“Oh, you got it.” I might work with this guy frequently, but he doesn’t know me. “Bear has been a real bitch to deal with. Nice try.”
The easy expression melts off his face. “You don’t have to be a dick. I was just asking.”
“That’s not necessary. I’m fine.”
“Aren’t fucking acting like it,” he mutters under his breath.
A ripple of smoke swirls off my skin. I narrow my eyes into thin slits. “What’s it matter to you?”
“Well, screw me for trying to be your friend.”
A humorless laugh escapes me at his sudden interest. “I have enough of those.”
Cane seems to be done leaving me alone. It’s safe to say I misjudged his standoff behavior. He raises a palm. “Okay, whatever. Forget about it. Enjoy your night.”
I jut my chin up. “Same to you.”
“Going to Howlers. Cheers.” He offers a limp salute before turning on his heel and stomping to his car.
I track his retreating form with a fierce glare. The tension in my muscles spiked with each passing moment. The throbbing pulse stabbing into my temples isn’t helping. This afternoon just took a turn for the worse, and my mood is plummeting with the descent. Fucking awesome. The only thing stopping a spiral is my plan for this evening. Tonight will be better. And that’s my cue to blow this joint.
Ferocious tidal waves whoosh in my ears while I storm from wall to wall locking the place up. All the materials remain in scattered piles across the living room. There isn’t much use cleaning up at this stage in the game. With a resounding slam, I’m out of there. I remove my toolbelt with a harsh tug and sling the heavy leather over my shoulder. The gravel crunches under my boots as I walk to my truck. I toss my gear into the bed, metal banging loud enough to make an echo.
I’ve never been more thankful for the short trip to my house. Two songs have blared from start to finish through the crackling speakers when I pull into the drive. I hop out, alternating barks and yelps immediately cutting through the stillness. Bear is waiting on his hind legs when I open the door. Before I can consider petting him, he leaps forward and dashes into the yard with his snout to the ground. I allow the barest hint of a smile to tip my lips. That dog is good for the sour soul.
With my temper already unwinding, I trek upstairs. The unfinished projects littered along the way don’t bother me for once. There’s a new goal in my forefront. I need to push the reset button and wash this day off me.
It takes me less than ten minutes to shower and toss on clean clothes. I feel lighter on my feet while stepping outside. Bear follows close behind, making sure to mark every tree we pass. The humidity hasn’t cracked and a fresh round of sweat quickly dots my brow. That’ll make for an even better ride.
The detached garage is marginally cooler and offers a slight breeze. I stride to the far corner with a tremble twitching my fingers. There, still in the box, is a helmet. Shiny, pink, and another symbol of wishful thinking. Turns out that fleck of hope wasn’t in vain, and is coming in handy if this morning was any indication. Dismal days forced me into wanting more from life. That’s one of the harsh outlooks that kept me moving forward. It’s a shitload easier to give up, my mother is realistic proof of that. But that small voice never quit whispering sweet promises of better moments to come. Sutton led me through my darkest points without even realizing. Or maybe she does. That connection between us hums in my gut. No more stalling.
I rip open the packaging and strap her helmet to the side of my bike. My foolish planning is beginning to pay off. No one has been on the back. She’ll be the first, and only.
Bear paws at my leg, tilting his head to the side and giving me the pitiful puppy-dog eyes. I kneel in front of him and scratch his scruff. “Don’t be sad, boy. I’m gonna pick up Sutton and go for a fast spin. We’ll be back soon.”
His ears lift and flick a bit. He adds in a whine for good measure.
I comb through the thick fur down his sides. Bear flops down and offers his stomach. I indulge him for a few minutes, scratching the spot that gets his leg spinning. With a clap, I stand and prop open the door leading to his run. “There. You can enjoy the great outdoors while I’m gone.”
But he’s done listening. Bear is racing back and forth along the chain fencing, chasing a squirrel or an imaginary bunny. I can’t be too sure which one. A rumble rolls off my chest, releasing the remaining strain. It’s going to be a damn good night.
Without overthinking anything else, I straddle the leather seat and walk my hog onto the driveway. I dig out my phone and the screen lights up with a plain background. Maybe it’s time to change that too. I tap over to contacts. Sutton’s number is the only one in my favorites, always has been.
Me: Where are you?
The three dots appear immediately. I smirk at that. Glad I’m not the only one jonesing.
Sutt: Steeped.
Me: On the corner of First and Hill?
Sutt: That’s the place.
Me: Be there soon.
I pocket my cell before she responds. It’s time to get my girl.
16
