Page 87 of Bravo

“I don’t know about that, but I’m glad you like them.” I turn the oven off and put the unused dough in the fridge. “Thanks for letting me know.”

He nods. “I’m sorry we don’t have answers yet.”

“It’s okay.” But as he walks out the door and I head down the hall toward the guest room I’m using, I realize that it might betime to permanently remove myself from this place. That way, the monsters don’t drag Bradyn down with me.

“Kennedy?”

I come awake quickly, shooting up out of bed, my heart racing. “What is it? Are they here?”

“No. Easy. I’m sorry.” Bradyn gently runs a hand over my back. “No one is here. It’s just late, and I thought you might be hungry.”

I take a deep, steadying breath, letting my panic subside. “I haven’t eaten anything but cookie dough all day.”

“I figured.” I can hear the smile in his voice. “Come on, let’s eat. I have something to show you. Get dressed and meet me in the living room. Dress warm.”

“Oh, okay.”

Bradyn retreats and shuts my door softly behind him. Leaving my leggings on, I pull a sweater over my head, slip into some boots, and head out into the living room. He’s standing in the kitchen, wearing dark jeans, a sweatshirt with the ranch’s brand on it, and a baseball cap.

He stares at me for a moment, gaze traveling over me as though he wants to memorize me. My stomach flutters.

“Are you ready?”

“For what?”

“A surprise.” He grins. “Come on.” He turns and heads down the opposite hall to the laundry room and entrance to the garage. A Hunt Family Ranch work truck is backed inside with the door down, which is unusual since he normally parks out front. He opens the back door and gestures. “Hop in and lie down.”

“We’re leaving?”

“For a bit. I’m smuggling you out.” He grins. “If you’re up for it.”

I don’t even respond, my heart leaping at the thought of being free from four walls for even a short period of time. Even if I must view the sky lying in the backseat while he drives, I’ll take it because it means I can see the stars.

The truck smells delicious. A combination of his pine- and leather-scented cologne and something that smells a whole lot like food. My stomach growls.

He climbs into the driver’s seat and hits a button. I hear the garage door rumble as it opens; then he turns his truck on and pulls out of the garage before closing it behind him. The road is bumpy, but the moment I get my first look at the bright stars, I feel a bit of the tension I’ve been carrying slip away.

I can breathe again.

“You doing okay back there?”

“Great,” I reply. “Where’s Bravo tonight?”

“Hanging with Echo,” he replies. “Elliot agreed to keep him for a few hours.”

“That’s great.”

“He doesn’t do well without a job, so the playdate helps him relieve some of that anxiety.”

“Is that why you’re taking me out? Is this a playdate for me?”

Bradyn snorts. “I guess you could look at it that way.”

Silence surrounds us as Bradyn drives. Given that I can only see the stars through the windows, I have no idea where we’re headed. I’m just grateful to be outside—sort of.

The minutes tick by in silence with just the hum of his heater and the steady but muted road noise filling the cab of the truck. Then, he comes to a stop and turns it off. “We’re here. You can sit up now.”

“Really? You’re sure?”

---