Page 39 of Rancher's Heart

“Okay, so how do I fix it?” I leaned back in the chair and waited for her answer.

“You go to the doctor,” Elle smirked and then walked around to the sink to wash the massage oil off her hands.

Laughing, I shook my head. “Nope, not happening.”

“God, you’re stubborn.” She crossed her arms but didn’t move closer to me again.

Standing, I pushed my chair back and leaned on the island. “I just need you to get me through to winter. Things get a bit slower, and I take some time off from breaking horses.” My voice trailed off as I stared at her angry face. I didn’t think she liked my request at all.

“I’m not a miracle worker, Griff. This is so far beyond what I can do, and I hate watching you do more damage to your arm every day.” She let her gaze fall, and I moved to stand in front of her.

“Just get me through the fall, then I’ll go, I swear.” Wrapping my arms around her, I brought her to me. “Please,” I whispered.

“Fine,” Elle sighed, “but I won’t be happy about it.” Elle rest her head against my chest. “I don’t like seeing you hurt.” Her words were so quiet, and I almost didn’t hear her.

My heart broke, but I didn’t say anything. This was exactly why I hadn’t told anyone how bad my arm really was. I didn’t want the people I loved to feel like they had to tiptoe around me.

“I think I promised you a naughty movie night.” I needed to change the subject, and the only thing I wanted to do was hold her against me.

Elle wriggled out of my arms, and she reached down, grabbed the hem of the shirt, and pulled it off. “And popcorn.” She said as she walked away, and I let my eyes fall down her body. She grabbed the blanket off the back of the couch and placed it over the seat, then took another one from the stool and curled up under it.

Pulling open the pantry door, I quickly found the popcorn and tossed the package in the microwave. Three minutes feels like an eternity when I can see her sprawled out on the sofa, her bare shoulder peeking over the back of the couch and her long legs propped up on the coffee table. Why the hell did this shit take so long?

CHAPTER 22

ELLE

I’d always hated the days when Parker was with Troy, but now I had other things to occupy my thoughts while he was gone. Reaching across the bed, I was disappointed to find I was the only one in it.

Rolling onto my back, I stared up at the ceiling. Griff’s room was masculine, with dark wood furniture and the same color trim around the doors and windows. There was a picture on the wall of the five. They all looked so much younger and I wondered how long ago it was taken. And what it must be like to have friends that you’ve shared so many years of your life with.

Truthfully, I should have been terrified of Griff and his past, but I wasn’t. Knowing he’d used his skills less than a year ago to save Fallon made me feel proud. He protected those he loved and I couldn’t find fault in that.

Getting out of bed, I grabbed one of his shirts and did up the snaps. He wasn’t in the house; it was far too quiet, but he’d be home at some point and this was how I wanted him to find me.

When I reached the kitchen the coffee was still hot so he hadn’t been gone long. Pouring a cup, I grabbed my cell phone and scrolled through social media but lost interest quickly. Thefront porch was calling my name, so I took my coffee and curled up on the swing.

The breeze was cool and I looked up to the mountains and noticed the receding snow caps. Drawing a deep breath, I filled my lungs with the crisp air, and I closed my eyes, imagining what life would look like if I stayed here forever.

A truck whipped into the yard, ripping me from my day dream; it came to an abrupt stop in front of the house. My stomach rolled, looking at the familiar truck and the man who’d jumped out of it. “Well, nursey, so this is where you’ve been hiding out.” The gravel crunched and rolled as he scuffed his feet along the ground. As he reached the sidewalk I shifted on the swing and stood. Moving along the wall of the house, I desperately reached for the door as he started to walk up the porch steps. His eyes drifted down my body and lingered on my thighs. His greasy hair fell over his face but I didn’t miss him licking his lips like he couldn’t wait to get a taste of me. His sly grin made my skin crawl. As he approached his shirt was askew and half his stench became more pungent. I bet if he took off his pants, they’d stand up on their own, and they were so dirty.

“Stop where you are. If you come any further, I’m going to call the police.” My voice sounded much stronger than I felt.

“By the time the cops get here, I’ll have done what I wanted and be long gone,” he sneered. My stomach rolled, and I took a step back. With every step he took, I moved closer to the door and pulled the screen open.

Ducking into the house, I reached into the far back of the closet beside the entryway, grasping at nothing until my fingers landed on the cold metal of a gun barrel. Sighing, I pulled it out and aimed it at him. “You’re trespassing, so I suggest you leave before I make where you’re standing the last place you ever see.” I kicked the screen door open to prove it was not just an act, and I was not afraid to shoot him

“Bitch, you’re crazy.” Billy began to walk backwards until he crashed right into it. “When you least expect it, I’ll be back.” He laughed as he scurried to his door, jumping in and peeling out onto the road.

Slumping against the wall of the house, I sank down the wooden floor under me. Looking at the gun, I realized there wasn’t even a clip in it, so no matter how brave I thought I was, it wouldn’t have mattered if he’d tried to advance on me. Some gun slinger I was, I didn’t even make sure my weapon was loaded.

Slowing my breathing, I took the gun inside and set it on the table. Quickly I ran to my room and changed into my own clothes.

The sound of tires on gravel stopped me in my tracks, and my heart skipped a beat. He wouldn’t come back so soon, would he? He was insane, so I wouldn’t put it past him. I peered out the window, holding my breath until I saw Griff’s black truck pulling into the yard. Pulling on my pants, I ran out of the house.

“Good morning, sleepy head.” He smiled as I rounded the truck. Pasting on my best smile I rolled up on my toes and kissed him.

“You should have woke me up,” I said as I pressed my hand against his chest.

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