Sheriff Baker steps forward. “Austin isn’t pressing charges for breaking in and theft, but I figured someone should drive them home and make sure they stay out of trouble.”
“I can do that.” Glancing at Austin, I ask, “Why’d you call Baker? You of all people should know Lauren wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
“I would’ve driven them home myself, but Lauren refused, and Callie was causing a scene.”
“Austin didn’t call me,” Sheriff Baker explains. “It was a noise complaint from the neighbors. I guess there was a lot of shouting.”
I can’t help but feel a small amount of pride for the women, but there’s also concern rising inside me. If theneighbors called the cops, there’s a good chance Austin was a complete asshole to Lauren again.
“Let’s get you two home. Thanks, Baker. Sorry about all of this.”
He shrugs. “This is the most exciting thing to happen to me all year. I can’t wait to tell my wife in the morning.”
Lauren and Callie get up from the steps and follow me to my truck. They’re both quiet until we turn off Austin’s street.
“You can’t tell me that jerk didn’t deserve it,” Callie mutters from the back seat.
“To have his dog stolen? What were you going to do with him? Did you think no one would notice you suddenly had Austin’s dog?”
“I guess we hadn’t really thought that far ahead.” Lauren crosses her arms.
“This doesn’t help anything. This isn’t how you move on.”
“It wasn’t about moving on. I was just worried about Poker. Austin clearly isn’t fit to look after him.”
I pull into Callie’s driveway, and they both unbuckle.
I reach out to Lauren. “I don’t think you should stay here tonight. We should talk about this.”
“But—”
“I’m worried, Lauren. This isn’t like you.” Not to mention I’m concerned Austin said some nasty things to her again. I don’t mention that part though. I don’t know if Callie knows about the night at the bar, and it’s not my place to tell her.
“But my truck is here.”
“We’ll get it tomorrow.”
Callie glances between the two of us before wisely deciding to extricate herself from the situation. “Sorry, Lo.I’ll call you tomorrow.” Callie leans in for a hug before rushing out of the truck.
Lauren looks at me with hurt eyes as I back out of the driveway. “I don’t need you to act like my big brother right now. I need a friend.”
“That’s what I’m being. I want to make sure you’re okay.”
“I’mfine.”
“Baker said he was there because of a noise complaint. What happened?”
“Austin was obviously not happy about being woken up or having his dog stolen. He shouted a bit.”
“What did he say?” I pull onto Roots Road, heading toward Copper Hill. “Did he try anything?”
Lauren slowly uncrosses her arms. “Like I’ve already told you, Austin never hurt me, not physically anyway.”
Relief washes over me for a brief moment, but it’s quickly replaced by concern. “I don’t want him to hurt you inanyway. You deserve better.”
“Thanks. I’m okay though. Nothing happened.” She stares out the window, even though it’s pitch-black on this gravel road. “We had some words, but it’s fine.”
I pull into Lauren’s driveway on the east side of the ranch. When I park and help her down, she’s stiff, like she’s restraining the emotions inside her, and it breaks my heart in two. I stroke my hand over her head in a soothing motion, clutching her close to me.
