Page 63 of Force of Nature

“Okay then.” He nods in acceptance, clearly deciding there’s no sense in arguing with me. I’m not the only one that’s easy to read.

Chris trots off ahead of me but I choose to remain a few yards behind him, needing time to digest everything I’ve learned this afternoon and how exactly I feel about it.

Thad is an addict, I repeat in my mind, trying to process the information. I would have guessed a lot of things about what landed Thad at the ranch, but drug addiction was not one of those things.

He seems so strong. I can’t imagine him ever being that weak.

I wish I could say the news made me like him a little less but I think it had the opposite effect. Knowing what he went through, what he overcame, the hell he must have lived in for years, it only makes me crave him more. I guess it’s true what they say, everyone is just looking for someone to save.

Only Thad doesn’t need saving. Maybe a year ago he did, but now? I think a year of sobriety is more than enough proof that he is no longer just his addiction.

Chris and I ride for several minutes in silence. Sensing that I’m in my head, he broaches a new topic. One that’s a hell of a lot easier to have.

We talk about L.A. About Chris’s dating life–which is pretty non-existent despite the long line of women who would gladly step up into that role. That somehow gets us on the topic of Ben and Beth–which we both agree we never saw coming. And as we guide our horses back into the barn nearly an hour and a half later, we’re on the topic of the twins.

I have to admit, despite how the ride started, I actually really enjoyed my time with Chris. When we were kids we were thick as thieves. There wasn’t a thing we didn’t talk about. And while it’s not so black and white now that we’re adults, it does feel good to know that we haven’t lost that connection between us.

We’re just exiting the barn when Mom pops around the corner, jumping slightly when she catches sight of us.

“Lord, you scared me.” She grabs her chest. “Dad and the twins went to town and Thad and Ben are out in the field. I didn’t know you two were back.”

“Just got back.” Chris nods.

“How was your ride?”

“Really good.” I smile at my brother.

“Good. Good.” My mom wipes her hands on her gardening apron. “Before I forget, Laken, a Wendy called for you. Said she needed you to call her back as soon as possible. I left her number by the phone in the kitchen.”

My heart thuds violently in my chest and I barely get out a thank you before I take off, running toward the house.

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