Page 112 of My Cowboy Freedom
On some level I hated them for being out and proud and fucking fearless in Texas, of all places. I hated them for being happy, and just what kind of an asshole did that make me?
“You okay, Rock?” Andi saw me watching them, I guess.
Instead of answering, I dug into my backpack for Maisy’s collapsible bowl and a bottle of water. “Here you go, girl.”
Hospitals are very dry. Maisy fell on her water like she’d never seen water before. Her tongue lashed droplets everywhere. Fortunately, I also carry highly absorbent microfiber towels. I poured more.
“Once she’s finished, let us take you to the hotel. Doc’s right,” Andi picked up her purse and stood. “You should be resting.”
“You should stay, Andi,” I tried again.”
“Can’t. I spent three hours on the road and I’m not even sure why I came. It’s not like he’ll even know I was here.”
I said, “Stay and tell him.”
“I can’t, Rocky. Not today. He’ll understand. God knows, he always put business first.”
Ryder took Andi’s hand and waited while I put Maisy’s bowl back. I gave her a couple of jerky pieces.
After kisses goodbye all around, Declan met every single curious pair of eyes in the waiting room with a challenge.
The doc has a wicked sense of humor.
“For a little bitty guy, you have balls like one of Sterling’s Brangus bulls.”
“Everyone’s bitty to you, hoss.” The doc grinned. “Drive safe, Ry. Rock, I don’t want you back here until you’ve had at least six hours of sleep and a decent meal.”
I picked up my pack and stood. “Will you promise to text me if anything changes?”
He nodded. “I promise.”
“Okay.” Thinking how tired I was made me feel ten times worse. I followed Andi and Ryder’s mostly silent progress to the parking garage in a daze.
I couldn’t wait to shuck off my clothes and shower. I still had traces of Sky on my shirt—even though I was wearing a work shirt over it.
The thought nearly made me sick with delight.
Once Maisy and I got into the backseat of Ryder’s truck, I closed my eyes and let the rocking stop-and-go motion lull me into a delicious state of lethargy. My dick swelled as my thoughts drifted in between memory and dreams. Sky smiling nervously the day we met. His willingness to help whenever he was needed. The sensual way his eyes traveled over my body when we were alone. I wanted him there with me, like Andi had Ryder and Ryder had Declan.
Just then I wanted Sky. Only Sky.
On the road, the sun stabbed its way into the car, trying for my eyes with every nauseating turn of the wheel. Being in the backseat didn’t help.
“Could we stop someplace? I need a Coke to settle my stomach.”
“Sure, hon.” Andi gave Ryder’s hand a squeeze. I closed my eyes until the smell of french fries and barbecue sauce permeated the cab.
“Here you go, baby.” Andi handed me some fries and a quart-sized Sprite. “I got you lemon-lime. I hope that’s okay. You were sawing logs back there when we ordered.”
“Thanks.”
“Ry, honey?” She turned to her husband. “Could you find that sandwich we got for Rock?”
I really liked Ryder, especially then, because I knew what coming out had cost him with Sterling.
Andi and him both. They had balls of steel.
“I’m not sure I can eat.”
