Page 77 of Ride the Sky

“You are.” I gesture at the spread of food then add softly, “Don’t lose your job because of me.”

His voice is gruff. Gravel. “I’d lose everything for you if it meant you got better.”

The air leaves my lungs. My heart stops then stutters to a start.

To my dismay, he steps closer. To my dismay, my body reacts.

My mouth waters. I lean into him. Like I want him as badly as I did last night.

Unable to help it, my eyes move to his lush lips. We’ve never kissed. Not on the mouth. Too many feelings. But that’s not to say I’m not curious.

His kiss is probably just as infuriating as he is.

Wyatt’s gaze is glued to my face. Serious. Intent. His hands curl around my hips as he drags me closer. “You come with me, Fallon, you listen to me. I mean it.”

“I always listen to you when you’re not an asshole.” I sniff, a feline smile curling my lips. “Which is rare, I know.”

Frustration etched on his gorgeous face, his hands, still on my hips, grip me tighter. His hot breath warms the air between us. Then he grits out, almost like an afterthought, almost like a promise, “You don’t need protectin’, Fallon, but damn if I’m doin’ it anyway.”

Shock slams into me. My lips part. “Wyatt—”

Before I can puzzle out his words, his near-simmering gaze tears away from my face and he abruptly releases me to storm off down the hall.

His touch sears. My hips burn.

I puff a lock of hair out of my face, feel the heat in my cheeks.

Men.

“They’re using their spurs too much.”

I spear a hand through my hair, send a glare to the girl leaning over my shoulder. It’s been a week, and she’s still the ever-present, hovering whisper in my ear. “Christ, Fallon, I know.”

“Well, ifyouknow tellthem,” she counters, the merest hint of a smirk gracing her lips.

Gritting my teeth, I walk the perimeter of the fence. Dust flies. I bark a sharp order at the new class to get off their horses and get on their mats to practice proper tuck-and-roll movements in case of falls.

So much for rest and relaxation. I should have known nothing would keep Fallon still. The girl’s never been stagnant in her life. It’s the cowboy in her. It lights pride inside me, but also worry. I promised Dakota and Davis I’d look out for her. But bringing her along with me is the best I can do.

I don’t trust leaving her alone. Not for a hot minute. Her climbing on the back of a horse the second I leave is a real possibility. Fallon would kill herself to live again.

The last week has carved out a routine Fallon detests. The slow struggle to get ready, PT in the morning, then I bring her to the ranch with me in the afternoon. I have a job to do, and I can’t lose it. These kids can’t go to Younger’s school. I can’t let whathappened to me happen to them. Hell, it’s been twenty years, but the past still fucking stings.

“Tell them to tighten up.” Fallon’s husky voice blazes straight to my brain.

I whip to her and growl, “Fallon, I swear to Christ…” She thinks she plans to wear me down, well, the joke’s on her.

She nudges me with her elbow. “Perry isn’t tucking his arms.”

Damn. Maybe the joke’s on me.

I should have expected it. Hell, Fallon’s a better rider than me. Before she rode bulls, she was the reigning barrel race champ. She could train these kids in her fucking sleep. Her work ethic, her tenacity, puts these cowboys to shame.

“Go get some water,” I say testily. “Fucking cool off.”

“Bite me,” she snarls but turns to slump against the wall of the training school, arms crossed, looking bored. Per usual.

I try to get back to my class, but my gaze won’t leave her. Fallon runs a hand through her long caramel hair, the waves running through her fingers. She looks fiercely sexy.

---