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“He can’t just go around giving away horses. That’s not really how it works, but thanks, kid.” I ruffle her hair.
“Patricia!” Randy yells from over by the barn. “Time to go!”
My spine stiffens slightly. I hate the thought of her leaving with him, but there’s not much I can do about it. Pixie is his daughter, and while Randy is a lot of things, I don’t think he would ever hurt her.
“Better go,” I say. “Storm wouldn’t want you to get into trouble.”
She nods. “See ya tomorrow!” She turns her attention to Willow, the horse she’s most attached to, who’s making her way over. “Bye, Willow and Storm!” Then she runs her skinny little legs toward her daddy. They climb into his truck and drive away.
“I don’t trust that man,” I tell Storm, who huffs in response. “I knew you’d get it.”
I return to the other guys. Bulldog and Big Jimmy are coming out of the barn when I get there. “Hey…do me a favor and don’t tell the boss about what happened out there with Randy today.” It’s not that I want to keep things from Sully, but I don’t want to stress him out. And I sure as shit don’t want him to say anything to Randy, trying to help out but making the situation worse.
“Wouldn’t think of it,” Bulldog replies. “He’s mostly all bark and no bite. He’ll get over whatever is bothering him.”
I nod despite disagreeing with him. “Anything else that needs done?”
“Nope. The rest of the night is ours,” Big Jimmy replies.
“I’m going to get cleaned up.” I leave the two of them outside. The sun is going down now, early evening beginning to set over the ranch. The bunkhouse is empty, so I take my time grabbing my shit and heading for the shower.
I’m not sure where Sully went after helping with the mowing—not that it should matter. He’s taking care of his responsibilities, just like I do with mine.
Wade is inside when I come out of the bathroom in a pair of jeans and no shirt. Big Jimmy must be in the other shower while Wade is making dinner for us this time. I can’t help wondering what they’re having in the main house. Does Sully have dinner with his parents every evening, or does he enjoy any of his own meals by himself in his part of the house?
“He didn’t say it out loud, but I think the boss was looking for you a few minutes ago.” Wade stirs whatever he’s got in the skillet.
“Probably something he needs me to do.” It’s not the truth. I know that, and I have a feeling Wade does too. Sully is the kinda guy who just wants to be around someone he likes, just wants to talk and check in to make sure they’re okay. It’s how he’s built.
“Figured it’s something like that. Saw him heading toward his private entrance. Not toward the kitchen with his folks.”
I cock a brow, silently asking him why he’s telling me that.
Wade shrugs but has a mischievous smile on his wrinkled face. “Just makin’ conversation.”
“About what?” Big Jimmy asks when he comes out of the bathroom.
“Nothin’,” I answer for Wade. Bulldog, Otis, and Jeb come in, the three of them heading for the showers while Big Jimmy joins Wade at the stove. I hang out with the guys, but when the tacos they’re making are done, I don’t join them eating. When they all sit around the table, I say, “I’m gonna go see Storm.”
“You’re obsessed with that damn horse,” Otis says.
“Maybe he’s really going to see your daddy,” Bulldog teases him.
Otis pushes him out of the chair, and the two of them start wrestling. These guys are like a bunch of fucking kids sometimes.
I put my socks and shoes on, grab my guitar, and head out. They’re busy enough that they don’t call me on taking the instrument with me to see the horse. Either that, or they just keep their mouths closed because they’re smart.
I don’t go to see Storm, though. Instead, I keep my eyes down as I avoid the lights, making my way through the dark corners of the ranch to Sully’s entrance.
I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing, what I plan to even say to him when I get there, but I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it. As much as I hate admitting it, don’t even want to acknowledge it, sometimes I just want to talk to him, and damned if tonight isn’t one of those nights.
Chapter 19
Bishop
At the sharp rap on my door, I take a deep breath. It could be any of the ranch hands, but my gut tells me it’s Porter.
My instincts prove right when I pull open the door to see him standing there. “Wade says you were looking for me?”
