Page 168 of My Cowboy Freedom
Had this become a game?
“Fucker. I’m only a few years older than you are,” said Declan.
I tried to buckle myself in with no success. Rock pushed my hands away and took care of my seat belt for me.
“Anyway. It’s amazing how a brush with death can put everything into perspective,” said Rock. “I’ve been talking to Sterling about things like that. A lot.”
“Really?”
“Really.” That sharp little glint in Rock’s eye was intelligence. I’d have to be wise and cautious because he was a self-described manipulative shit.
But I’m not really a cautious guy.
“You talked?” I asked.
He relaxed against what I thought might be heated leather seats—not that we needed such a thing on a summer day in Texas.
“I’m not going to waste the opportunity. Not when Sterling Chandler is a captive audience.”
“Isn’t that exactly what your dad tried—”
“Psht.”He shut me up. “I use my powers for good.”
Declan turned on classical music before edging out of the hospital parking lot. Andi changed the radio to a country station.
He said, “Bitch.”
She said, “Manwhore.”
The words sounded like endearments between them.
Soon we were speeding along the highway for home.
The earth was green. The sky a dark blue limitless expanse dotted with soft white clouds.
Home.
I wasn’t ever going to get tired of the word.
“The boss called me family.” I was still awed by the fact.
Rock said, “We’ve been talking about family a lot since he got back.”
“Sterling’sbeen talking about family?” Declan asked.
“Well, now,” Rock said coyly, “I might have been doing most of the talking.”
“So if the boss calls you and Sky family, what does that mean for Andi, Ryder, and me?” he asked.
Rock looked up. I supposed he was meeting Declan’s gaze in the rearview mirror.
“I think I’m helping his view of family... evolve.”
If anyone could teach Sterling Chandler about family, Rock would be that guy.
I closed my eyes and let the miles hum under our wheels. I found it soothing to stroke Maisy’s fur with my good hand, but it was weird since I had to turn to do it. I gave up and laid my head on the seat. I smiled when I felt Rock lace his fingers with mine.
Then I drifted, listening to Andi and Rock harmonize.
