Brock swayed on his boot heels. Payton reached out to steady him but he shifted away from her touch to grab the heavy oak bar. “I’m good. Just got the wind knocked out of me.”
Sheriff Lane moved close enough to grab Brock as well. Payton moved aside to let the big man closer. The Sheriff had only been on the job about five years, but he had a good head on his massive shoulders.
“You need to listen to Payton, Brock. I don’t think it would hurt to get checked out.”
Brock shook his dark head and swung down to grab his black Stetson from the floor. His arms went pinwheeling, but he still managed to keep his feet as he jammed the hat over his black curls. “I’m good, damn it. She just wants to get her damn hands on me.”
Payton felt the blush creep into her cheeks and it pissed her off more than anything that he could still get a rise out of her. “You’re a hard-headed goat, Brock Lowell, but it’s my job to make sure you’re okay, whether you want me to or not.”
“Whatever.”
“So, are you refusing care?”
“Hell, yes, I’m refusing care.”
Sheriff Lane held up a hand to stop Brock from walking away.
“You need to chill out a little bit, Brock. She’s trying to help you.”
Brock snorted and headed out the door of the bar. As soon as he saw Ronnie, who was now in handcuffs, he smirked. “When you gonna learn to keep your mouth shut, Critman?”
Sheriff Lane grasped his arm. “Back of my truck, Lowell. You’re in no shape to be left alone.”
Brock jerked his arm away in anger, and Payton winced. He was only making it worse for himself.
“Why are you taking me to jail? They started it.”
Sheriff shook his head. “I know they’re mouthy, but I have witness statements that you took the first swing. You either go with me peacefully or I charge you. Which is it?”
Brock scowled. “You’re just Mr. Goody-two-shoes, aren’t you Sheridan? You won’t arrest me because it’ll make my sister mad.”
The sheriff laughed and shook his head. “I think your sister would tell me to haul you to jail and throw away the key.”
Payton snorted as well, because that’s exactly what would happen. Cheyenne Lowell pulled no punches and had no patience for stupidity. There were too many other things going on that needed their attention.
And he knew that, even as drunk as he was. With a wince, Brock headed in the direction the sheriff pointed and climbed into the back of the SUV. Payton caught the gasp as he climbed in and pulled the door shut behind himself.
Payton and the sheriff shared a look. “If he starts to throw up or anything,” she warned, “let me know. I think he just passed out on the floor in there. Beau’s fist helped him down, and he’ll be sore tomorrow, but I think he’ll be okay.”
Sheriff Lane nodded. “Yeah. I thought he was done working out his issues.”
Payton sighed. “I know, Sheridan. I think Chad’s wedding news has him extra shook.”
The sheriff turned to her, head cocked. “Wait, Chad’s getting married?”
Payton nodded. “I talked to Cheyenne earlier. It’s not going to be a big affair, but they want to have it on the ranch in a few months. You hadn’t heard?”
Sheridan shook his head. “Nah, I was in a conference in Austin till a few hours ago.”
Sighing, she reached out to rest a hand on her friend’s arm, then turned to head back to the rig. She was a little younger than Chad, but they’d been in high school together. She remembered all the excitement when he left for the Marines, then the following heartbreak when he came back wounded. Lora seemed to be the perfect match for him, and he’d waited patiently for her to be ready for marriage.
Seems like everyone else around here was striking out.
She glanced at the sheriff’s truck again. Brock had tipped his head back against the seat and his eyes were shut. For a moment, just before Sheridan pulled away, Brock lifted his head and opened his eyes. Payton waited for him to turn his head and look at her, but he didn’t.
Well, wasn’t that the story of her life?
Brock’s story, Untying his Not, will be available at the end of August on all platforms. You can preorder now!
Forget Me Not Page 14