Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 28678 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 143(@200wpm)___ 115(@250wpm)___ 96(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28678 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 143(@200wpm)___ 115(@250wpm)___ 96(@300wpm)
As soon as I step onto the porch of the house where Storm is, I can tell he’s different. He used to look so lost and sad. But now there’s happiness and peace shining out from him. It’s around him, like a cloak. He’s a man in love, and for a split second, I envy him. I used to be a man in love. I used to have a beautiful wife and an energetic son. I loved them more than life itself.
Taking off my Stetson, I can’t help commenting on the change in him. “You’re different now. You look happy.”
“I’m marrying the love of my life in a few hours,” Storm explains. His chest puffs out like he just received the gold medal after a fierce competition. Maybe there is something to that mail order bride thing after all.
I force a smile. They’ve been forced every day for eight years. “Good for you.”
After the accident, he dropped out of high school and retreated into himself. I kept reaching out over the years. I stopped right around the time my own life fell apart.
He gestures behind himself to the house. “The boys are throwing us a reception after. Just some cold beers and hot wings but you’re—”
I shake my head to cut him off. This isn’t a social call, despite how long it’s been. “Can’t. Got some stuff going on at my ranch.”
He frowns. “Is it anything we can help with?”
No matter the passing of time, I could ask Storm for anything and if he had the ability to give it to me, he would. That’s just how folks in Courage County are. We’ll do whatever it takes to help our neighbors because around here, everybody is family.
Still, I don’t want to worry him, so I settle for the easy answer, “Just wanted y’all to keep an eye out. You see anything strange or hear of outsiders coming into town, you let me know.”
I put my Stetson back on and turn to leave.
His harsh tone stops me. “Fuck that. What’s going on?”
Sighing, I turn to face him again. I’d hoped to keep this quiet. “I’m not sure exactly. One of the brothers I served with has a daughter, and she showed up in town. She’s a college student running scared, but I don’t know what it is yet.”
He scowls. “Do you think it might be an ex-boyfriend?”
That was my first concern too. “I don’t get that idea. I think…it might be bigger than that. But she isn’t talking yet.” I shake my head and think of the beautiful blonde that’s now living in my house. “She’s young and innocent and spirited.”
His eyes light up at my description. “Maybe you should see where that goes.”
He doesn’t have a clue what he’s saying, and I can’t help snorting. It doesn’t matter that she’s my personal siren. “I’d cut off my own dick before I’d touch her.”
5
COLT
“You don’t have to hang out with me. I’m sure I could explore the town on my own,” Sierra says the next morning. She’s sitting at a little table in Courage Cookies. The bakery is owned by Haley. She was a widow in town before she married Dean Taylor of the Taylor Ranch. I don’t know Dean well, but I know he did search and rescue during his time in the military.
I grunt in response as I take the seat across from her. The round table is so tiny, like one you’d find in an upscale bistro. My knees bump hers and I pull away as best I can. But not before I see the flicker of hurt on her face.
“You’re not responsible for me.” She gazes out the window that overlooks Main Street while we wait for our coffee and fresh-baked cookies.
Shit, this is not going the way I’d hoped. My big plan was to draw her out. I guess the plan forgot to account for the fact that I’m a grumpy cowboy that’s barely social. Sure, I like being around Sierra. Truth is, I like it too much. That’s why I have to work so damn hard to stay aloof. If I get too close, I’ll want to drown in the depth of her mossy gaze. I’ll pull her close and press kisses to those freckles that dot her shoulder. The ones I keep seeing because her shirt is just a little too big.
I don’t know what to say to her comment because I am responsible for her. Her dad gave her to me when he gave his life to protect our unit. That’s what happens when one of your brothers falls, you step up. You look out for his family. Speaking of family, where the hell is Daphne? Shouldn’t she be worried sick about Sierra by now?
Sierra pulls a notebook from her backpack. Not a notebook like a laptop the kids carry these days but an honest to God, actual notebook with paper and pen. She starts jotting down notes in pretty cursive, dotting her I’s with hearts. Damn, something about the sight of that reminds me of her innocence and vulnerability. She might be pretending to be tough, but she needs a warrior and I’m the cowboy that doesn’t run.