Page 13 of Rough Ride with the Grumpy Cowboy
“I didn’t initially notice in all the excitement, but why all the bags? Are you moving back?” Ella questions Ava as I unload her bags.
I had the same thought, but I assumed that’s how most girls travel. Ella is the same, so I don’t know why she’s probing Ava.
“Ha, I wish. Most of them aren’t for me.”
Ella gasps, clamping her hand over her mouth as she shuffles from foot to foot, dancing in excitement. “You didn’t?!”
Ava nods with a smile. “I did.”
Ella screams excitedly, nearly turning me deaf.
What did she do?
“But there’s stuff for everyone else too, so don’t be selfish,” Ava warns.
Ah, so she brought gifts for everyone. That was thoughtful of her.
Ella brushes her off with a mischievous smile. “We’ll see.”
“El!” Ava scolds.
“I make no promises,” Ella giggles.
I’ve done my part and don’t wish to be part of the girl talk, so I get back inside the truck, intending to take it back to the garage when my sister stops me.
“Zane, will you join us for dinner? We’re all gathering to celebrate Ava’s return.”
“No,” I decline quickly.
There’s nothing to think about. I rarely join them for meals, and Ava being here is an even better excuse to stay away.
“C’mon, please. Everyone will be there.”
“No.”
She gives me a disappointed look, perching her arms on her waist. “Don’t you have any other words in your dictionary besides no?”
“Nein?” I answer with a slight smirk.
“You smartass, that’s no in German,” she reproaches.
I can see Ava trying her best not to look at me, and I realize that at some point she will cave and try to talk to me, which is the last thing I want. Knowing this, I beckon Ella closer with my finger. She rushes over with a smile, thinking I’m about to give in to her request, but I’m about to do the opposite.
“Change your mind?” she grins at me.
I shake my head, make eye contact with Ava for a moment before lowering my gaze to face Ella. “Keep her away from me.”
Ella’s smile drops in an instant. “Zane!”
“I mean it, El. Don’t put me in this kind of situation again,” I grit out and start the truck.
More than anyone, she knows what went down between us, so I have no idea why she thought dragging me into this was a good idea in the first place. I can’t do anything about Ava being here, but I can make sure that we don’t interact.
Ella bows her head in shame. “Okay, I’m sorry.”
I don’t bother answering her and instead drive off, leaving the two best friends to sort themselves out.
Instead of taking the truck back to the garage, I decide to go for a drive around the ranch to clear my head. Usually a ride with Jaz does the trick, but I already have the truck out, so I might as well put it to good use.
