Dang it. It’s not in my truck. I must have left it at the bar.
At nearly a full sprint, I take the front porch mid-stride and watch in slow motion as my feet kick out from underneath me.
When I land on the slick ground, it knocks the wind out of me.
Holy shit. Not how I wanted this to go.
Dad practically teleports off Hank to appear over me.
“Are you okay?” He squats down with concern tightening his features.
“Yea,” I cough out, finally catching my breath. “Just hurt my pride.”
He tugs off his thick gloves and helps me sit up. “Are you sure? It was a hell of a fall.” His warm palm sits on my shoulder.
I guess I hit my head too, the back is throbbing. “I think so.”“Let’s go inside and have a cup of coffee.” His arm laces under mine as he half-lifts me off the ground.
“But—” I really know I screwed up if he’s pulling off work.
“Nope, we need to talk.” His gruff tone leaves no room for discussion.
Ah, crap.
It is nice to get into the heat. My damp shirt is sticking to me where I fell.
I give Lori a small wave. “Good morn—”
“Go put on something dry, then come sit with me.” Dad takes off his Carhartt and hangs it on the hook near the door.
Oh. It’s gonna be a long one.
I change pretty quickly into a thermal and cover it with a hoodie. When I go back outside, I’ll put on my other jacket and be nice and toasty.
If Dad doesn’t burn my hide first.
Lori disappears down the hall with the babies as I slink out of my room.
My cup and a full decanter of coffee are already sitting on the heavy oak table.
Dad’s callused hand extends towards the wooden chair next to him. “So, you’ve been spending all this time at the bar?”
“Yea.” I try not to look at him as I pour myself a drink.
He leans back, crossing his arms over his chest and narrows his eyes. “How much are you drinking every night? I know what it’s like to be your age. The night life can be alluring.”
My head shakes, then I take a sip, letting the scalding liquid heat my insides. “It’s not like that.”
Before I can react, he jerks forward and his fingers push my temple, exposing my neck. “I can see what it’s like, Sawyer.” Pointing at the marks on my throat, his jaw tics. “I’m glad you’re having fun, but don’t you dare lie to me.” The growl sends a chill through me. “Wade came by yesterday. Told me how you tackled that asshole down, then disappeared. He also told me that there’s more out there, he just doesn’t know who.”
Dad takes a deep breath, knitting his fingers around his coffee. “I just want to make sure you’re safe. Out partying all hours…well, it’s easy to get hurt when there’s people out there who want to.”
I hadn’t thought about that.
“I’ve been working there.” I watch him closely to gauge his reaction. “Val needed help and I wanted something different.”
His crow’s feet deepen before he drops a palm over his face. “A job? Do you need money? There’s a hell of a lot of work here—”
“Dad. I suck at farm life. I never know what the heck I’m supposed to do and always feel like I gotta be told every day like I’m five. At least there, I learned what needs done, when. I’m good at it.” I guess I ain’t warm yet, ice grips me by the balls as I wait for his response.
