He leaned in close, hovering his mouth over mine. I waited with a slightly gaped mouth, anticipating his kiss. But he just stood there, smiling with pride, knowing he just caught me in a lie.
“Whatever.” I pushed him away and stepped back. “I should hurry. My mom’s waiting.” My body spun as I continued towardsthe bunkhouse door. My face burned and my entire body was buzzing from the way he made me feel.
Fuck, what is happening to me? It was just a one night stand. It meant nothing.
My hands squeezed around the Tupperware.
Right?
Chapter Nine
Lucille
“Here you go, kiddo.”Cooper handed me a cold water bottle from the cooler. “Stay hydrated or this ol’ Texas heat will kick your ass.” He wasn’t joking.
I wiped my forehead and threw the shovel aside. “Thanks.” I gripped the water and immediately began to chug it.
“Easy.”
The water dripped down my chin and onto my shirt. “Fuck,” I panted.
Cooper chuckled and sat down in the back of the truck bed. “You did good today. I was worried I wouldn’t get this fence done before sundown by myself.” He took his hat off and waved it around, fanning his old self. “I owe you one, kid.”
I blew a raspberry. “You don’t owe me anything, old man.” I grabbed the shovels and tools and sat them in the truck bed next to him. “I’m just glad I could help.”
Truthfully, I needed the distraction. It had been a bit rough at the hospital. I could only stand to be there for so long, and Mom must’ve noticed since she told me to take a few days and rest. But I couldn't sit still. And no matter how much I tried, my brain just wouldn’t shut up. So, I sought Cooper out to keep me busy, which he had.
The old man eyed me closely. “How are things going with your brother? I hear they got him in some kind of physical therapy.”
“Yeah. It’s not been an easy time for him. Or mom.” I paused. “We knew the reality of his situation with the spinal injury, but Boone’s struggling a bit now that there’s a possibility of coming home soon. “
Cooper nodded. “Is he still going to therapy?”
“Yeah. I told him he doesn't have a choice.” I giggled faintly.
“And how areyoudoing, kiddo? I know it’s a lot being back here, helping with your brother…hearing that Forsythe owns the ranch. I imagine it can’t be easy.”
You’re telling me.
I kicked at the dirt with my boots. “It’s not easy, but it’s gotten better. You know I’ve spent a long time getting help and trying to live with what happened here.” I glanced out along the ranch, seeing the beauty in it. “Those first couple days were hard…I even saw my dad.” Cooper didn’t speak. My eyes fell to the ground as I continued to speak. “I still have nightmares of that night. And every time I see my leg, I’m reminded of what happened.Whyit happened.” I stopped, feeling the tears gather in my eyes. “It’ll always hurt. But…I’m getting there.” I looked over at the old man as he offered me a warm smile. “As for Boone, well, I’m doing what I can.”
“And Forsythe?”
I stopped and my eyes returned to the ground. “What about him?” I asked quietly.
Just hearing his name made my body react.
“I’m sure hearing your daddy left Bone Ridge to him was tough.”
I scoffed. “It was.”
Cooper scratched his forehead. “And now?”
The wind blew my hair across my face as I thought deeply about his question. “Now, I’m still upset.” I looked up at him. “He was my dad, and this place is my home. But…it’s his home too. And as much as I hate to admit it, I get why he did it.” My head raised as I stared into the evening sky, admiring the vibrant colors painted along it as the sun began to set. “I think Dad would be proud of him taking charge, holding this place down. It’s all he really ever wanted.”
The old man hopped down from the truck bed and slammed it shut. “He also wanted you to find peace.” He approached me and placed a hand on my shoulder. “And from what I’m seeing, you’re not far from doing just that.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked playfully.
