Page 30 of Saddles

“Will do.” I click it off without saying goodbye.

I’ve known Wade way too long for formalities.

April. It’s a name for someone young and full of life.

Not someone who’s been treated like this.

The soup is starting to scald in the pan, and she still hasn’t woken up.

I think she might be dehydrated.

Grabbing a glass, I fill it partway and pull up the single small chair next to the bed.

“Hey, April? Can you hear me?” I try to be loud enough to rouse her, but not so much that it startles her.

“Hmm?” She doesn’t open her eyes.

“April? That’s your name? I have some water if you’re thirsty.” I hold up the cup like it’s a peace offering in front of me.

The slit of her brown irises appear, then she drops her lids like they’re too heavy to keep open.

“Here, I think you need to drink some water.” I reach out and lightly touch her shoulder.

She jerks, suddenly wide awake and backs away.

“What?” Her lower lip quivers until the wild look fades from her features. Her hand appears, covering her forehead for a moment before she drops it to her lap. “I’m sorry. Thank you.”

Her fingers tremble when she reaches out, but she’s able to take a small sip before collapsing back into the pillow.

“Wade called.” I lean away from her and grab the phone, tossing it onto the quilt beside her. “He said when you’re able to call him back.”

“Who?” She brings the cup to her lips again, this time drinking most of it in one frantic binge.

“Easy, that’ll make your stomach buck if you drink too fast. Wade is the sheriff.” I need to be doing something, so I fetch down a bowl and scoop some of the thick beef and vegetables into it.

“Oh. Did he say when I can leave?” She fiddles with the empty glass while watching me.

Her stare makes me shift uncomfortably.

I don’t know how to even talk to her. How can she be asking me questions after what happened?

It’s all I can think about.

And where the assholes are so I can take them out before I go.

All I can do is shake my head. “As soon as the storm passes is the soonest.”

“So, can I ask you a favor? Since we slept together and all?” She gives me a lopsided smile and squints up at me.

There’s no room for humor, her reaction is confusing.

“Um, sure. I have some food ready.” I drop a spoon into the steaming bowl, then hold it out.

My other palm flattens and I gesture for her empty cup.

“Can I stay here until it passes? I don’t have anywhere else to go.” Her hands frame the dish and she purses her mouth, letting a slow exhale work across the bubbling meal.

“You’re joking. Yea. Of course. The hell you think I’m gonna do? Kick you out to stay with the horse?” I can feel my forehead wrinkle in confusion as I look at her. “You’re safe here, for as long as you need.”

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