Page 14 of Running to the Cowboy

“No need, boss. You let me know if there’s anything that doesn’t fit.”

I look up when she addresses me directly, and I nod, trying extra hard to smile.

She really does look like she means well. Why do I feel so uncomfortable right now? “You can call me if you need anything,” Dani says. “My number’s in that phone he gave you.”

She smiles at Wylie knowingly, and then she’s gone.

I feel strangely exposed, like more of a burden than I felt five minutes ago.

Tears sting my eyes, but I fight them off. “Thank you,” I say quietly.

“Are you okay, Olivia? You look upset.”

Upset? How do I explain how it feels knowing that my rescuer has been discussing me with his employees? How do I unpack the unease of knowing that a complete stranger made a special trip to the store and took a guess at my underwear size? And furthermore, how can I explain the flames of jealousy that burst inside when I saw the way that Dani beamed at Wylie? And at the way he looked so relieved when she appeared?

I can’t say any of this out loud. I sound crazy enough in my own head.

Maybe Wylie’s right. Maybe I do need to rest some more.

“I’m not upset. I’m tired, and I’d love a shower,” I say.

Wylie’s jaw tics ever so slightly, and he nods.

“Shower.”

I wait for him to use more words. When they don’t come, I press, “So…just point me in that direction.”

He replies, “You can use whichever shower you like.”

Now I’m confused again. “Whichever? You all have more than one?”

Wylie nods. “Curly’s got his own shower. His room is right across the hall from mine. He keeps it pretty tidy. Or you’re free to use mine. Whatever makes you feel more comfortable.”

But I’ve established that he doesn’t feel comfortable being alone with me, at least not now that he’s assured I won’t die of exposure and starvation on his watch. Certainly, he must be relieved to have me move out of his room.

I blink up at him. “I knew this house was nice, but I’ve never had a private shower before.”

Something seems weird about Wylie at my reaction to that. He doesn’t want me to use Curly’s shower for some reason.

“Is there something wrong with Curly’s room?”

He shakes his head. “Nope. Not at all. Have a good one.”

Wylie turns and disappears down the hall, and I’m left with my bag of clothes, and a thousand thoughts spinning through my head.

Chapter Six

Wylie

Have a good one?

I sound like an awkward schoolboy with a crush.

I ought to have my head examined.

My visceral reaction to Olivia sleeping in Curly’s room instead of mine is shameful.

I lock the door to my room and then unlock it again, leaning against the doorjamb and listening to her shower across the hall.

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