My entire body locked. “Cody showed up at the Kettle yesterday?”
“Yup.” Jensen chuckled. “I thought Arthur was going to smack him with his cane.”
I clenched and flexed my fists. “And why didn’t you call to tell me?”
Jensen’s brow furrowed. “Why would I? I had it handled.”
That familiar muscle in my cheek ticked. “Sure, why would you tell me anything?” I started back up the hill. She didn’t owe me anything, we weren’t together, we were simply bed buddies. For the first time in my life, I hated that. I wanted more. I wanted the right to call her mine. But that wasn’t in the cards. Maybe we needed to end this thing now while we could still be friends.
“Tuck, wait.” Jensen hurried behind me, but her shorter strides couldn’t compete with mine. “Would you slow down, you giant behemoth?”
I wouldn’t let her adorableness melt my resolve. I kept right on climbing.
“Seriously? Oh, shit!”
I turned just in time to see Jensen’s arms wind-milling as she teetered backward. I dropped the sled and ran towards her, but I wasn’t fast enough. She fell back and began rolling down the hill.
“Awesome! I’m gonna do that!” Noah shouted from the hilltop.
I jogged after Jensen, doing my best not to bite it myself. By the time I reached the bottom of the hill, Jensen was a human snow cone. She spluttered and coughed as she wiped snow away from her face.
“Are you okay?”
“I think so.” She extended a hand. “Will you help me up?”
“Of course.” I reached out to pull her to her feet when she gave my hand a swift, hard tug. I always forgot how strong Jensen was, but that lean frame packed a punch. Soon, I was lying face-first in a snow bank. “What the hell was that for?”
“That,” she said, pelting more snow at me, “was for being a jackass and not stopping to explain what I did to piss you off.”
My teeth ground together, but I said nothing.
Jensen let out an exasperated sigh. “I’m going to tell you the same thing that I tell Noah. Use your words.”
I grunted.
“Well, that was a sound, so it’s closer.”
I tossed a pile of snow at her. “I wanted you to call me.”
Jensen’s forehead furrowed. “You wanted me to call you?”
“When some jackass shows up at your shop and gives you trouble? I want you to call me. Even if you have it handled, I still want you to call. I know we’re just friends who are fooling around, but I want you to call.”
Jensen’s expression gentled. “Next time, I’ll call.”
My jaw dropped. “That’s it? You just agree?”
A smile stretched over her face. “That’s what happens when you’re a big boy and use your words.”
“That’s it. You’re going down.” I dove for Jensen, heaping as much snow on her as I could. “Come on, Noah, we gotta get her.”
Noah charged over from where he’d landed at the bottom of the hill and leapt on us both. As I held them both in my arms, this woman and her son, both giggling and shrieking, I knew one thing with absolute certainty. No matter how this thing ended…I was totally and completely fucked.
20
Jensen
I studied the girl who sat across from me at one of the tables near the front windows of the Kettle. She wasn’t at all what I’d expected. She was young, maybe in her early twenties. While her clothes were just the slightest bit worn, there was an elegance to her that I couldn’t quite explain.
I took a sip of my tea. “So, Kennedy, what brings you to Sutter Lake?”
Kennedy set down her cup. The movement came with practiced ease, her back remaining straight, and the cup not giving even the slightest rattle in the saucer. “To be honest, I needed a fresh start.”
My brows rose. “There trouble that’s going to try and follow you to this fresh start?”
A shadow passed over Kennedy’s eyes, but she shook her head. “No, nothing like that. I had some family issues, and it was just time for me to stand on my own two feet.”
I so understood the desire for that. “Do you have any experience working in a restaurant environment?”
Kennedy straightened the napkin in her lap, picking at a thread on the corner. “No. The only long-term work experience I have is interning at a law firm and some volunteer work. I served food at one of my volunteer jobs, but I’ve never prepared it. I promise I’m a hard worker and a quick learner.”
I fought the sigh that wanted to surface. Teaching someone from the ground up would be a pain in the ass, but there was just something about this young woman that made me want to help her. It was the same tingle I’d gotten when Tessa had shown up looking for a job, and hiring her had been the best decision I’d ever made. “You found a place to live?”
Kennedy shook her head. “I’m staying at the motel for now until I’m sure I found a job. Then I’ll start looking for somewhere to rent.”
My face scrunched up. “That place is awful. You can’t keep staying there.”
Kennedy let out a light laugh. “It’s not so bad.”
“You should be scared of catching something incurable from those rooms.”
Kennedy took another sip of her tea. “I did do a pretty thorough cleaning after I checked in.”
I shook my head. “Well, at least there’s that. How many hours a week are you looking to work?”
Her face brightened. “I’ll take as many as you’re willing to give.”
“We start early here. Six a.m. to four p.m., usually. I’ll pay you an hourly rate, and I’ve got a studio apartment upstairs that you can stay in if you’ll help me with inventory each month.” I freaking despised inventory.
Kennedy straightened even further in her seat. “Could I see the apartment?”
I stood from my chair. “Of course, come on.”
