Russell Hayes looks like a carbon copy of Wilder, only clean-shaven and with a lot more grey in his hair.
“And this here is Copper.” He pats Copper’s shoulder and runs his hand along it. “He’s as solid as they come. Best damn working horse there is.”
I can’t shake the tightness in my chest as Callie takes a step closer to the fence. “Can I touch him?”
Pops beams at her. “You sure can. He really likes a good scratch under his chin.”
She does exactly that, and Copper lowers his head against her shoulder. I turn my face to the sky, unable to watch the scene play out any longer.
She giggles. “He’s sweet.”
“Yup. Big ol’ softie,” Pops replies. “I should get back to work. You stop by the big house yet?”
I slide my hands into my pockets to hide the slight tremble in them. “Not yet. Headed there after this.”
“Alright. Your mama’s expecting you.”
“Wouldn’t dream of disappointing Evelyn Hayes.”
What was meant to be a playful quip comes out all wrong.
“And you’ll rein in that attitude before you get there. I know you’ve got some shit you need to reckon with, but you’re not gonna put that burden on your mama today.” He puts his hat back on and turns on that Russell Hayes charm like he didn’t just hand me my ass. “Nice meeting you, Callie. I’m sure we’ll be seeing you around.”
“What was all that about?” she asks once he’s gone. “Did I miss something?”
“We’d better get going.” I turn my back on Callie and head for the truck.
“Jax.” She jogs to catch up with me, but I don’t look back.
I don’t want her to see the pain written all over my face. I slam my fist on the roof and rest my forehead against my arm, taking several deep breaths to steady myself.
A soft hand presses against my spine. “Hey. Are you ok?”
“Callie. Baby. Please get in the truck. I just need a minute.”
Her touch disappears, and my guilt amplifies tenfold. Callie doesn’t deserve to be on the receiving end of my shitty mood.
I don’t know what I was thinking, bringing her here. She needs a partner who has their shit together, not someone who’s still stuck in the past—or worse, buried six feet under right along with it. I could’ve easily offered herthe guest cabin up the road, but the thought never crossed my mind.
I was selfish, and now I’ve hurt her.
I slide into the driver’s seat and grip the steering wheel. Callie’s expression, once so filled with awe, is now steeped with concern. Where I expected to see hurt, I find sympathy instead. I should’ve known she’d be the one to offer me understanding—she’s special that way. Kindness is inherent to who she is. She may be wary, at times, but in spite of everything she’s been through, she hasn’t let it harden her.
I press my thumb against the opposite palm, massaging my pressure point in a harsh grip that leaves behind angry red marks on the back of my hand.
I glance out at the ranch, catching sight of Copper somewhere off in the distance. “I have a complicated history with this place. With Copper.”
“We don’t have to talk about it.” Callie’s gentle touch replaces mine, soothing me with the delicate brush of her fingertips along my abused flesh. “But I’m here for you if that’s what you need.”
This time, I don’t hesitate. I couldn’t resist her even if I wanted to—not with the way she’s touching me. It feels like I’ve spent months reaching for her, and it’s the first time she’s reached back. I brush a soft kiss against her knuckles.
Her pupils dilate, and she blushes an adorable shade of pink. I can’t help but wonder what else I could do to make her look like that.
“We’d better get over there before Mama sends out a search party.”
It’s a short distance to the big house. I pull into the circular drive and park next to Emmy’s bright pink ride-on Jeep.
Callie hops out of the truck. “Wow, even the four-year-old has a nicer car than me,” she says.
