Allie answers before Topper can get the words out. “It’s not really for us, it’s for Roxanne.”
“Why for Roxanne?”
Leo takes a step forward and rubs his hands together. “Part of our boss’s motivation for sending her here was to help Roxanne recover from the accident and deal with the PTSD she doesn’t want to admit she’s suffering from.”
I take a seat on my chopping stump. “What accident?”
Allie and Leo exchange glances. “She doesn’t like to talk about it, and we don’t feel right telling her story.”
“Roxanne was the most incredible travel journalist I’ve ever met,” Leo continues. “There was no assignment she wouldn’t take, nothing she wouldn’t explore.”
“They were even going to create a television show for her on Uncharted TV where she explored hidden gem travel destinations all over the world,” Allie adds. “Now she barely leaves her apartment in New York.”
“When did this accident happen?” I ask.
“Two summers ago.” Allie rubs the back of her neck.
“Did it happen in Colorado?” Topper asks.
“Yes, but I don’t want to say anymore,” Allie says. “She would absolutely end us if she knew we were telling you this much.”
“Like we said, what happened to Roxanne is only hers to tell,” Leo says. “But our concern is, if we don’t try some more adventurous activities, she’s going to sit behind her computer and avoid going outside as much as possible.”
“This doesn’t give me confidence that she’s going to be able represent the ranch well,” I say.
Allie stands and puts her palms up. “Oh no, she will, she will. But she’s shut-down. If we can get her out and get her to face some of the … well, we think rafting or camping or even a horseback ride will help.”
“Listen,” I say with a sigh. “If she had an accident here, she’s not going to be okay going rafting day four. I don’t feel right pushing her to do so.”
“She’ll be okay,” Allie says. “She’s more nervous when there’s a storm.”
“Clear, sunny, and seventy-five tomorrow,” Topper adds.
“How are you going to convince her to do this?” I ask.
“We’ll present it to her,” Allie says. “But I wanted to make sure you were okay with taking us out a little earlier than expected.”
I swat a fly away and rub my chin. Firebird Ranch has always been a safe place where people come to heal, but they’ve always been veterans who’ve seen combat, not a travel writer suffering from PTSD. This is definitely a new one for me.
I don’t feel right pushing her; then again, sometimes we need a push to start the healing process. I think for a moment, knowing what Rusty and Mom would say if they were standing in front of me.We’re never here to pass judgment, we’re just here to help.
I stand and wipe the sweat from my brow. “We can go tomorrow afternoon.”
“Oh, thank you!” Allie says, clapping her hands together.
I rub my T-shirt against the back of my neck and take a sip from my water bottle. “You’re welcome, ma’am, as long as you really think this is what’s best for Roxanne.”
“I do,” Allie says.
“Me too,” Leo adds.
“And since you and Topper are Delta medics, we’ll be in good hands,” Allie says.
“That’s right, ma’am. Well, enjoy the rest of your day on the ranch,” I say as I start to walk back to my house. “I’ve got some work to do this evening, so I’ll see y’all before rafting tomorrow.”
Jameson heads into the house in front of me, happy to feel the air conditioning. As of now, all I want is a cold water and an evencolder shower. I call to Rusty, but see that our office door is closed, and his voice is muffled like he’s on a phone call. I wipe the sweat off my forehead and hear another muffled voice coming from the library.
I peer through the open door and freeze. Roxanne Denning is under my desk on all fours and for a second, I forget my name. I had just started to cool down, but the sight of her perfect ass in skintight yoga pants causes my dick to twitch.
