Page 34 of Wild As Her

I set it gently in the bed of the truck, laying an old wool blanket underneath it so it doesn’t slide. My hands linger on the horn as I let out a slow breath.

Chapter 10

Cami

Good Horses by Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert

The back door opens, and Ollie comes in. He takes one look at my red, puffy eyes and pulls out a chair and sits. I’m waiting for the kettle for tea.

"I take it you know," he says softly.

"You knew?" I glare at him.

He shook his head. "Actually, no. He knows I don't like talking about the ranch. I put two and two together."

I harrumph. "Some best friend."

Ollie takes down two mugs and pulls out two tea bags. "Is it that bad that he's helping us?"

"Us? There is no 'us', Ollie. There's only been me in this. You and Mom vacated long ago, leaving me to figure this out. And I didn't get it figured out, did I?" I laugh, but it comes out in a sob.

"I'm here for you, Cami. I'll always help you. But this place suffocates me. I can't live here, you knowthat."

I nod as the teapot whistles, and he takes it off and pours the water into our mugs. I watch him, and exhaustion fills me.

"What does he want with the ranch?" I ask, softening my voice.

He shrugs. "You two need to talk about it."

"And why does he want to stay here?" I question.

Ollie sighs. "Have you seen the bullshit that he's dealing with the reality TV show? It's like a full-on circus over there. He's also never felt safe at the lodge. I don’t think he’s sleeping. I think, somehow, staying here feels safe to him. He's dealing with the demons of his dad and doesn't want to stay there. None of them do." He shrugs as he looks over at me.

I think about what he's saying and soften. The lodge has always felt like Jack Sr's, and it doesn't feel like a home, more like a prison. Which is fitting for where his asshole father is now. But it doesn’t feel right that his kids are still living in his mess. Ollie and I know all about that. Ironic that Jack would be the one to save us.

"Also, the fact that you’re not safe here with Granger and Jace pulling the crap they've been pulling. Until we know that's over, we're taking turns here. And if you even think about arguing with me on this, Cami, just don't," he says as he dunks his tea bag and watches me, giving me his best stern little brother look.

I give him a look and add honey to my tea. He's not wrong, and I've been sleeping better since they've been here. But I'm not telling him that because I have my badass reputation to protect.

"All I'm saying is, maybe go easy on Jack. He's dealing with a lot right now. Even if you don't see it right now, he means well. He would never hurt us," Ollie says as he takes a sip of his tea.

"Are you staying here tonight?" I ask as I put the rest of my scones away and get everything ready for tomorrow.

"Nope, Jack is. So don't murder him when he comes in," Ollie says with a warning look.

"Whatever," I grumble. "I'm going to bed. See you tomorrow. Love you, Ol."

I grab my mug of tea and head upstairs to my room. When my mom moved out, I took over the primary bedroom and painted everything, making it my own. It was my grandparents' bedroom before my mom had it. I painted the walls a dark green and added an accent wallpaper wall with dark gray floral patterns and a few pops of color. I have cozy lamps and a new iron bed. It's the one place that is mine in the world, other than the trailer.

For now, I guess. Until I figure out what Jessop is doing with the ranch. Maybe he can take payments. Or rent. I still can't believe he did this.

I get ready for bed and drift off to sleep. I faintly hear soft footsteps later on the stairs. I hear the shower kick on and drift back to sleep, dreaming of Jack naked in the shower. And my dreams don't disappoint.

The next morning, I get ready and head out to the barn and startle when I see Pesto and Mouse saddled up and ready, Jack standing next to them with a smile as he tips his hat to me.

I stand and stare at him, as if we’re in a standoff. I want to be angry at him. I thought about it all last night between the dreams and fitful spurts of sleep. It’s impossible to stay mad at Jack. I don’t understand him. But I know that Ollie is right. Jack would never hurt us, and he’s trying to help in his own way. Now it’s a mess, and I have to figure out what I’m going to do and where I’m goingto go.

"You startled me, I forgot you were staying here. At your ranch," I add and narrow my eyes.

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