A little bit of color comes back into her cheeks as she smiles. “Well then, I’ve gotta see this.”
Absolute Mindfuck
Sawyer
My phone rings just as I step out of the shower. I don't recognize the number, and honestly, I don’t have the energy for much of anything, so I let it go to voicemail. This is definitely the beginning of a flare-up, and I hate that it’s happening when Pops is dealing with so much and needs my help with Wes.
At least Wes ishere, and he’s dismounted his high horse long enough to help around the ranch.
For now.
I’m not sure how long he’ll last, but he seemed to enjoy the training session with Luci this afternoon.
Damnit. NowI’musing the stupid nickname he gave the horse.
Watching him with Lucifer shook up all my previous judgments. Whatever chip he had on his shoulder when he first got here is slowlydisappearing. His face lit up as he sweet-talked the horse, grooming him until his black coat was free of debris and brushed to a shine. By the end of the grooming session, Luci was quite literally eating out of the palm of Wes’ hand. He’d found the sugar cubes in the tack room and had brought some out to offer him.
NowI understand why Pops wanted me to have Wes help with the horses.He's a natural with them, and they bring out a gentler side of him.
He still loves it out here. At least parts of it. No matter how much he pretended to hate it when he first got here.
He’s starting to carry himself differently, and I’m here for the cowboy swagger he’s getting from spending so much time on the ranch.
I sprawl out on my bed, groaning from the deep-seated exhaustion that's weighing me down.
My phone chimes and I roll over, swiping open the text message with my thumb.
Unknown Number
This is Wes. I need to run to town to grab a few things for our dinner.
I narrow my eyes at the screen. My fingers are losing dexterity from the joints swelling, so I click the call button instead of texting.
"Miss me already?"
He's as bad at answering phones as I am. "Ugh. You called me first. How'd you get my number, anyway?"
"I'll be over in about an hour. Add my number to your phone so you answer next time," he says, completelyignoring my question.
"Who gave you my phone number?" Whoever it was, I was going to strangle them for handing out my personal information without my consent. I'm pretty sure that's how most unsolicited dick pics happen.
"I just wanted to see if you needed anything while I'm in town?"
What's with the considerate guy routine? I couldn't quite figure out his angle.
"Who. Gave. You. My. Number."
He chuckles over the line and the low rumble of it in my ear makes goosebumps crop up on my skin. "I don't rat out my friends. I'll bring you one of everything from the store."
Friends… that rules out Pops.
"It was Tripp, wasn't it? It better not be Allie."
"See you in an hour, Red."
The line goes dead and I drop my head back onto my pillow. Tripp was going to pay for handing out my number to Wes. He knew how I felt about the guy.
Laying down was a bad idea. I’m still wrapped in my towel, not even fully dry, but I’m too tired to move. So, I just close my eyes and let the sound of the horses whinnying out my open window soothe the utter exhaustion gnawing at my bones.
