Page 51 of Wild Horses

“What did you do?”

When he doesn’t answer, I do. “He showed that expensive timepiece who’s boss.” When all three heads in the room turn and look at me, I grimace. “Sorry. Ill-timed joke.”

War cracks a grin and shakes his head. “I sure did.”

I nudge him, encouraging him off the couch. Then I jerk my head toward the bar. “The note and, um, watch are up there.”

There’s a hushed gasp, and I meet Tuesday’s tear-filled eyes as she holds the mangled remnants of War’s watch. Bond, meanwhile, is a cloud of fury. He holds the thick linen paper like it’s a filthy rag, his handsome face twisted in anger.

Tuesday pries the note from Bond’s hand and what little color remaining in her cheeks bleeds away. “How could he… that bastard…” She paces back and forth in front of the bar, muttering.

Clearing my throat to get everyone’s attention, I stand. “Why don’t I let you guys talk about this in private.” War goesto protest, but I give him a quick hug and kiss. “I’ll go grab some breakfast. It’s early, and I’m starving.”

Bond nods. “That’s a good idea. I’ll call Clairy and give her a heads up.”

I snag War’s keys from the small hook by the door, but his hand on mine stops me.

“You don’t have to leave.”

“I’m not leaving, at least not yet.” He frowns at that. Cupping his cheek, I whisper, “You and your sister need time to talk. For now, I’m not leaving, but I am getting us a boatload of carbs and caffeine.”

It’s odd being in War’s Bronco without him and weirder still driving around the streets of Trail Creek alone. Thankfully, the town is small enough that the handful of trips we’ve taken downtown from War’s rental are enough for me to navigate to the bakery/cafe.

Clairy, bless her soul, waits for me outside The Bee and The Bean, three large white bags in hand. She sidles up to my window, smiling as she passes the bags to me.

“How are they?”

I hum and say, “In shock, I think.”

“I’ve interacted with that awful man once, and that is one more than I’d wish on my worst enemy.”

“On that, we can agree,” I say as she passes me a drink carrier full of coffee.

When I return to War’s, the mood is heavy, but not with despair; no, it’s an air of determination. And I know from the set of War’s jaw he won’t be joining me in Pueblo.

My heart aches, but I stay busy unpacking the bags and passing out the coffee. Once they start eating, I slip from the living room.

Think Jake can swing through Trail Creek and pick me up today?

Daddio

…

I watch the dots bounce on my screen. Jake works for Dad and is hauling Xpresso up for the rodeo.

Turns out Jake wasn’t able to make the drive. X and I will be there in two hours.

Before I can call him, my phone buzzes in my hands again.

We stayed the night in Dalhart and got an early start.

Want to talk about what happened?

Thank you There’ll be plenty of time on the ride.

I flop on War’s bed with a sigh and stare at the ceiling, willing my eyes to stay dry. This is the right thing to do. War needs time with Tuesday to figure this mess out. Even if they decide the answer is to do nothing, he should make that decision with her. Not over the phone or text because he’s two hundred miles away with me.

A soft knock interrupts my mini pity party. War leans against the frame, his amber eyes searching over me. I crook a finger and pat the mattress. When he lays down next to me, I curl my body over his.

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