Page 19 of Saving Grace

“Of course she is,” he mutters, breaking eye contact. “Like I want your fuckin’ help.”

A knock on the front door has him drag his focus from our conversation toward the sound. I go about loading the washing machine and add the detergent, anger lighting up my veins. After getting the machine running, I head to the kitchen to load the dishwasher like a woman on a mission.

A guy a little younger than Mackinlay stands inside, leaning on the kitchen counter. He pushes off and extends a hand when he sees me.

“Hi. Reed, Mack’s younger brother. You must be Grace. Ruby told me all about you.”

“Oh, hi. Yes, I met your wife last week. Thank her again for helping me out with this job, will you?” I give Mackinlay the side-eye.

He also glances at Mackinlay, who rolls his eyes. Reed turns to me and smiles, the biggest megawatt smile I have ever seen. His green eyes are identical to his mother’s. He seems nice.

“Don’t let this surly prick give you any shit, Gracie. If he does, give it back, and more some.”

Gracie. Nobody ever calls me that.

It’s so casual, just running out of his mouth. The charisma on this guy... makes Mr. Rattlesnake here seem downright mean. I tamp down the amusement that rises with that thought and give Reed a nod. He smiles at me again and turns to Mackinlay.

“I’ll finish that fencing and shift the eastern mob of weaners today. Come back tomorrow to check the water, okay, buddy?”

“Sure, gunny, whatever you say.”

Reed shakes his head and slaps his shoulder before offering one last smile in my direction. I decide I like Reed. And Ruby. I can see they make a stellar couple. Even from the small part of R & R Ranch that I saw, they have built something incredible.

“I’m going to duck into Lewistown and pick up some groceries. Do you need anything? Or want to tag along?” I offer Mackinlay. He waves a hand over his shoulder as he heads for the sofa for the umpteenth time since I’ve been here. He is the embodiment of wallowing. I know recovery is slow and his pain gets the better of him at times, but all this moping surely isn’t helping. My annoyance fades out, letting empathy in for a moment.

“You know, I still get lost in town, believe it or not. Could you tag along?”

He stills, halfway to sitting, and shoots me a look I can’t read.

“It would be quicker if you came. Please?” I worry my bottom lip through my teeth.

His nostrils flare as he straightens up. “Fine, but next time, get a ride with Harry or Ma.”

“Thanks,” I say softly, not able to help the smile that is itching to stretch my face.

Now I only need to fake being lost in a town the size of a postage stamp. It will be worth it to get Mackinlay out of this house. Lord knows how long he’s been inside these four walls.

“Come on, we can take Blue.” I swipe up my keys and phone.

“Blue?” He pulls on a cap, leaning on one crutch. His indigo eyes drill into me. Even with the attitude, and the moods he runs through, I can tell the real Mackinlay is in there somewhere. I would bet my last dollar he’s more like his younger brother than the cranky, stubborn ass he is right now.

“My car. I’m not driving yours.”

“What’s wrong with my truck?” He straightens. Apparently, everything I do and say is an affront.

“Too big.” I wave a hand at him.

We make our way to the tree Blue is parked under, and I open the passenger door for Mackinlay as he makes it a moment later.

“I’m not folding myself into three to fit into that tiny-ass car, Grace.”

I snatch one of his crutches. I don’t even care if he can’t fit. Serves him damn right.

He shakes his head at me.

“You’ll fit.” I give him a sardonic smile.

He sighs and lowers himself onto the passenger seat, gripping the door with white knuckles. With a groan, he’s in the VW. When his bad leg is securely inside and clear of the door, I shut it and walk to the driver’s side. Dropping into the seat, I grab my purse from the back seat and toss my phone into it.

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