Page 24 of When the Smoke Clears

A twitch in his cheek and the gleam in his eyes hints at pride. “Good. Does your mam know?”

“Not yet.” The words are clipped.

“What was all this about?”

I shift on my feet. “Colt’s dad.”

James’ full eyebrows pull together.

“Long story short, his dad is my stepfather. Somehow, he blamed me for that.”

His eyes darken and several beats pass before he responds. “I’m sorry you had to handle that on your own.”

I lack what feels like an appropriate response. I don’t blame anyone for what happened, nor do I wish anyone else had been there. The situation was shitty, and I did what I had to do. Anyone else being there would’ve escalated everything and made the whole thing that much more dire.

“Lots of people lookin’ out for you here.” He removes his hands from his pockets and scans the front porch. “Hope it didn’t cause a problem, me coming by.”

I can’t determine if he’s being authentic or not, and I realize there’s so much about him I don’t know.

“I think everyone is just on edge after what happened, and Sutton and I haven’t had a chance to discuss much.” A painful breath escapes me. “I’d like if we could all have dinner together or something.”

“We can. You know where to find me.” His face softens. “You did good, lass.”

As he turns to go, I swallow again, pushing down all the emotions rising to the surface. I don’t have time for all that right now. To uncover his meaning, or to decide whether or I not I think he’s right. I need to get off my feet.

Chapter 8

Maci

Sutton’sweightcausesadip in the bed. When I peel my eyes open, he’s lying on his side, watching me. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“It’s ok. What time is it?” My voice is croaky again.

“About six. I came to see if you were hungry.”

My eyes widen and I push up to sitting, wincing at the ache in my side. “Wow. I just sat down to rest for a minute.”

“You’re amazing, Firecracker, but you don’t have to push yourself so hard.” He twirls the hair that’s fallen on my shoulder around in his fingers. “I’m glad you finally got a little rest.”

“Should we clean up for dinner?”

He exhales heavily. “Yeah.”

I swipe my phone off the side table as he heads into the bathroom to wash up. There are several notifications in the group thread with Izzy and Leah.

Izzy:

Did you talk to the cowboy?

Leah:

Hello?

Quit the radio silence.

Izzy:

You can’t avoid this forever.

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