Page 28 of The First Cut
He takes me back to his room above the saloon and gives me a brief tour of the large space.
“While you’re here, it’s best you stay upstairs unless otherwise told.”
I nod and sit on the edge of the bed, waiting for him to continue. When he doesn’t, I look up and see him scowling at me.
Shit. Was I not supposed to sit?
I quickly get to my feet and stand next to the bed, keeping my head down.
He sighs, and then his hand is sliding under my jaw and tipping my head back so I have no choice but to look him in the eye.
“Make yourself at home. Use whatever you want. I’ll get one of the girls to go shopping for you—just let me know what you need.”
“That won’t be necessary.”
“You have anything with you?”
“I have a bag in my truck with my ID and stuff. But no spare clothes, if that’s what you mean.”
“Then you’ll need everything.”
I huff, but before I can argue, he continues. “You’re my old lady. That means I can buy you whatever the hell I want.”
“I won’t be able to pay you back until I get a job.”
“Did I ask you to pay me back?”
“No, but?—”
“I’m not him.”
“I know that. Trust me, I’m not comparing you to him. But I had a good guy once, too—and look how that worked out.”
He opens his mouth, and I just know he’s about to tell me that I wouldn’t be in this position if I’d kept my legs closed. Thankfully, he swallows down his words, saving himself a slap.
“You didn’t argue when I told you to stay in here. I expected you’d put up more of a fight. The Lola I remember had more sass.”
“That Lola’s long gone. And why would I argue about staying in here? Being alone’s pretty much the norm for me.”
“You wanna explain?”
“Not really. My head hurts, and I’m exhausted. I just want to lay down and get some sleep.”
“Alright, I’ll let it go for now. Give me your keys—I’ll get your bag from the car.”
I pull them from my back pocket and hand them to him. “I parked out on the road. I wasn’t sure I’d be allowed to drive in.”
“I’ll find it. Get some sleep. I’ll lock the door behind me.”
So I’ll be locked in? Maybe I’ll be upset about that later. Right now, I just don’t have it in me to care.
“Where’s your phone?”
“I don’t have one.”
“Everyone’s got a phone.”
“I don’t—not anymore. And I don’t really have anyone to call, anyway.”
