Page 59 of Whiskey and Wildfire

“What does that mean?”

“It means,” I sighed, “that they want Dakota to be center stage of a three-ring circus about Native Americans. You should’ve heard that woman… god it makes my skin crawl just thinking about it. She was so desperate to make herself look like an ally that she just totally steamrolled Dakota and didn’t even notice. When he left in a huff, she still didn’t get it. And I… well, I just stood there and said nothing.”

Lucas leaned back in the booth, his expression a mix of disbelief and disgust. “Jesus, Logan. That’s... that’s pretty messed up.”

I nodded, feeling a wave of shame wash over me. “I know. I should have said something, should have shut it down right there. But I froze. I thought if I said something, we’d lose the ranch. And now...” I trailed off, unable to finish the thought.

“And now Dakota’s probably pissed,” Lucas finished for me. He drummed his fingers on the table, thinking. “Have you talked to him since?”

I shook my head. “No. We fought, and he ran off. I haven’t seen him since.”

Lucas’s eyes softened with understanding. “You’re worried about him.”

“Yeah,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “I am. Of course I am. He’s…”

Dolly appeared, replacing my coffee with a fresh cup with nothing but a nod to Lucas. She sat another in front of him and went back to the counter. She knew we needed some time.

“He’s what, Logan?” Lucas asked once we were alone again.

I swallowed hard, staring into the swirling black depths of my fresh coffee. “He’s... important to me,” I finally admitted,the words feeling both freeing and terrifying as they left my lips. “More than I realized until now.”

Lucas nodded slowly, a knowing look in his eyes. “I had a feeling,” he said softly. “The way you two look at each other when you think no one’s watching... it’s pretty obvious to anyone paying attention. I knew you two were involved, but I guess I didn’t realize how serious it was until recently.”

I felt heat rise to my cheeks. “That obvious, huh?”

“Only to those of us who know you,” Lucas assured me with a gentle smile. “So, what are you going to do now?”

I sighed, running a hand through my hair again. “I don’t know. I need to find him, apologize. Make this right somehow. But I also need to figure out what to do about the investors. I can’t lose the ranch.” I paused, letting out another long sigh. “But I can’t lose Kota either.”

“Kota, huh?” Lucas smiled, nudging me. “You really do have it bad for this guy.”

“I guess I do. I don’t think I really realized it until he stormed off today. But I… well… I think I might love him.”

Lucas’s smile softened, and he reached out to squeeze my shoulder. “That’s big, Logan. Really big. And it explains why you’re so torn up about this.”

I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. And now I’ve gone and messed it all up. Again.”

“Hey, don’t say that,” Lucas said firmly. “You haven’t messed anything up yet. Sure, you made a mistake, but that doesn’t mean it’s over. You just need to talk to him, explain what happened.”

“But what if he won’t listen?” I asked, voicing the fear that had been gnawing at me since Dakota had stormed off. “What if he thinks I chose the money over him?”

Lucas shook his head. “Dakota’s a reasonable guy. He’ll understand if you just give him a chance.”

“And then what?” I asked with a scoff. “I have the perfect guy and we both lose our home. My family’s home. Forever.” I leaned forward, putting my forehead on the cold table again. “God, I’m such a fuck up.”

Lucas was quiet for a moment, his hand still resting on my shoulder. When he spoke again, his voice was gentle but firm. “Logan, look at me.”

I reluctantly lifted my head, meeting his gaze.

“You’re not a fuck up,” he said emphatically. “You’re in a tough situation, and you’re trying to do right by everyone. That’s admirable, not a failure.”

I let out a bitter laugh. “Doesn’t feel very admirable right now.”

“I know,” Lucas nodded. “And we could always try to find another investor. Someone who won’t treat Dakota like a novelty item for their racist bullshit.”

I nodded slowly, considering Lucas’s words. The idea of finding another investor seemed like an empty gesture but was better than the alternative. Although, we only had a handful of days to pull it off or we’d lose everything.

“You’re right,” I said, sitting up straighter. “We can’t let those people anywhere near the ranch. Or Dakota.”

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