Page 85 of That Moment
The drill in my head won’t shut off. Dolly’s voice, the image of Adrienne smiling at some faceless prick, my own words last night telling her I wasn’t playing games. Now I feel like a damn fool.
I’m elbow-deep in the Chevy again when the familiar rumble of a truck rolls into the bay. Tyler hops out, hauling a busted piece of equipment behind him.
“Seed drill’s acting up,” he says, jerking his chin toward the flatbed. “Figured you’d know what to do with her before planting.”
“Drop it by the wall.” My tone’s flat.
Tyler lingers, crossing his arms as he studies me. “You good? You’ve got that murder-face going. Thought maybe someone blew a gasket, but looks like it’s you.”
I snort, reaching for a rag. “Just a long morning.”
“Uh-huh.” He doesn’t buy it, but he doesn’t push. Instead, he grins. “Tell you what, Decker and I are hitting the new tasting room tonight at the Slade Brewery. First round’s on me. You should come.”
I hesitate. Normally, when I’m pissed off, I’d rather stick with a quiet porch, a couple of beers, and the horses. But the idea of sitting at the ranch alone with my thoughts—chewing on the picture of Adrienne letting some other guy’s hand slide around her waist—makes my chest burn hotter.
“Come on,” Tyler adds. “New brews on tap, decent food, and Decker swears he’s got some Elk jerky that will knock your socks off. You’ll laugh, blow off some steam.”
I let out a rough breath, scrubbing a hand down my jaw. “Yeah. Maybe I’ll swing by.”
He claps my shoulder, satisfied. “Good man. Don’t make me come drag you.”
Tyler heads back toward his truck, calling for one of the younger guys to help him unload. I stand there a second longer, twisting the rag in my hand over and over.
It’s just a beer, I tell myself. Just a couple of hours to get out of my own damn head.
Chapter 15
Adrienne
Aiden’s name flashes across my phone just as I’m sorting through documents stacked high on my desk. I smile, swipe to answer, already bracing myself for his usual teasing.
“Hey, sis,” his voice comes warm but tired, the faint Texas drawl he’s started to develop sharper when he’s stressed. “Listen, I’m sorry. I’m buried in a damn cattle mess down here. Calves breaking through fences, ranch hands running in circles. I don’t think I’ll make it home for the anniversary party.”
My heart dips, but I force an understanding tone, not wanting to make him feel even worse. “Aw, that sucks. I know you wanted to be here. But it’s okay, Aiden. You’ve got your hands full. I’ll handle it.”
“You always do,” he says softly, then clears his throat. “But uh, while I've got you on the phone, I wanted to mention something… Axel mentioned you’ve been spending a lot of time at the garage? With Scotty.”
My spine stiffens. Heat rushes to my cheeks even though he can’t see me.
Of course, Axel couldn’t keep his mouth shut.
“It’s nothing,” I say too quickly. “The Mustang needed work. Scotty’s helping. That’s all.”
“Mm-hmm.” His skepticism crackles down the line. “Just… be careful, Adrienne. You know his reputation.”
It’s a good thing it’s not a video call because I roll my eyes so hard. I sigh, “I said it’s nothing, Aiden. Now stop worrying about me and go wrangle your cattle. I’ll make sure the party goes well. We both know I can’t count on Axel for much help.”
He chuckles, weary. “Alright, alright. I trust you. I’ll give Axel a call, make sure he knows he needs to help you. Love you, sis.”
“Love you too.”
I end the call and stare at my phone a second longer, frustration buzzing under my skin. My brothers always think they know better. They’ve been in my business since the day we were born.Slade Cubed,as everyone called us growing up. And with Axel and Aiden, it’sSlade Squared: forever meddling.
Before I can spiral, a knock at my office door jolts me. “Come in,” I call, smoothing my blouse.
The door opens, and in walks my Aunt Celeste, still perfectly put together in a tailored cream blazer and matching pants. My aunt always looks like she stepped off the cover of Vogue, a reminder that she’s originally from LA and her style never forgot that.
“Aunt Celeste?” I smile, pleasantly surprised. Since she retired, allowing me to step up and take over as the lead corporate counsel here at Slade, she rarely drops by the office anymore. “What are you doing here?”
