag it from you?”
“I really do enjoy being with Cori,” I finally admit. Zach laughs and I clench my teeth. No wonder men don’t do these talks the way women do. I’ll be surprised if we get through this without fists flying.
“You’re making my heart race with your poetic words.” Zach smiles as the chuckles die down.
“And you’re making me want to hit you over the head with a beer bottle.”
“Not like that hasn’t happened once or twice before. You always were a magnet for trouble.”
“Maybe the adventure alone isn’t enough anymore.” I finally voice the truth of the matter.
“I don’t think you’ll ever be happy without adventure. You might just want a partner to do it with.” Zach’s voice is serious.
“But what if I screw it up? I’ve done that my entire life.”
“Then you screw it up. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take a chance. How do you feel about her?”
I seriously think about this for a few moments. “I enjoy being with her and I’m always in a rush to get back to her. But she’s as guarded as I am. There’s a lot of history between the two of us.”
“I never thought I could want anything more than I want to make the next big deal. But now, I think I may want more, maybe companionship. I don’t know.” Now it’s Zach who seems flustered.
“You aren’t making sense.”
“Shut up, I’m being serious here.” Zach growls.
“I know. It’s just that this isn’t an easy conversation to have.”
“You have to accept what’s going on and let everything else go.”
“I don’t think I’m ready to do that.” I admit.
“Then you aren’t ready. Maybe you have to accept that too. It might cost you the woman if you wait too long though.”
“So basically you’re telling me to figure it out.” I don’t like the thought of losing Cori.
“You’ve never been one to be told what to do, Blaze. That won’t change even if you’re falling in love. I think you need to finish this mission you’ve been sent on, then maybe you’ll have the rest of the answers too.”
“Maybe. I’m almost afraid for it to end.”
“Maybe that’s a clue in itself.” Zach smiles.
We sit back and I dwell on how much my brother has changed in the past few months. It seems all three of us are changing. I can’t determine if these changes are a good thing or not. I don’t like not knowing who I am. I don’t like not having answers.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Courtney
I lie on the couch with the sun and air streaming in through the open windows of the cabin, unable to concentrate on the book I’m reading. I’m restless. The stinging pain has dulled considerably to a manageable ache. There’s just enough pain to remind me of the close encounter I had with Mother Nature, but not enough to keep me wanting to stay down like Blaze still insists I do.
I shift slightly, testing my strength. It’s been five days since the snakebite, and I no longer need Blaze to carry me around. I’m walking without wincing. And, I finally no longer need the freaking pain meds that make me a zombie. I take a couple of over-the-counter meds in the morning and evening, but my biggest therapy right now is the gentle breeze and scent of pine filling the air.
A knock on the cabin door breaks the unending silence that’s supposed to bring me tranquility but brings anything but. Who in the heck would be knocking? Before I can say anything, the door is thrust open and I grin when my siblings, Jenny and Rich, walk inside. Jenny skips across the room with her usualeffervescence, her blonde curls bouncing with each step she takes.
“Cori,” she exclaims, rushing over to me. She bounces down on the couch, jarring my body before throwing her arms around me. “I’ve missed you, and I’ve been so dang worried.” It’s a good thing I’m not too sore because my exuberant sister doesn’t know the meaning of the word gentle.
I chuckle as I hug her back. Who needs sunshine when my sister’s in the room? This woman is full of light and warmth. There were many times I wished I was as spontaneous and happy as she is, but I’ve never felt jealous of her. I love her too much to feel that nasty emotion. I can’t imagine this world without her in it.
