Page 34 of Always Mine

“We’ll just have to agree to disagree,” I grumble, taking hold of the shovel again and suddenly feeling exhausted. “I’m going to finish feeding them. You need anything else done before I head out?”

Reaching over, he gives my shoulder a squeeze. “I know this isn’t our MO but I’m here no matter what. I’m not trying to push you, Wyatt. I know the whole thing with Paxton is a lot, but you’ll get through it. You’re strong. I just want you to remember that.” Stepping back, he takes the shovel from me. “I’ll finish here, you go ahead and go.”

Looking down at my boots, I’m flooded with guilt. I know he cares and wants to help, but I’m not mentally ready to deal or forgive Paxton, and ultimately, I feel like that’s what everyone is trying to push me to do lately. It’s as if they want me to flip a magic switch inside my brain and let it go, but how can I?

“Thanks, Dad. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Be safe driving.”

I give him a nod, throwing a quick wave to the cows because I feel like we bonded today, then I snag my hat from the ground and head toward my truck to leave.

Thankfully, Mama is out so I can sneak off and get my head together. I really can’t handle anymore today.

THIRTEEN

Wyatt

The universe hates me.

That or whatever I did in my past life has come back to haunt me.

I grip the steering wheel tighter, trying and failing to ignore the glaringly loud presence of the person to my right. How did we get here? Oh, right. Because fate decided that nothing in my life could be easy. How much bad luck can one person have anyway?

Earlier, I had to run into town to grab some supplies for my dad. On my way back home, I noticed Iris’ truck pulled over on the side of the road with the hazards on. Of course I had to stop, I couldn’t leave her there… but then I quickly found out she wasn’t alone.

There was Paxton with his shirt covered in dirt, slightly sweaty, hair sticking to his forehead, and one oil-slicked hand. I tried to ignore him, focusing on Iris and offering to take a look, but she’d already called a tow truck. According to her, Paxton looked around and said there was some kind of oil leak going on.

I swear, if it had been anyone but Iris, I’d have left them there, but I couldn’t do that to her, so I did the noble thing and said I'd give them a ride home. I know how long a tow truck on the outskirts can take and I didn’t want to leave them stranded. However, that turned into her begging me to take Paxton to his first physical therapy appointment in Liberty, which they were running late for.

Pretty sure the world blurred out for a second as I took in her words. Me alone with Paxton in a confined space for a long period of time?

No fucking thank you! I’d rather fight a grizzly bear.

So I told her no, blaming it on my southern charm and how I couldn’t possibly leave her on the side of the road alone. Of course, that was the moment the tow showed up, way sooner than anticipated.

I was backed into a corner, and although Paxton didn’t say a word the entire time, I could feel his eyes glued to me. It was stupid of me to expect him to interject, but a part of me thought he would.

Now here we are, staring ahead at the road, neither of us saying a damn thing. Luke Bryan is playing through my truck speakers, so it’s not completely silent, and I’m desperately trying to understand how I keep getting put into situations like this.

“You turn left up here.” His voice cuts through my thoughts, causing a shiver to run up my spine. It’s lost a good bit of that southern drawl I always loved, but it still manages to affect me.

I grunt in response, hitting my blinker and waiting for my chance to turn into the medical complex.

After the longest minute ever, I pull in and park in the first spot I see. I don’t care if he has to walk a mile to the front door, I need him out of my damn truck so I can breathe.

“You coming in?” he asks, looking me dead in my face when he does.

Is he serious?

“No,” I grumble, turning off my truck and laying my head back against the headrest. “Why the hell would I do that? This isn’t my appointment.”God, just hurry up and get out, would you?

He hesitates for a moment before pushing open the door and stepping out. “You’re not going to leave me here, right?”

I cock a brow, turning my head to look at him. “It’s tempting, but no, I won’t leave you here. I’m not that big of an asshole.” My eyes drag over his clothes and dangling arm. Damn, he looks like a mess with dirt and oil smudges all over. “You got shit all over you.”

As soon as the words are out there, I want to shove them back inside.

I don’t want to talk to him.

---