Page 29 of Boulder's Weight

Something like safety. Something like connection.

Even if it's just an illusion.

Even if, deep down, I know it can't last.

CHAPTERFOUR

Boulder

"You want something to drink?" Kelsey asks, moving toward the tiny kitchen area in her AirBNB, or whatever site she’s renting it from.

I look around, taking in the sparse space.

It looks exactly like any vacation rental would—furnished, but not overly so, and bland as hell.

Just the basics: a worn couch, a small table with two chairs, a TV that has seen better days.

Man, she really must’ve wanted to save a couple of bucks.

"Sure," I reply, still wondering what happened to put that haunted look in her eyes. "Whatever you've got."

She pulls two beers from the fridge and hands me one.

Our fingers brush, and even that small contact sends electricity through me.

Fuck, what is it about this woman?

"Nice place," I lie, popping the cap off my beer. "How long you planning to stay in this Airbnb?"

"Just until I head back," she says vaguely, taking a long sip from her bottle. "Cheaper than a hotel. I don’t have as many amenities, but I don’t need the WiFi or a huge flatscreen TV."

I notice how she doesn't actually answer my question with any specific time frame.

"So," I say, settling onto her couch, "you gonna tell me what's got you so spooked? Or are we pretending everything's fine?"

She tenses, her fingers tightening around her beer bottle. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Come on, Montana. I could tell something was wrong by the way you were texting me, and I can see it all over your face."

She chews her bottom lip, debating how much to say.

Finally, she sighs. "Just... saw someone today who reminded me of someone I'm trying to forget."

I wait, giving her space to continue if she wants to.

When she doesn't, I decide to shift gears.

"You eaten yet?" I ask.

She shakes her head. "Not hungry."

"Well, I'm starving. And you look like you could use a change of scenery." I stand up, extending my hand to her. "Let's get out of here. Get some food, maybe a few drinks. Something to take your mind off whatever's bothering you."

Kelsey hesitates, then nods. "Yeah, okay. There's a place a few blocks from here. Supposed to be good."

"Perfect," I say, pulling her to her feet. "Lead the way, Montana."

She grabs a light jacket, and we head out into the Chihuahua night.

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