Page 76 of The Runaway and the Rugged
As she turned and walked out the stable, my stomach flipped with excitement. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d actually gone out without the presence of a manipulative, power-hungry man watching my every move. I don’t think I’ll know what to do with myself without the constant worry of feeling monitored.
Clarke would want me to let loose. Greta would probably encourage it as well, but I don’t think I was ever meant to be that type of person. I enjoyed quiet fun, the soft laughter from a friend who’s dancing silly, or the story of a date gone wrong.As much as I admired those who exhibited courage, the carefree attitude and ability to find fun anywhere, I knew that wasn’t who I was.
And tonight, I finally had the chance to be my authentic self.
Suddenly, pulling me from my thoughts, Garth came up beside me with a look I’ve never witnessed before flashing across his face. Like he had a million questions in his head but couldn’t get them out.
“You goin’ out with Greta tonight?” he asked, lifting the cap off his head to run a hand through his damp, unruly hair.
I gulped.
“Yeah, I figured it would be good for me to get out.”
He nodded as his jaw went taut.
“Don’t let Greta pressure you into doin’ anything you don’t want to do. She can be a bit of a live wire whenever she sets foot in that place.” He sounded genuinely concerned, but I just laughed it off.
“I’m a big girl, Garth. If I don’t want to do something, I won’t.”
My words seemed to have eased some of his worry and I noticed the way his shoulders relaxed slightly.
“Good,” he grunted. “If you need anythin’, if Greta’s actin’ a fool, or you want to come back early, get a hold of me and I’ll come get you, yeah?”
I should have expected his concern, the anxious tone that weaved through his words, but I didn’t expect it at this level. It was sweet, yet not so gentle as if he were trying to convince me to stay home instead.
“Okay.” I nodded through a rising smile. “If by some chance I need anything, I’ll be sure to contact you.”
His chest expanded on a breath that lasted the span of a heartbeat.
“Not lookin’ to be an overbearing asshole, I just know the types of people that frequent that place, and I’m makin’ the assumption you’ve never been to a bar like The Lonely Barrel before.”
He was right, I hadn’t and I think it was more than reasonable to make that judgement.
“It’s loud, a little chaotic at times, but Shane runs a damn tight ship over there and keeps it as safe as he can.”
There was the name Shane again. He must be the owner of the bar.
“I can handle it, Garth,” I reassured. “You should know this by now that I can handle anything.”
A mixture between a low laugh and snort tumbled past his lips, sparking my mouth to curl upward in amusement.
“Damn right, Outlaw.” His voice was like gravel and pure sin blended together. “Remember what I said. You need anything, call.”
How could I possibly forget that? A ruggedly handsome cowboy telling me to call him if I needed anything. There was no way I’d let that slip past my mind.
“Yes, Garth.” I put on my sweetest, most charming grin yet while batting my lashes.
His gaze lowered briefly before narrowing skeptically.
“Think I should start callin’ you trouble now,” he grumbled with the shake of his head. He started to walk off, leaving me standing in the center of the stable.
“I prefer Outlaw!” I announced to his back.
“And I prefer you not be trouble!” he grunted back with humor laced in his tone. Then moments later, before leaving me alone, he flashed me a genuine smile. “Have fun tonight, Outlaw, but not too much fun.”
23
EMELIA
