Page 20 of Running to the Cowboy

Thoughts of recipes, thoughts of plans for a safe house — I will literally do anything to put the thought of that kiss out of my head.

I can’t kiss my boss.

It’s not all my fault. I know that. But I’m new to this. I’m new to literally everything. Wylie should know better.

I work my fingers to the bone until I’m so tired that I fall into bed well before the guys come home for dinner. I leave the piping hot pot roast resting on the stove in the cast iron skillet, a Caesar salad prepped in the fridge, and warm biscuits in the oven.

I shower and fall into bed. A fitful sleep takes over.

I dream of being chased by men without faces.

The night air freezes my limbs. I run, but I don’t seem to be gaining any ground. Meanwhile, the footsteps are getting closer.

Dogs’ teeth nip at my heel.

I’m so cold.

I open my mouth to scream, but no sound comes out.

My stomach churns as I’m lifted skyward by some unseen force, and I know—I just know—I’m about to be thrown to the ground to meet my death.

“Olivia.”

No, they can’t have found me. It’s too soon.

“Olivia, wake up!”

I sit up straight in bed, gasping for breath. Charlie, the ranch dog, is at the foot of the bed, his paws on the mattress, licking my feet that have slipped out from under the blankets.

“Wylie?”

The bed creaks as he sits beside me. His big hands cup my face. I’m hyperventilating and I can’t stop. “Olivia. You’re safe.”

I am safe. I’m in Curly’s room. Right across the hall from Wylie’s.

The elders don’t know I’m here. No one is chasing me.

“What…what are you doing in my room?”

“You were making the craziest noises. You scared the hell out of me. I thought something was wrong.”

He would have had to break the lock.

Finally, my breath slows enough for me to calm down. “I thought they were after me, but I couldn’t call out for help.”

“You’re safe now. You hear me?”

I go limp, and Wylie pulls me against him.

We shouldn’t. But I need this.

“I hate being so afraid. I hate crying. I hate that I brought you so much trouble.”

Wylie hushes me, his lips pressing against my head.

“You didn’t bring me any trouble.”

“Liar.”

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