Page 79 of When the Smoke Clears

“Hey, Maci. How are you?” His voice is like smooth waters, calm and unbothered.

“Honestly? Taking it day by day.” I hardly know Hank, but he has a way of grounding me and seeing to the truth of things, like Sutton.

“I don’t know if I have the right words to make you feel any better, especially given everything that’s happened in the last few weeks. But I’m sure whatever you’re feeling is natural. Do you have anyone to talk to? Family, at least?”

Johnny Walker blows into my hair as I lean my back against the fence. “Yeah, Liv and Randi. I have some girlfriends and my boyfriend, Sutton. His family is amazing. Actually, that’s where I’m staying.”

“Good. I’m glad. Speaking of Liv and Randi, I’m calling them next. I need to have you and Liv come by my office to fill out a bank affidavit to distribute the funds allocated to each of you in the will.”

“Oh.” With everything going on, I’d forgotten about probate. “Sure, I can come by.”

“Perfect. Once you do, we’ll initiate a wire transfer.”

I contemplate briefly. “I didn’t pay attention to the amount. Do you think it’s enough to retain a lawyer?”

“Well, I can’t speak on specific rates, each lawyer is different, but yes, I would think so. Do you need an attorney?”

The weight on my chest has returned. “I’ve been trying to cooperate with the investigation, but I think I underestimated how long it would go on. I was defending myself, and with the other reports about incidents with Colt, and the fact that he approached me at Nana’s, I thought it’d be a done deal.”

“Yeah, I can see that. Unfortunately—and fortunately—even in self-defense cases, the department should be conducting a full investigation.” He pauses. “I’m sorry this is happening.”

I fill my lungs to the point of bursting before releasing my breath. “Yeah…me too. Thanks.” Johnny nibbles my hair and I jerk away. When I turn around, Sutton is standing on the other side of the paddock, studying us curiously. I can’t tell if it’s directed at me or his horse.

“I’ll stop by to fill out the form for you. Thanks again, Hank.”

“You bet. Bye, Maci.”

After hanging up, I pocket my phone and begin to make my way around to the front of the stables. Sutton meets me there.

“You trying to steal my horse from me, Firecracker?” His hands rest on his hips, his head cocked to one side.

I chuckle. “I beg your pardon. I think your horse is after me.”

His lips purse. “This seems to be a recurring thing. Pretty soon, I’m going to have to start defending my property.”

A startled laugh bursts from me. “So long as we agree that doesn’t apply to me.”

His eyebrow hitches, but he grins. “Everything ok? I saw you on the phone.”

“Oh yeah. Just Hank updating me on probate. I need to stop by his office soon.”

He nods and reaches out to pull me closer to him. His voice is low. “Does he have an associate who could represent you?”

“I don’t think so. I think he’s a junior partner or something, but the firm is all estate lawyers as far as I know. I can ask when I stop by.”

Sutton drops his chin, looking pointedly at me. “You can, but will you?”

I stick my tongue out at him. He shakes his head and kisses the top of mine.

My fingers draw on Sutton’s bare chest as I study his face. One arm is behind his head and the other is wrapped around me as we come down after a figurative romp in the hay.

His eyes are closed, but I know he’s awake.

“Wake me in the morning, Cowboy.”

“Hot date?” His voice is playful and croaky as his eyes peel open and he peers at me from the side.

I smack his bare chest and he snatches my hand in his, bringing it up to his mouth to kiss. He may have already had his way with me, but I’m happy to indulge in another round.

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