Page 34 of Loving Justice

Rigs leaned back and stretched his legs. “If you say so.” He dropped his hat into his lap. “That was some hit you took. When will you be back out on the ranch? The crew misses you.”

“Not for a few more weeks. I still have some healing to do, but I’ve been given the go-ahead to start using the leg more.” He couldn’t hide his enthusiasm. Getting out of bed couldn’t come fast enough. “How’s everything?”

“Definitely more boring than what’s going on here.”

“Yeah, pure excitement.”

Rigs leaned forward. “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.”

“Secret?”

“You and Justice. My apologies, you know, for interrupting.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence, buddy, but it’s not like that between us. She’s helping me out.”

“I’m sure she is.” Rigs wagged his thick brows. “I wonder if I tossed myself onto a pitchfork if Freedom would be my doting nurse.” It's like he suddenly noticed what came out of his mouth and cleared his throat. “Any of the Rose sisters. I’m not particular.”

“If I wanted Justice’s, any of the sister’s attention, this isn’t how I would choose to go about it.” Although he’d enjoyed his time with Justice, Jinx found nothing about his situation thrilling—except for the kiss.

“Hell, no one would blame you, buddy. I don’t know a man alive who would turn down this opportunity.”

Jinx didn’t like where this conversation washeaded. He’d never be one who kissed and told, no matter who the woman happened to be. Although he and Rigs worked well together, they weren’t friends outside of work. “I’m a bit tired. I better get caught up on my beauty sleep.” Maybe if Rigs hit the road Justice would come back.

The rugged cowboy stood and planted his hat back on his head. “Good seeing you, Jinx. Don’t rush things.” Rigs took a step into the hallway and stopped, looking back with a grin. “Make sure you get plenty of rest.”

The thud of his boots faded on the planked floor.

What the hell was that all about?

Staring at the door, out of his peripheral he saw the cane Doc Lafferty had brought. It wouldn’t be the highlight of his life to be wobbling around with a cane, but Jinx would use a walker if that meant he could get mobile.

So, pushing away any remaining pride, he lifted himself out of bed and carefully placed weight on his injured leg. It felt pretty good. Mind over matter. He wanted to do this so badly that he didn’t care about any discomfort. Hopping over on his good leg to grab the cane, he acclimated himself to the feel of it, then made his way out of the room. He listened for any sounds. The house was quiet.

He’d never been inside the farmhouse other than seeing the kitchen during the dinner with his aunt and sister, or at least wandered around, so he took the hallway in exploration. He looked through one doorway. The grand room. Another doorway. The kitchen. Then, at the end of the hallway there were two doors, and he could see twinkling lights through the glass.

He stepped outside and breathed in fresh air, filling his lungs completely. Lights hung from the beams, casting a warm glow over the shadows, and then he saw Justice sitting tucked in the corner of the outside sofa, her feet up, and a glass of wine in her hand.

“Sorry, am I intruding?” he said.

“Not at all. Rigs leave?”

He took a moment to respond, captivated by her beauty. Her ocean-blue eyes shone in the golden light, and her lips, still pink from his kisses, formed a smile. "I might have fibbed a bit. I said I needed to get some sleep, but I wanted to try this cane." He lifted it. "I expected to hate it, but I like it."

“Have a seat unless you’re wanting to put some miles on that thing.”

“I’ll sit,” he said, wanting to spend time with her and needing to be gentle with his leg. He rested his cane on the table, sat on the cushion, and stretched his legs.

She set her glass on the table next to the bottle. “About earlier…”

Oh shit.Here was the axe dropping. “You don’t have to explain. We crossed a line. It happens.”

Her gentle laugh echoed into the darkness. “I liked crossing that line.”

He lifted his chin. “No regrets?”

“Not at all, outside of being interrupted.”

“There’s something I’d like to discuss with you.” Worried lines subtly appeared around her eyes. “What would you think if Ilene—”

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