Page 30 of Rough Ride with the Grumpy Cowboy
“Don’t worry. When you’re ready, I’ll bring you around to explore. For now, why don’t we get your prescription filled and head back,” Ella suggests when she sees me start to get overwhelmed.
“Thank you,” I smile gratefully.
She winks at me as she directs me to Walgreens, another establishment that wasn’t here when I left.
I have to call Lou to forward me my prescription details. Once that is handled, I’m ready to head back to the ranch when I spot a jewelry store across the street. A belt buckle displayed inside captures my attention, and I realize it’ll be the perfect apology gift for Zane.
Ella helps me purchase it even though she does try talking me out of it first, proclaiming that her brother doesn’t deserve it, but I feel like I owe it to him. It’s the least I can do.
As we’re driving back home, we cross paths with a familiar car, and on closer look, I realize it’s my stepfather’s truck with my mother in the passenger seat. The shock nearly has me driving off the road.
“Is that?” Ella asks when she sees me staring at it, shuffling down in my seat even though the windows are tinted.
“Yes,” I nod, fear and dread gripping my heart.
“It’s okay. I don’t think they’ve seen us,” she consoles me, but I can tell I’m still shaken up.
I don’t think they’ve seen us either, but that was a really close call. And that’s the reason why I want to stay hidden at the ranch for the next three months. It’s a good thing I’ve had my prescription filled and won’t have to come back. I hate to think what would happen otherwise. It’s chaos I’m not ready for and will definitely try to steer clear of.
12
ZANE
I hear the front door open and close as the girls leave my cabin. I lean back against the headboard, frustrated with Ella for taking Ava away before I could inquire about what has been bugging me since our heated conversation yesterday.
Why did she have to drag her away like that? It’s not like I was going to eat her—I just wanted to talk. But in her defense, I haven’t been the most welcoming toward her best friend, so her reaction is warranted.
I’m glad Ella is ready to defend Ava against me; it means I raised her well and she’s a loyal friend, but I don’t like that I’m the one on the opposite end of her wrath.
She is already aware of what’s going on in Ava’s life, and since she’s not willing to tell me, I was hoping to get it directly from the source. If Miss Diva is going to keep sneaking into my bed for the next three months, then I think I’m entitled to find out why, because she wasn’t like this before.
A long, drawn-out sigh escapes my lips as my hand outstretches to the spot Ava lay all night. There’s still some lingering warmth left behind, and her scent is all around me. Sweet, savory, and addictive. I know I shouldn’t be feeling like this; I need to keep her as far away from me as possible.
It’s only been two days, for crying out loud, and I’m already craving her. No! I need to hold onto why I didn’t want her here in the first place, at least until I have a clear explanation as to what’s going on with her, and probably what went wrong between us five years ago.
Maybe I’ll be lucky enough to catch her during the day so I can get the answers that I want.
After pondering about this whole situation for a bit longer, I drag myself out of bed to get on with my day.
A cold shower, for obvious reasons, and a hot breakfast later, I leave my cabin, ready for a long day ahead.
On my way to the stables, I catch a glimpse of the two best friends pulling out of the garage in Ella’s Bronco with Miss Diva behind the wheel. I have no idea why we even got Ella that car when she doesn’t drive.
Where are they going this early in the morning?
It’s surprising to see Ava driving, but she looks lovely with her hair secured back and away from her face with a claw clip. A few strands are loose, caressing her sharp cheekbones—a contrast to her pallid skin.
She laughs at something Ella says, and it’s the first time I’ve seen such an expression on her face since she landed. I miss her laugh. I want to laugh with her while holding her in my arms, looking into her enchanting eyes...
Hold up—didn’t I just have a whole pep talk about reining in my feelings until I have a clearer picture of this whole situation? Yes, let’s focus on that.
I have no idea how long they’ll be gone, but knowing Ella and her love for shopping, I might as well give up talking to Ava today.
I watch them drive away until the car disappears from sight before I resume my walk toward the stables. I have lots to do today, and I’ve already wasted enough time focusing on the wrong thing—Ava and whatever the fuck is wrong with her.
Running into my father on my way in is not in my bingo cards this morning. I consider turning around and walking away, but I’m too late as he spots me and waves me closer.
“You’re late.”
