Page 18 of Bravo

“Definitely. I already saddled Midnight, so I’m heading out. See you later.” Without giving him the chance to block me again, I rush out of the barn, moving as quickly as I can without being too obvious.

But by the time I get out there, Bradyn is already riding away on Rev.

“I told you he was going to take his horse back.”

I glance over at Elliot and smile. “Yeah, he was quick to stake claim to him first thing this morning.”

Elliot laughs. “He said you were up here thinking someone was trying to steal the horses.”

“When I gave it any actual thought, I realized what a foolish idea it was.” Elliot has always been easy to talk to. He’s clearly the most social of the brothers, and conversation has always flowed between us.

“Still thoughtful though. But maybe next time, you give one of us a call so we can meet you up here just in case.”

I smile and pat his dog, Echo, on top of the head. “Fair enough.”

“See you out there,” he says then heads back into the barn.

“See you out there,” I reply quietly then climb on Midnight and glance in the direction Bradyn rode off in. I could follownow, catch him before anyone else gets out to the pasture, but is that really such a good idea?

I turned down his friendly offer this morning, setting what I was hoping would be very clear boundaries in the process. Which is what I wanted, right? Boundaries? Distance?

Then why does my stomach feel like a pit as I stare off after him?

CHAPTER 6

BRADYN

“Bradyn Hunt. I have to say it’s good to see you.” Conner Matthews, the owner of Pine Creek Café, reaches out and shakes my hand. He’s owned this place for nearly fifteen years alongside his wife Talia. They moved here two decades ago, and the rest is history.

“Good to see you, too, Conner. How’s the family?”

“Jessie got engaged,” he says. His oldest daughter had just turned twenty-three right before I left.

“Really?”

“Really. I’m feeling old these days.”

I laugh. “Adam is a good guy, though. He’ll treat her right.”

“He is, and she’s happy, which is all that matters.” He smiles. “You want your usual?”

“Three months away and you still remember?” I take a seat in a corner booth.

He laughs. “You’ve eaten here so much over the years it’s branded into my brain.”

“Fair enough. The usual is good, thanks.”

“Anytime. Talia will be right out with your water.” He heads back around the counter and into the kitchen while I shrug out of my jacket.

The café is lean tonight with only a few other tables taken. One with a group of teenagers laughing and happily chatting about their day, and the other with Mandy Bell, the town’s librarian, and Betty Elliot, the owner of our local coffee shop.

I’m honestly surprised Lani isn’t over there with them since the three of them have been thick as thieves since elementary school.

“Here you go, honey.” Talia sets a glass of water in front of me and steps back. “It’s good to have you back in town.”

“Good to be back.”

“You doing okay?” she asks, eyes narrowing on me.

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