Lazily, she leaned back against the pillows and smiled. His voice sounded sexy on the phone, and her stomach fluttered.
“The blisters burn every once in a while. Showers suck. Sledge covers my hand and arm, but it makes it hard to holdthe soap. Let’s not even get into washing my hair. I’m managing, and feel lucky it’s my only complaint,” she said, twirling her fingers in her hair.
“Good. Doc mentioned he gave you a couple of days off. I’m waiting on the insurance investigator to get back to me. I hoped you might like to come out and spend the day at the ranch.”
“Today?” she asked.
“If you’re up to it. You’ve experienced a harrowing few days, and it might give you a break,” he suggested, sounding nervous.
“I don’t know how to get to your place. I’ll ask one of the veterans…”
“I’ll pick you up,” he offered before she even finished her sentence. “I’m meeting with Leo and Chase in about thirty minutes. Then, I can swing by in about an hour and a half to get you.”
Scarlett sat up, pulling the blankets off her. “Uh, sure.”
“Great, I’ll see you soon,” he said, hanging up.
She bit her lip as her hand went to her hair. Hitting the number Candy assigned to the hospital, she waited for the operator.
“Winter Foundation, how may I help you?” the receptionist answered.
“May I speak with Kassie Winters, please? It’s Scarlett Peterson.”
“Hold please.”
A minute later, Kassie answered, “Hello, Scarlett. Is everything all right?”
“Uh, yeah. Ty called me and asked if I'd like to visit his ranch today. He plans on picking me up in an hour and a half. May I ask you a favor? Can you help me put on my makeup again? I still don’t know what I’ll wear, and I’ll haveto put my hair in a ponytail. Maybe if I wore a hat, he won’t notice. I’m sure you’re probably busy, forget it.”
“Slow down, Scarlett,” Kassie giggled. “I took the morning off to help Lizzy with a few arrangements. Slip into jeans and a T-shirt. I’m coming to get you.”
“Oh no, help Lizzy,” she protested.
“Debbie made her wishes known, and we’ve already arranged everything, and we’ll set it in motion at a later date. We can’t do anything until the coroner does an autopsy and releases Debbie. We’re chatting. Lizzy needs to return home to the kids, and I’ll be there in ten minutes. Bring Ice, and I’ll pick you up,” she said mysteriously.
“Thanks,” she said before hanging up.
Throwing on a shirt and jeans, she brushed her teeth and longed for a nice, long shower. Scarlett brushed her hair back and awkwardly twisted the ponytail holder in. Attaching the leash to Ice, she led him outside to do his business.
She heard the truck pull into the driveway and waved in Kassie’s direction. Ice walked by her side, and she picked up the backpack with all her makeup in it.
“Let’s get going,” Kassie called, guiding her to the truck. She seemed excited about something, making Scarlett feel left out of the secret.
“We can do my stuff here. You didn’t have to come get me,” she said, buckling her seatbelt.
“I’m taking you to the spa. Chase booked me a monthly appointment for some mommy time. I texted Ty and asked him to pick you up there, telling him I needed you.”
“A spa? I’ve never visited one,” she admitted. “How expensive is it?”
“Don’t worry about it. We usually make one for the women veterans when they graduate. You’re excelling,and we decided to give it to you early. Samantha will love getting her hands on your hair. Plus, she does makeup better than any of us. I imagine bathing sucks with your hand situation. You’ll feel like a brand new woman,” Kassie said, pulling into the driveway.
They entered, and Scarlett breathed in the relaxing scent of the spa.
“Hey, ladies, take a seat. I’ll take Scarlett back first since we’re on a time crunch. Susanna and Lori will be right out,” Samantha greeted them.
“I have Ice, will he be a problem?” she asked hesitantly.
“No. My husband, Whiskey, has a service dog named Hope. Ice will be fine.” Samantha led her back and down a long hallway. “I’m giving your body a sugar scrub and moisturizer. Strip down and cover yourself with the sheet on the bed in front of you. I’ll get your clothes. Ice may go into the dog bed in the right corner on the opposite side, and I’ll bring him water.”
