Page 114 of Wildest Dreams

“Not too bad, in pain today.”

“Yeah? Where abouts?” her eyes on me as she kneels down and starts unloading her backpack.

My heart.

“My upper thigh, constant ache.” I sigh, wishing to rub the pain out.

“We worked hard yesterday, it's hardly surprising that you're hurting.” She gives me a little raise of her eyebrows before she stands. “And you're pushing yourself more than you should be, I know you're desperate to be out that cast and on your feet Tripp, but rushing the healing process won't help at all. If anything, it'll make you worse and put you back a few more weeks.”

I sigh heavily. “I know, I am just fed up.”

“And I get that Tripp, I do. But we have a plan... four more weeks and you should be out of cast and back to walking mostly unaided.”

I scowl, slicing my eyes to where Lainey sleeps.

“My family needs me; the ranch needs me...” my voice is thick with emotion and I try to push the lump that is trapped in my throat.

“But you're no help if you're not healed, Tripp.”

Sighing, I fold my arms across my chest and she raises one brow at me as she tucks her arms across her own chest.

“You ready?” she asks and I shake my head. “That's already the wrong attitude. Positive mind...”

“Yeah, yeah; positive mind set,” I roll my eyes.

“Tripp,” she steps towards me, head tilting to the side as her eyes burn into mine. “What's going on? You're normally so positive... smiling ear to ear and ready to smash our sessions.”

I look away from her, because I don't want her to see the sadness that hangs over me.

“Just having a shit day, one of those... pent up and trapped in this house, everyone is going about their lives and here I am, sitting here festering with nothing but my thoughts.” Clenching my jaw hard, my teeth grind. “I haven't even been to the prison where my innocent friend handed himself in... I am stuck. And then...” I trail off, finally looking at her.

I can see the worry etched into her face, but it doesn't matter. I am feeling lousy and sorry for myself.

“And then?” she says softly.

“Nothing, honestly, I'm fine,” and I plastered the fakest smile on my face. “Let's do this.”

But truthfully, on the inside, I am wilting.

I refusedto let anyone wheel me into the sheriff's office where Austin was being detained. I dragged myself through the door on my crutches, shoving the door open with my shoulder. Grinding my molars down, agitation nips at my skin when I see Kelcie sitting atmydesk, dirty as fuck boots resting on the desk as his eyes bore into mine. No offer to help me, just fucking sits there like the useless sack of shit that he is.

I'm panting by the time I am through the door, dragging my casted leg behind me before I move forward using my crutch, keeping my foot off the ground.

“Well, look who it is,” Kelcie spits into the metal trash can and I screw my nose up.

“Where is he?” my tone is flat, I am in no mood today. Dixie has pulled away from me, it's been four days since she was last in my bed, and I am beginning to take it personally.

“Have you booked in?”

I roll my eyes, turning my head to the side and softly shaking my head.

“Let me in to see him,” I grunt, slowly facing him again.

“Can't do that unless you book in,” and this cunt is beginning to grate on my already short temper.

“Let. Him. In.” I hear the sound of Riggs' voice behind me, and I have never been more grateful for him to have followed me.

“What you gonna do big man?” Kelcie kicks his boots off the desk and pushes to his feet, thumbs tucked into his belt,mybadge sitting on there.

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