“With you?” she says. “I’m ready for anything.”
And as we walk out of that barn together, hands linked, faces turned toward the sunset, I know that whatever comes next, we’ll face it together. We’ll build something beautiful here, something lasting. We’ll create the kind of love story that Truett talked about, the kind that withstands anything life throws at it.
Because she’s right. We’re ready for anything, as long as we’re together.
TWENTY-SIX
ATLEE
It’s beenthe slowest day here at the pharmacy, probably because it’s so hot outside. Summer has hit in full force here in Grizzly River, and most everyone is tubing on the town’s namesake. I wish like fuck I were there right now, but someone has to man the pharmacy, and since I’m the low man on the totem pole, that’s me.
“You sure you’re going to be okay here by yourself?”
Exasperation makes me answer with an exaggerated, “Yes, just because I’m stuck here doesn’t mean you should be too, Pay.” My coworker, Payton, has been nice enough to stay with me, but now that we have an hour until closing, it doesn’t seem like there’s any sense in her staying.
“All right, but if you need anything, you can call me.”
“I know. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
I watch as she clocks out and leaves, wishing like hell that I could go with her. These last sixty minutes are going to be the longest of my life. Grabbing my phone, I start scrolling through social media, stopping on the pictures that Aubree has posted of the Nelson brothers.
Devlin. The strong, silent type. He’s so fucking hot. Older than I should be attracted to. A whole decade separates us, but I can’t stop thinking about him. Not since he came to get me the night that Truett was shot. He and I text sometimes, and talk sometimes too, but it’s never gone any further than that.
I’m glancing down at a picture of him when the bell rings, signaling a customer. I glance up and greet them with a smile, but my blood runs cold, and the smile is quickly wiped off my face.
The man standing in front of me is wearing a black ski mask despite the sweltering heat, and there’s something metallic glinting in his right hand. My heart stops beating for a full second before it kicks back into overdrive, hammering against my ribs so hard I’m sure he can hear it.
“Don’t make a fucking sound,” he growls, his voice muffled but menacing. He steps closer to the counter, and I can see his eyes through the holes in the mask—cold, desperate, wild. The gun in his hand shakes slightly, but not enough to give me any comfort. “I want everything you’ve got in the narcotics safe. Now.”
My mouth goes dry as sandpaper. “I-I can’t get into the safe,” I stammer, my voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t have the combination. Only my boss can?—”
“Bullshit!” He slams his free hand on the counter, making me jump back. “You work here. You can get into it. Don’t lie to me!”
“I’m not lying,” I insist, my hands trembling as I hold them up in surrender. “I swear to God, I’m just a pharmacy tech. The pharmacist has to be here to access the controlled substances. It’s the law.”
His eyes narrow, and I can see him weighing whether to believe me. The seconds stretch out like hours, my pulse thundering in my ears.
“Fine,” he finally spits. “Call your boss. Tell them to get down here and open it. And if you try anything stupid, I’ll put a bullet in you before you can blink.”
I nod frantically, reaching for the phone with shaking hands. But instead of calling my boss, my fingers automatically dial the number I’ve memorized by heart. Devlin’s number.
Please pick up, please pick up, please…
“Atlee?” His deep voice comes through the speaker, and relief floods through me so intensely, I nearly collapse.
“Hi, Mr. Patterson,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady while the masked man leans closer to listen. “I need you to come down to the pharmacy right away. There’s been a…situation that requires your immediate attention.”
There’s a pause, and I can practically hear Devlin’s mind working. He knows I don’t call him Mr. Patterson. Ever.
“Atlee, what’s wrong?” His voice is sharp now, alert.
“Yes, sir, I understand this is unusual, but I need you to access the narcotics safe. There’s someone here who needs…” I glance at the gunman. “Who needs you to open it immediately.”
“Jesus Christ,” Devlin breathes. “Are you in danger? Is someone there with a weapon?”
“Yes, that’s correct. How soon can you be here?”
“I’m five minutes out. I was heading to town anyway. Stay calm, sweetheart. I’m coming.”