I motioned to my mom, who was helping out behind the counter, telling her with gestures that I was taking Kennedy upstairs. She smiled. I led the way down the hall and up the back steps. Unclipping a keyring from my belt loop, I unlocked the door. When I pushed it open, Kennedy gasped.
“Oh my God. This is perfect.”
I watched as she glided through the space, running a hand across the worn quilt at the end of the bed, peeking in the bathroom, checking out the kitchen.
“All utilities included. There’s internet, but no TV.”
Kennedy beamed at me. “That’s amazing.” Her smile faltered a bit. “There might be one problem.”
Uh-oh. “What’s that?”
She nibbled on her lip. “I have a dog. He’s small,” she rushed on. “Around twenty pounds. And very well behaved.”
“Does he bark?” I loved dogs, but I couldn’t have one barking all day when customers came into the shop to relax.
Kennedy shook her head. “He’s deaf as a doornail so he wouldn’t even know when there was something to bark at.”
I chuckled. “Then he’s welcome.”
Kennedy jumped up, clapping her hands together and doing a little squeal. Then she threw her arms around me. “Thank you so much. This is amazing. I promise I will be the best employee you’ve ever had.” She pulled back as if suddenly realizing that she was hugging someone who was basically a stranger. “Sorry, I’m just so damn excited.” Her cheeks heated. “Eeeek, and I’m sorry for cursing.”
I laughed harder. “Believe me, cursing around here is just fine. Just try not to do it in front of any customers. Or my nine-year-old.”
Kennedy sobered. “Of course.”
“Let’s go downstairs and get your paperwork all filled out, and a copy of your driver’s license made.” I braced to see if she balked at that. I wasn’t totally convinced that Kennedy wasn’t running from something. But she just nodded and followed me down the stairs.
When the paperwork was done, I looked across the desk. “Do you need someone to help cart all your stuff over here?” Kennedy had arrived on a bicycle, and riding that th
ing in the snow and ice did not give me the warm and fuzzies for her.
“That would actually be great. I can get around fine walking or on my bike, but with my suitcase and Chuck, a car might be the safer bet.”
My pen paused. “Chuck?”
Kennedy grinned. “My dog.”
“Ahh. Well, I can come over with my SUV tomorrow afternoon, would that work?”
“That’s perfect. And thank you again for the opportunity. I promise I won’t let you down.”
I walked Kennedy out, little worry lines creasing my forehead as I watched her get on her bike and head down Main Street.
“Is that girl riding a bike in this weather?” my mom asked from behind me.
I turned and crossed to the counter. “I don’t think she has a car.”
Worry lines that mirrored my own appeared on my mom’s forehead. “You gave her the job, didn’t you?”
I grinned. My mom and I were two peas in a pod on this subject. When someone needed a hand up, and we could help, there was just no way we could say no. “Of course, I did.”
“Thank goodness.”
I rounded the counter and wrapped an arm around my mom. “You might not be saying that for long. She’s never worked in a restaurant setting before, I’m going to have to train her from the ground up.”
My mom gave my waist a squeeze. “I’ll help out as much as you need. It’ll be worth it.”
The bell over the door jingled, and Arthur pushed his way in, cane in hand. “It’s as slippery as a buttery nipple out there.”
“Arthur!” my mom chided.
I chuckled. “Come on in and get warm, old man.”
Arthur crossed to the counter. “Who you callin’ old, missy? I could take you any day of the week.”
I grinned. “I know you could. So, you want your usual?”
“Yes, please.” His face sobered. “How you holding up with the news?”
My brows pulled together. “What news?” My stomach flipped. Had someone found out that Cody was Noah’s dad and that he was back in town?
Arthur’s eyes widened a fraction. “I thought Tuck would’ve told you already. They found another horse dead yesterday morning.”
My mind flashed back to the day with Tuck. He had to have known. Why hadn’t he told me? My blood started to heat. He didn’t want me knowing, that’s why. “Thanks for letting me know. Do you have any idea where they found the mustang?”
Arthur’s eyes grew sad. “Near Clintock’s spot.”
I nodded and turned to my mom. “I need to go check on something. Can you handle the shop for a few hours?”
“Sure, honey. But be careful.”
“I will.” I held up my cell. “I’ve got my phone if you need me. I’ll be back by three.”
I grabbed my coat and headed towards the feed store. It was just after lunch, and there was usually an influx of ranchers around that time. If Tuck wasn’t going to keep me in the loop, I’d just have to find the information another way.
I pushed open the door to the feed store, a bell ringing as I did. A handful of men standing at the counter turned at the sound. The welcome was not the warmest. The feed store owner, Ken, and Bill were the only ones to give me polite smiles.
My gaze caught on a figure in the corner. There was something familiar in his form, his shoulders, the set of his jaw. Tuck’s father. He grinned down at a woman who worked at the store before reaching out and giving her braid a teasing tug. My stomach pitched. He was certainly getting more brazen. Poor Mrs. Harris.
Ken cleared his throat as he set down the papers in his hand. “Miss Jensen, what can I help you with today?”
I straightened my shoulders and focused on the task at hand. “I’m actually just looking for a little information.”
Ken’s brow furrowed. “I’ll help if I can.”
