Page 60 of Downpour

“Probably smart.”

“So,” Christian said as he stretched out and crossed his ankles. “Wanna tell me how you went from firing anyone who set foot in your kitchen to paying an unqualified gopher to live with you full-time?”

“You and your assumptions can fuck off.”

He laughed. “Yeah, I think my assumptions are pretty spot-on.”

Like he was one to talk. He had Cassandra living in his house before she even tolerated him.

Christian pushed to his feet. “No judgment. I think she’s a sweet girl.”

“Just stop talking already.”

He chuckled. “Momma loves her.”

“Momma loves everybody.”

“She’s good for you,” he said, shoving his hands in his pockets.

“She’s not good for my truck. I need a new bumper.”

“Trucks can be replaced. You can’t,” he said as he bumped my shoulder with his fist. “It’s good to have you back. Holler if you need anything.”

15

BROOKE

The sun was setting as I pulled into the gates of the ranch. A new “No Trespassing” sign had been posted at the entrance, warning people that they were being recorded.

I wondered what that was about.

Twilight hung over fire-lit skies. The plains glowed like embers as daylight turned to dusk. It was my favorite time of day out here. The land was enchanted. I felt myself drawn to it like a siren being called to sea.

I held out at the house as long as I could before packing my things and hurrying back to the ranch. I was miserable the second I left Ray’s on Friday. I had a stomach ache as soon as I hit the road.

I tried to make it until Monday because I knew he wanted space from me, but I finally broke down and texted him this afternoon, asking if I could come back.

I had moved most of my stuff to Ray’s house, but I spent the morning consolidating the rest of my belongings and stuffing them into my car. The bed and the dresser at the house weren’t mine, and I didn’t really care about the few things I hadn’t taken with me.

Maybe I’d just get a hotel room next weekend.

The knot in my gut dissolved as I took the curving dirt road through the front part of the ranch to Ray’s house. I let my hand hang out the window and surfed the breeze.

I had only been gone for a day and a half, but I missed it.

The ranch was a craving that just wouldn’t go away.

But so was he.

I pulled down the driveway and parked beside his truck.

Huh.The front door was open.

The glass storm door was closed, but I could see through the kitchen and into the living room.

The lights were on, too. That was weird.

Maybe one of his brothers or Cassandra was over. Ray always kept the house locked up like Fort Knox.

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