Page 2 of Wait in the Truck
Toby sneers, “Are you going to stand there and let your guard dogs bark for you? Which one of these plow boys istending your field? Or are you letting them all have a go?” He comes closer, leaning down and getting right in my face. “I always knew you were a bit of a slut, Sage, but the Rivers brothers? Really?”
Done with him and his shit, I decide he needs a taste of his own medicine. Before I talk myself out of it, I rear back and slap the arrogant bastard across the face. “Next time you have the audacity to call me a slut, you’d better be able to deal with the consequences.” I shift my gaze to the brothers. “Y’all can deal with the trash.” With that, I turn on my heel and throw up my hands as I walk away. “I’m done.”
Ignoring the muffled voices behind me, I hightail it toward the staff bathrooms.
“Sage, hold up,” Rhett calls out from behind me.
My feet carry me swiftly down the hall, and I burst through the bathroom door. Unfortunately, Rhett is hot on my heels, and before I can shut him out, he wedges his boot between the door and the frame. “Wanna tell me what that was all about?”
I reluctantly take a step back. “Piss off, Rhett. Just because you’re apprenticing with my dad doesn’t make me your problem.”
“Let’s not pretend my looking out for you has anything to do with me working for your dad.” A look of sadness passes through his gaze.
“Save your pity for your day job, Rhett. I’m not a helpless farm animal. I can look after myself.”
He pushes the door open and slips into the bathroom with me.
I furrow my brow. “What do you want?”
He shoves his hands into the pockets of his Wranglers, seeming unsure of himself. “I only want to make sure you’re okay.”
“If you’re so concerned”—I point toward the chaos we left behind—“make sure that motherfucker is nowhere near me.”
“Kade has it under control. He’s tossing him and that handsy guy out as we speak. It’s you I’m worried about.” He inches closer, his eyes homing in on what I presume to be my red cheek. “Please tell me Toby hasn’t hit you before.”
Ignoring his prompt, I deflect. “We’re not friends. What makes you think I’m gonna share all my secrets with you, Rhett the Vet?”
His shoulders shake with a silent chuckle as he smirks. “Real cute.” He narrows his eyes on me, and the bathroom fills with tension once more.
I huff out a breath, letting my shoulders drop. “Honestly, I’m fine. I just need a minute.”
Rhett hesitates, but I don’t budge. Finally, he backs toward the door. “If you’re sure. But if you need me, I’ll be out front.” He jerks his thumb and spins on his boot heel.Tossing a final glance over his shoulder, he adds, “Contrary to what you may think, your brother would want me to watch out for ya.” With that, he pinches the brim of his hat and dips his chin to his chest, before leaving me to my thoughts.
When the door closes behind him, I turn to face the mirror. Bracing my hands on the sink, I stare at my reflection and use a method my therapist taught me. I breathe in for a slow count of four and exhale for the same, squaring out my breathing.
Before I can fully compose myself, my phone vibrates in my shorts pocket. Digging it out, I glance down at the screen to find a string of unwanted texts from Toby.
I’m so sorry, baby.
I never should have done that.
But I got so mad watching him with his hands all over you.
You know how I get jealous, babe.
You’re just too damn beautiful. It drives me crazy.
Those fucking shorts, your tits.
You’ve been driving me wild all night.
Please come outside.
I love you so much, sweetheart.
I’m really sorry.
Quit being a bitch. Text me back.
