Page 14 of Heart & Hope

But . . .

The silence in the truck is too loud. My breathing matches my thoughts—rushed and stunted. And I still can’t get over the fact that the girl I saw Friday night on the street at Great Falls, in those red heels, is sitting right next to me. Goddamn, she is even more beautiful in the daylight.

In the space of an hour, we have gone from newly introduced to me being hard as fuck every time she glances my way. Hair blowing in the breeze with the window rolled down, she smells just like a flower.

When we make it back to the barn, I park the old Chevy. Addy and Huddo are still out on their ride. Or lesson, or whatever it is they do while Harry’s not around.

“Thanks for the tour,” Ruby says. Her words jerk me back from my daydream.

“Sure, no worries.”

“Your mountains are lovely. You’re incredibly lucky to live here, Reed.”

“Beats the city.” I shake my head. “I mean, if that’s not your thing, I guess... It’s not mine, yours, though?—”

I run a hand down my face as it heats up.Geez, not much better.Embarrassment right here, folks. Come get your fill. Going so cheap, it’s free. Sweet Jesus. Since when am I flustered around girls?

Fucking hell, Rawlins.

But a megawatt grin lights up her face, and I almost lose my load there and then.

“It is mine. I haven’t ever known anything else, so...” She taps her phone on her pants and says, “Can I hop out?”

“Oh shit! Sorry.” I jump from the truck, properly mortified, and grab her door. She slips out, her feet landing on the ground. Those big brown eyes find me, and my gut bottoms out like it has fuckin’ permission.

“Thanks, Reed. I’ll wait here for Adds.”

I shut the door as she wanders around aimlessly, looking at her surroundings.Take your time, Huddo.

“Ruby, come say hello to Ma. She’d love to meet you.”

She spins back from looking into the barn. “Oh, sure.”

I walk her to the small white gate, no crooked arm this time. And it feels more awkward without it. When I hold the gate open, she walks into the yard, gazing up at the old oaks and weeping willows that Ma treasures.

“Your place is stunning,” she breathes, bumping into my shoulder before looking back from the canopy around us.

“Sure is. Come on, she’ll be in the kitchen.”

Ruby smiles and walks beside me. When we cross the threshold, Ma looks up from her chopping. As always, she is busy whipping up something delectable in her favorite space.

“Reed! Where did you two come from? You must be Addy’s friend! I’m Louisa.” She wipes her hands on the tea towel slung over her shoulder and wraps Ruby in a warm hug.

A small squeak falls from Ruby’s pink lips as she shoots me a wide-eyed stare. I beam, shoving my hands in my back pockets. When Ma releases her, she holds her at arm’s length and takes in her clothes. “Well, you are a stylish girl. Oh, I love this top.”

“Thanks, it’s Gucci.”

“Oh my. The only brands you’ll find in this homestead are Wranglers, Stetson, and Winchester.” Ma laughs.

“What’s a Winchester?” Ruby asks.

Ma waves a hand at her. Ruby’s confusion turns to a smile as she admires the sprawling kitchen. “You have an amazing spot here, and your home is...” Her gaze snags on the plethora of family photographs on the fireplace mantle and she inhales a long and slow.

Ma tilts her head with brows lowered as Ruby’s words fade out after the mention of home.

“Well! Introductions done, we should head back and see if Adds and Huddo are back,” I offer up, this time crooking my arm, as if it’s her safe place.

“It’s lovely to meet you, sweetheart,” Ma says, resting her hand on Ruby’s cheek as if they are old friends.

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