Page 38 of Two Risks I'd Never Take Again

When he said things like that, hope sparked, but then like a bucket of cold water, Skeeter’s words, which played on repeat in my head, washed all the hope away.

I needed a new topic. “Your dad is going to be excited about you taking up ranching.”

Garrett pulled me closer. Was it wrong to like a person because they were always warm?

“I think you’re right. But when I have a hard day and feel like I made the wrong choice, I’m coming to you.”

I patted his chest. “And I’ll give you a doughnut and a pep talk. Any time. That’s what friends are for.”

I’d fallenasleep while watching a movie again and woke up in Garrett’s bed, but I was alone. This week had been amazing, but it was almost over. I wasn’t ready for it to end. Spending time with Garrett and redefining what friendship looked like had ripped the bandage off some of my wounds. I was quick to tell people I was happy, but having a happy face bandage covering up the pain wasn’t the same as happy.

That was the hard lesson I’d learned this week. What I hadn’t figured out was if the wounds could ever heal.

Stretching, I wandered out to the kitchen.

“Hey there. Have a seat. The pancakes are almost ready. And the bacon”—he peeked into the oven—“needs about two more minutes.”

“You don’t have to cook for me.”

He flipped a pancake, then focused those baby blues on me. “You made it through the first half of the movie last night.”

I perched on a barstool at the counter. “You didn’t wake me up so that I could crawl into my bed.”

“I’m going to miss snuggling with you and watching movies.” He went back to making pancakes.

“I’ll miss it too.” I blinked so he wouldn’t notice the mist in my eyes. “How are you feeling? You seem better.”

“My ribs are still sore, but not nearly as bad today. My face feels much better but looks horrible.” He turned off the stove and pulled the bacon out of the oven. “I think that cream is helping the pain and bruising.”

“I can put it on again after your shower.” I carried the platter to the table, then whipped around to look at Garrett. “If you want.”

“That would be great. Thanks.” He pulled mugs out of the cabinet. “Coffee?”

“Please.”

He fixed my coffee with lots of cream and sugar, just how I liked it.

“Thank you.” I drizzled maple syrup over my short stack. “These look good. I’m impressed.”

“You haven’t tasted them yet. You might not be as impressed after you do.” He broke a slice of bacon in half. “Want to soak in the hot tub for a bit after breakfast?”

“Yes, I do.” I popped a bite of pancakes into my mouth and moaned. “Oh my gosh. Where did you learn to make pancakes like this? They are like yummy clouds.”

“My grandma.” Garrett beamed. “I’m glad you like them.”

This perfect little bubble was about to pop, so I tried to soak up joy out of every last second.

Chapter 12

Iblinked, trying to clear the tears out of my eyes before Garrett caught me crying. It was silly to be getting emotional about the end of our stay. The week was over.

Folding my clothes, I thought through what needed to be done before opening the shop tomorrow. The refrigerator would need to be cleaned out, and the whole place would need to be scrubbed. I had my work cut out for me.

Garrett slipped up behind me and rested his chin on my shoulder. “Do we have time for afriendlyhot tub soak?” Was he trying to delay our departure?

I wasn’t opposed to a delay. “We have to be out of here in less than two hours. So, we’d only have time for a short soak.”

“Good thing I already have my suit on.” He flopped onto the bed. “I’m feeling so much better. My bruises are nasty colors, but moving and breathing aren’t chores anymore.” He wiggled the fingers sticking out of the end of his brace. “And this brace lets me use my fingers. I hated that other one. I really missed using my fingers. It wasn’t that I didn’t like being fed, but it’s different.”

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