Page 23 of The Wounded Warrior

“I do.” On both accounts.

“I think Matt is making broth, but you could have coffee.”

“Broth? You boys have broth?”

“Well, we have boullion, I think. Hell, for all I know he’s out there killing a cow.”

He didn’t want to ponder imminent cow death. No way. Rory had grown up on a ranch—he got it, but, dude. Not just for soup.

“Coffee is fine.”

“You got it.” Luke left him, and Rory tried to keep his eyes open so he could get a feel for Matt’s house. He’d always been so curious.

It was pure cowboy—leather and antlers, creams and browns and oh, look at those exposed beams. He really liked it, though they ought to get a more comfortable couch. This one was old and a little flat. Droopy under his butt and hard under his shoulders.

It was a thing. Couches should be good to sleep on.

He could buy them a new couch instead of buying their land. Man, he was thirsty, and oh… The pills began to kick in. Yay.

That made life better.

“How’s it going, man?” Luke leaned over, peering at him.

“I feel like I might die, but I wouldn’t care. Is that bad?”

“Yep. Then again, it might just be the pills.” Luke winked. “I got your coffee. There’s a lady here named Lori. Says she wants to see you.”

“Oh, she’s my guardian angel. Sorry if she’s bothering you, but I would see her.”

Lori came roaring in. “Oh, God. Rory. Honey. Oh, God. Your poor baby body. What the hell were you thinking?”

“I wasn’t. I was saving horses.”

“You look like you were being trampled by them.” She knelt next to him.

“Dragged.” He glared at her and rolled his eyes, the world spinning. “I was coming to apologize.”

“These men are bad luck for you, Rory. No offense.”

“None taken,” Luke said. “Want some coffee, ma’am?”

“No thank you. Do you want me to take you home?”

No way. He’d been promised food. “They’re making chili.”

“I like chili.” Lori smiled. “Do I need to call in a doctor?”

“Ask Luke—he’s in charge. I’m just hanging out.”

“Hanging…” Lori stared. “Did he hit his head?”

Luke chuckled. “Maybe. Honestly, I patched him up and he was pretty adamant about no hospitals. I do recommend seeing his family doctor tomorrow.”

“I’m okay. I’ll be sore as fuck, but I’m okay.” And hanging out on the LeBlanc’s sofa like he belonged here.God. Have a little self-respect and get up.

A sheriff’s deputy appeared next to Lori, staring down at him. “Mr. McConnell. Are you up to giving me a statement?”

“I am, sure.” He levered himself up, keeping the blanket wrapped around his lower half. “I guess I was the one was was there.”

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