Page 177 of Things Left Unsaid

A dish is settled on the table in front of Cody. But her hand lands on my shoulder and she asks, “Would you like a sandwich too?”

I peer at her. “Do you mind?”

Her lips twist. “If you want something fancy, then you can rely on Ida…”

“He’s the one who introduced me to peanut butter and fluff, Zee,” Cody half-croons, urging another frown out of me.

Not the words. Just the tone.

He elbows me when I don’t reply so I clear my throat. “Sounds great.” I flick a look at her, watching as she puts together another sandwich. “When did you get in?”

“Saskatoon? This morning. The ranch, two hours ago.”

“You should have told me. I’d have flown you here.”

“Thought I’d spare you the backseat driving,” he counters.

“So gracious of you,” I mock. "How long are you here for?”

Taking a bite, he shrugs. “Dunno.”

“You don’t have to ride a desk? Or can you stay home as you recuperate?”

“I can stay home.”

Frowning at him when he doesn’t open up, I start to ask him what the hell’s going on, but Zee places the dish in front of me before I get the chance.

I don’t think about what I’m doing. I snag a hold of her wrist—that’s the second I feel her racing pulse.

I stroke the soft, velvety skin with my thumb and feel it stutter then kick back into high gear. “Do you still want to go riding?”

Her long lashes shield those gorgeous green eyes of hers.

God, she’s beautiful.

Zee flicks a look at Cody. “Um, are you sure? Don’t you want to?—”

“Hang out with him?” I scoff. “No.”

“Thanks, bro.”

Ignoring him, I stare at her. “How about in an hour?”

“U-Um, yeah. Sounds good. I-I’ll… I don’t have any boots.”

“Just wear sneakers. I won’t tell anyone if you don’t, and Cody can keep bigger secrets than that.” I wink at her. “We’ll get you some the next time we’re in town. I have to head that way in the next couple days. Want to come with me?”

Her cheeks flush. “Sounds good. Okay. I’ll be down shortly.” A whisper of vulnerability appears in her eyes. “You’ll wait for me?”

I smile at her. “I promise.”

She nods again, gives a small wave to Cody, then heads out of the kitchen.

Yes, I watch her go.

I only live like a monk; I’m not one.

Cody whistles. “You have it bad, brother dearest.”

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