Page 43 of Two Risks I'd Never Take Again

I rested a hand on Garrett’s arm. “In high school, Parker’s sister and I were friends, and he used to be such a little brother and tag along all the time.”

Parker shrugged. “It got me all kinds of attention from the older girls. ‘Go away, Parker.’ ‘No, Parker, I won’t go with you to the school dance.’ ‘Here, Parker. Carry this. If you are going to hang around, at least be useful.’ Lots of attention.” Chuckling, he dropped into a chair. “Fun times.”

One by one, I met all the ranch hands, and then Garrett and I sat down. Set out on the table were bowls of guacamole, a platter of grilled onions and peppers, and bowls of shredded cheese. Tortilla warmers were clustered at each end of the table.

Beau walked in carrying a platter piled high with beef and chicken fajitas. My mouth watered. This was a rare treat.

During dinner, no one screamed at each other, which confirmed that I’d made the right choice about Christmas. His family was nothing like mine. Or at least like mine used to be. Time would tell if the attempt at getting along would last.

Garrett laughed and joked with the others around the table. His worries about being seen as an outsider were unfounded. He belonged here.

And thanks to everyone, I felt like I did too... just because I was Garrett’s friend.

As we walked upto my car, Garrett stuffed his hands in his pockets. “I hope you enjoyed dinner.”

“I did, and now I’m even more excited about Christmas.”

“Good. Hard to believe it’s only two weeks away.” He kicked at a rock.

“I know.” I wasn’t ready to leave. “How are your bruises? Healing okay?”

“I guess. I can only see half of them.”

“Are you using the cream?”

He lifted his shoulders. “Where I can reach.”

“Garrett, it will help. You should—” The words lodged in my throat when my brain figured out the puzzle. “Do you need help with that?”

“I wasn’t going to ask, but yeah.” He glanced at my car. “Why don’t you ride with me to my cabin. I’ll drive you back here after.”

“Perfect.” I followed him to his truck, and he helped me in.

The drive to the cabin was short, but I used every second to give myself a pep talk, reminding myself I’d rubbed cream on him before and there was nothing to feel weird about.

All those encouragements lasted until we walked into his cabin and Garrett reached for the buttons on his shirt. The world slowed to half speed, maybe slower than that, and I embarrassed myself by staring. The whole time.

Sweetheart that he was, Garrett acted like he didn’t notice, but I knew he’d noticed because of his spy gene.

“Where do you want me?”

That was a loaded question.

“You don’t fit on the couch, so I guess your bed.”

He strolled into his room. “Excuse the mess.” After picking up the cream, he sat on the edge of the bed. “If this is too awkward, I’m sure I’ll live.”

“Lie down.”

He stretched out, and I rubbed my way down his back. “They are healing. Some have faded a lot. Is that all you need me to get?”

He nodded and grabbed a t-shirt and yanked it over his head. “It’s getting close to your bedtime. I should drive you back to your car.”

“Let me just wash my hands.” After getting the cream residue off my hands, I rested a hand on his chest. “Garrett, if you need me, call. Okay?”

He squeezed my hand. “I’ll remember that.”

We drove back to the main house, and he ran around to help me out. “The cabin next to mine will be ready for you at Christmas. I know you don’t live far away, but I thought you might want to be here early Christmas morning. That’s easier if you stay on the ranch.”

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