Page 3 of The Cowboy's Magic Touch

Sinking into the bed she said a silent prayer of thanks for arriving in her home town safely. So many things could have gone wrong, from being seen leaving her palatial home, to a flat tire on the drive, or even engine trouble, yet nothing did. But now she’d have to face her past mistakes. She didn’t doubt Brody would help her, but when the dust settled just how angry would he be?

Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she told herself to relax and nap, but after a few fruitless minutes she realized it wasn’t going to happen. Reaching into her overnight bag, she pulled out the phone she’d bought on the long trip, stared at the keypad for a moment, then with her pulse ticking up, she placed the call.

* * *

Brody had brewed a fresh pot of coffee and was pouring himself a cup when he heard the familiar song. Sweet Home Alabama was his ringtone. Lifting it from his pocket and seeing the caller was unknown he almost clicked it off, but suddenly had a strong feeling he should accept the call.

“Brody King.”

“Brody…it’s me…Annie.”

An unfamiliar tightness gripped his chest, and try as he might he couldn’t find his voice.

“I know this is a shock and I’m sorry to call you out of the blue but I really need to see you. I’m here in town. Are you busy? Can I come over?”

“Annie…what the hell?” he muttered.

“I’m in trouble. I know I have no right to come to you but, uh, I didn’t know who else to call or where to go.”

He could hear the threat of tears in her voice, and as the shock began to wear off he realized she also sounded scared. The Annie he knew was fearless. Nothing frightened her. He’d often thought that’s why she’d become so successful.

But a flash of anger unexpectedly rippled through him.

While their communication had become sporadic, over the last year he hadn’t heard from her. Not even after sending her a birthday and Christmas card. Nor had she answered the couple of texts he’d sent. He’d only wanted to make sure she was okay, but she had completely ignored him.

It had hurt.

Deeply.

“I see. So now, after ghosting me you want my help.”

“I didn’t ghost you, I swear.”

“Ignored me then. I’m not sure there’s a difference.”

“I’m so sorry. I can explain, honestly I can. Just not over the phone. Please, if I ever meant anything to you let me come over.”

“If you ever meant anything to me? Are you serious? Dammit, girl, you know how much I loved you. At least, I thought you did. Maybe I was wrong.”

“No, no, you weren’t wrong. But…okay…” she mumbled with a sniffle. “If you don’t want to see me I get it. I don’t blame you, I don’t. Just believe me when I say it’s not what you think.”

He paused.

She sounded panicky.

“Annie, it’s fine, you can come,” he said quickly, realizing she wouldn’t have called him unless she absolutely had to.

“I thought—”

“When did you arrive in town?”

“About thirty-minutes ago.”

“Are you alone?”

“Yes.”

“Where are you?”

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