Page 47 of Saddles

“I got it. It’s almost empty. Besides, I probably needed another shower.” It’s lighter now since I’m wearing half of it.

I catch a glimpse of him shaking his head as he lets Roscoe outside.

“Stubborn. Alright, I’ll get the coffee going.” He pulls his drawer open and pulls out a heavy flannel shirt. “You can hang that one up near the stove to dry.” He gestures at my torso, then his eyes narrow and he turns away.

I glance down to see my nipples poking the damp fabric into little peaks.

Oh.

Heat moves up my cheeks, but I finish what I started, then put the empty container next to one of the full ones on the floor.

A particularly strong gust of wind rattles the door on its hinges and makes a puff of smoke spit out of the stove. It’s just thick enough to make me cough, not doing my headache any good.

Ford waves it away, then pours me a cup. “How’re you feeling? I think you knocked back most of that bottle.” He looks exhausted already as he settles onto the stool and props his feet on the open lower shelf of the counter.

“I’ve had worse days.” I flash a broad smile at him.

It’s forever going to be my comparison. There’s nothing that could be as bad as last week.

Turning my back to him, I peel the wet shirt off and thread my arms into the sleeves of his oversized flannel.

Well, it’s way too big for me, but probably fits him perfectly.

I take the ends and tie them around my waist to keep them from flapping as I move.

“You know, you make those clothes look better than I ever could.” He raises his mug in a salute.

“Thanks. It’s funny, I left my Dad’s that night becauseNorma-fucking-Jeanthrew mine away. When I buy new ones, I think I’ll go for flannels and jeans. This is way more comfortable.” I take the first sip of coffee. God, this stuff is yummy.

“I still can’t believe she did that. Wade said there’s no sign of your car around the gas station when I talked to him yesterday.” He swirls the last swallow in his cup before gulping it down. “Does that mean you have nothing?” His gray eyes fix on mine.

But I find my gaze drifting to the window where a bright spark of sun breaks in. “I guess as long as they didn’t use my cards I’ll be alright.” If they tapped my bank account, I’m really fucked.

There’s no way Dad will lend me money, his wife will make sure of that.

My stomach rolls thinking about him. Should I go to the hospital? Is it true what she said, that he doesn’t want to see me?

Damn it. I don’t even have a driver’s license. Or a phone. All my shit was in my Subaru.

With a groan I fall back onto the mattress. “This sucks, Ford.”

The corner of his mouth rises in a crooked smile. “But today doesn’t. Looks like another break in the storm. Wanna go see Pepper again? She likes you more than she does me.”

“I’d love that.” I sit up to let the heat of the rays hit my face.

It doesn’t take long for me to slip on one of his oversized coats and my sneakers.

“Wow, it’s actually almost warm out.” The blinding reflection on the fresh snow makes my head pound, but it’s too gorgeous to go back inside.

Roscoe bounds excitedly through the drifts between us.

“Do you think the blizzard has passed?” I hate to ask. There’s a part of me that doesn’t want to leave.

I don’t like the circumstances that brought me, but I’m starting to like it here…with him.

Especially after he broke down last night and told me about his past.

We both have scars that the world can’t see.

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