Page 93 of Unguarded

I make my way to the front door, digging in my hoodie pocket for the cash I made sure to grab so I could cover dinner for the girls. I twist the door handle open.

“I hope they gave you the extra ranch cups because—” My words halt as the man’s face comes into focus.

The stalker who broke into my hotel room is standing there, bright white teeth shining as he grins up at me. He raises the Polaroid camera in his hands, the flash blinding me as he takes a photo.

“I’ve really missed you, Kitten.”

34

CASH

Old Harry’s is jam-packed with scrawny-looking cowboys. I wouldn’t have chosen it for a bachelor party night. I’m pretty sure Holden just wants to get this over with so he can get back to Rosie. He didn’t want to leave her, but she insisted he at least have a few beers with the guys before walking down the aisle.

I’ve been nursing the same beer since we got here because I’m the driver. Duke’s best friend, Sam, has joined them at the bar. They’re taking another shot, quizzing Sterling about his first year in the Marines. He earned an impressive scar over his left eyebrow somehow, and I’ve yet to hear the story about how.

My eyes roam across the stage with a lone guitarist before I check my phone again. Monroe hasn’t texted me back. I’m sure she’s bonding with the girls, which makes me antsy. It seems like they’re getting closer, which should be a good thing. It makes my skin crawl. I need to know what’s being said. Dolly has never liked a single woman I’ve broughtaround, which hasn’t been many. With the absence of a mother, Dolly and Rosie are the only women in my life whose approval matters to me.

Approval for what? You’re not dating her.

“What’s on your mind, brother?” Holden tips his beer back over his lips. His gaze is lazy and bored as he surveys the television screen, where the professional bull riding finals are being streamed.

“Just wondering what the girls are up to.”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “That’s not a good sign.”

“What do you mean?”

“Not a good sign for the chances of you coming back full-time to help me run the place.”

“After the tour?—”

“You’ll be here half the time, if that,” he cuts me off. “You just gotta embrace it now. No way to stop it.” He tips the beer bottle back over his lips again.

I stare at my older brother’s profile. He taps the bar, signaling to the bartender that he’s ready for another beer.

“I’m finishing up the tour, and then I’m done.”

“So, you’re just gonna let her go? You’ve been back for less than two weeks, and even I can tell you’re way beyond that with her.”

I haven’t confessed to anyone my realization of my feelings for Monroe, but my brother has somehow guessed it. I pop my knuckles, staring straight ahead.

“What would be so bad about traveling with her and living here half the time? You’d still be a part of the ranch. We don’t need you all the time, just the peak seasons.”

It’s not just about the ranch.

“I’m not cut out for it. She’s in the spotlight twenty-four seven.”

“And you’re obsessed with her. You think I planned to fall for the woman whose father had locked me away for three and a half years? You have no control over that shit.”

I remain silent. He’s right, but I’m not ready to admit it.

“This is more about your commitment issues than her job. Mom’s death affected us all like this. She was the glue of the family. She brought out the soft, feminine side of Dad. After she was gone, we all started talking with our fists. Once you can’t communicate that way with someone, it’s easier to run and hide than it is to open up and use your big-boy words.”

Holden has always been able to see right through me.

“Are we at a bachelor party or a fucking counseling session?”

He laughs, slapping my back. “I’m becoming a dad. That shit changes you.”

---