Page 49 of Rancher's Heart
“I’ll go get him, just come home and get some sleep.” He wrapped his arms around my lower back and pulled me tightly against him.
“Are you sure? Troy’s leaving early tomorrow.” Griff put his finger on my lips and made me stop talking.
“I’m absolutely sure. Go to work, I’ve got things handled here.” He reached over the counter and grabbed my bag, turning me toward the door and walked out to the truck with me.
“You didn’t let me say goodbye to your parents, they’re going to think I’m rude.” I frowned at him. Griff opened the driver’s door and set my bag on the opposite seat.
“I’ll tell them you said goodbye. Maybe I can get rid of them tomorrow.” He pinned me between the seat and himself and lowered his head to mine. Kissing this man was like ascending to heaven every time.
“Shoot, I have to fuel up the truck.” I glanced at my watch and grimaced. I was going to be late, not actually late, just later than I liked to be.
“I did it yesterday for you.”
“You’re the best.” I rolled up on my toes and kissed him on the cheek. “Don’t forget about Parker tomorrow. There’s steak marinating in the fridge for you, there’s enough for your parents also. The potatoes are in.” He cut my words off, by putting his finger over my lips.
“Go to work. I used to live alone, and I survived. I’ll get Parker, don’t worry. Have a good shift, our bed will feel empty without you.” He winked as he backed away from the door. I had enough room to get in, and he closed the door.
“Don’t tell Parker about Jake’s offer, I’ll tell him tomorrow when I get home.” I’m not sure why I felt the need to say that but it was my responsibility to tell him. This is all he’d ever known so I questioned how he would react.
“Chanelle, get to work, we’ll talk about it tomorrow.” He stepped away from the truck.
“See you in the morning.” I smiled as I put the truck in reverse, backing up into the barnyard and shifting into drive. I pulled away from the man I was falling in love with. For the firsttime in my life, the allure of the emergency department wasn’t there.
I’d always been excited before a shift because every day was so vastly different, never knowing what scenario would come through the door, and now all I can think of is I’m tired of it. In my gut I knew I didn’t need to talk to the guys about the job, I was going to take it. Today sealed the deal for me. I was tired of missing out on so many moments with Parker, and now I was starting to miss them with Griff too.
My phone buzzed and I picked it up. I groaned when I saw the text from the unknown number. Except it wasn’t unknown, it was Billy Hays.
Unknown: Hey sexy nursey, I’m ready for my exam, maybe I’ll see you later tonight.
What the hell was wrong with that man?
CHAPTER 27
ELLE
The vibration of my cellphone ringing in my pocket made me jump. Looking at the phone, I saw Troy’s number. “Hey, what’s up? I’m getting ready to start my shift.” I said, sliding my feet into my work shoes.
“Have you talked to Parker?” He was breathing hard, and I heard a truck door slam in the background.
“No, not since before he went to your place.” My heart started to race, and a pit in my stomach opened up and I knew something was wrong.
“He’s gone Elle,” Troy whispered, his words barely audible.
“What the hell do you mean he’s gone?” I yelled into the phone. Nancy came into the locker room and frowned at me. Taking a step backwards, I bumped into the wall and sagged against it.
“I went out to let the horses into the big pasture, and when I came in he was gone. His game was still running, but he was gone.”
“Oh my god, where is he, Troy?” Tears filled my eyes, and I flopped down on the chair beside me, my hand shook as I held the phone to my ear.
“We had an argument about me leaving again. I’m on my way to Griff’s, maybe he’s there.” Troy’s hope was almost enough to make me hope that was the outcome, but I knew it wasn’t.
“Griff would have texted me. Once I can get someone to cover I'll be on my way.” Nancy waved her arms and pointed at herself.
“I’ll extend until someone else can get here,” she whispered, and I nodded.
“I’m leaving now, call me back if you hear anything.” I hung up the phone and threw my arms around Nancy. “Thank you. Sara’s off tonight, tell her what happened and I know she’ll come in and relieve you.” Quickly kicking off my shoes, I slid my boots back on and headed for the door.
“Text me when you find him.” She called as I ran out the door.