I turned to the rest of the men at the counter. “I thought you might be able to help me. Do you know what happened to the mustang up by Clintock’s spread?”
Tom, the man who had come into the Kettle with Bill a few weeks ago, snickered. “It got what it deserved.”
My blood began to heat. But before I could say anything, Ken stepped in. “I won’t have that kind of talk in my shop.”
Tom made a rude sound. The rest of the men stayed silent.
Bill stepped forward. “Jensen, why don’t I walk you to your car?”
I eyed him. “Sure.” My SUV wasn’t even here, but it didn’t matter.
We headed back out the door. When we made it to the end of the block, Bill tugged lightly on my elbow to stop my progress. “I know you care about those horses, but you can’t come into the feed store asking those kinds of questions. Those men,”—he looked back to the store—“they aren’t going to respond well. And there’s already enough tension.”
I gritted my teeth. “I just want to know what’s going on. And I’m not up there every day, you guys are.”
Bill held up his hands. “I get that you’re concerned. But see it from our perspective. Those horses hurt our ability to put food on the table for our families. And I’m sorry some of them have been killed, but I’m always going to prioritize my family over some four-legged creatures.”
My shoulders slumped. I’d find no help or information here. “I’m sorry I put you in a bad position.”
Bill gave me a gentle smile. “It’s okay. And just so you know, I haven’t seen anything suspicious going on up there. It truly might just be a couple of accidents.”
I wished I could believe him. “Thanks anyway, Bill.” I gave him a wave as I headed back towards the Kettle. Instead of heading inside like I should’ve, I made my way to the parking lot in the back. I hopped into my SUV and headed for the ranch.
I needed a few stolen minutes with my mustangs. Something to ease the pain in my chest. My vehicle bumped over the gravel road, but as I caught sight of my herd, a little of that pain eased.
I slipped from my SUV and walked to the fence line. Phoenix was the first to greet me. “Hey, girl.” I pressed my forehead to hers, breathing in her scent and letting her spirit soothe me. “Just needed to see you guys.”
I looked out at the pasture. The twenty or so mustangs huddled in groupings, some ran and played, others snacked on hay, and some just soaked up the bright sun on this cool winter day. I spotted Willow with two other mares, doing some sunbathing.
“You taking care of our new girl?”
Phoenix let out a little huff of air as if to say, “of course.”
I sighed, stroking Phoenix’s neck. “I’m glad you’re safe.” I might not be able to protect my wild friends, but at least this herd was protected.
I slumped onto my bed. I was so tired, I could barely convince myself that crawling under the covers was vital, even on a winter night. I’d spent the rest of the afternoon catching up on baking tasks since I’d taken that unexpected hour off during the middle of the day. Then I’d spent all evening chasing Noah around. From karate to ice cream to dinner with my family and too many bedtime stories to count. I was exhausted.
My phone buzzed on my nightstand. I slapped the surface until I found it.
Tuck: You up for a midnight rendezvous, Wilder? I could climb in your bedroom window.
I was too tired to still be angry with Tuck. But it had melted into a pouting sort of hurt.
Me: I’m spent. Already in bed actually and about to crash.
It wasn’t a lie. But it wasn’t the whole truth either. I was aware that I was being a total hypocrite when I’d given Tuck so much shit the other day for not telling me what he was so upset about. But I needed time to process and figure out what I had a right to be pissed about and what I needed to give him the benefit of the doubt on.
Tuck: Get some rest. Maybe you should ask your mom to open for you tomorrow so you can sleep in.
My lips pressed together. This was part of the problem. Tuck was always so dang overprotective, in every sense of the word. There was one part of me that loved it, the feeling of b
eing precious to someone. The other half of me hated it. That wilder part of me that was determined to stand on my own and not have anyone even dare to try and fence me in.
Me: I’m fine. I just need a few hours’ sleep.
Tuck: Stop being grouchy. I just don’t want you to get so run down you get sick. Then I won’t be able to kiss you all over.
A little of my frustration melted.
Me: It’s about time you put your mouth to good use.
Tuck: Throw down the gauntlet like that, and I’ll be over there in a flash, not giving a fuck if you don’t get any sleep.
My belly clenched. No, Jensen. Not tonight. You need to figure out just what you’re doing with this man.
Me: Go away. I’m trying to sleep like a good girl.
Tuck: You wouldn’t know good if it bit you in the ass. And just to be clear, I like it that way…
I chuckled and set my phone on the nightstand and turned out the light. It was mere minutes before sleep took me under, but it wasn’t long before the dreams found me. This time, it wasn’t just Bryce trying to kill me, it was a shadowy figure who was trying to kill me and the mustangs. And when I called out for Tuck, he never came…
21
Tuck
I poured another cup of crappy break-room coffee. I’d slept for shit last night, and this afternoon was dragging. I couldn’t put my finger on why exactly, but it seemed like Jensen had been blowing me off. That familiar muscle in my cheek ticked. It’d better not be because she was giving that fucker, Cody, a second shot. I would step aside if Jensen found a good man, but I wasn’t stepping aside for some dipshit.
“Tuck, there you are. I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” David appeared in the doorway to the break room, looking annoyed.
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