Page 6 of Rough Ride with the Grumpy Cowboy
“But he’s still at the ranch, so there’s a possibility,” I counter.
“A very slim one. I personally haven’t seen him in two weeks. You’ll be safe, I promise,” she assures me.
The more she says, the more tempted I am. I miss Ella, and I miss Texas too. I haven’t been back since the accident, but is this the right time?
Wrangler Creek? Can I? Should I? Maybe it’s time I stop running from my demons and face them head-on. And besides, I need somewhere to stay for the next three months, and Iron Stallion ranch sounds like a dream. I’ve had enough of cities and overpopulated places.
“Okay,” I cave, hoping I’m not making the worst mistake.
Ella screams excitedly from the other end. “You’re coming? Really?”
“Yes, I’ll have my manager book me a flight.”
“Don’t worry about that. I’ll have Daddy send one of his jets for you. Only the finest for my best friend.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely, so don’t bother unpacking. I’ll text you with all the details as soon as I talk to Dad.”
“Okay.”
“You will not regret this, I promise. I’m so excited!” she cheers.
I don’t say anything because I’m still apprehensive about whether I’ve made the right choice. We hang up just as Lou joins me outside.
“Are you okay?” she asks.
“No, how can I be after seeing all that?”
“I know. How could he do that to that poor dog?”
The police pick this time to walk out with the dog in a body bag. One of its paws falls out, and it’s covered in blood. I screech and turn away, but it’s ingrained in my mind. Great, even more ammunition for my nightmares.
“Lou,” I cry out.
“I know, I know. I’m booking you a hotel right now.”
“Don’t bother. I’ve made other plans.”
“You have? What plans?” she questions.
“I’m going back to Texas.”
Her eyes widen in shock. “No.”
“Yes, it’s about time I stop running away from my past.”
Iron Stallion ranch, ready or not, here I come.
2
ZANE
A small, soft body crashes into me, and I instinctively reach out, breaking her fall. Bright, sea-green eyes lock onto mine, blinking up at me with an innocence that should have me running for the hills but instead pulls me in.
I gently set her steady on her feet. “Careful there, Miss Diva. Wouldn’t want you to break those pretty legs now, would we?”
She blushes, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Hi, Zane,” she whispers in her honey-coated voice.
