Page 22 of Ride or Die

“Washer and dryer.” He points to a tiny mud room with a door that leads out to the side of the house.

“Bedrooms are back here.” He breezes past me, his boots echoing on the wood floor as he moves back through the small living room, and points to the two doors down the tiny corridor. “There’s two singles in one, and—” He looks at me then, his eyes scanning me briefly as he says, “And my bed in the other.”

“Are you sure about this?” I ask him. “I feel bad for… kicking you out of your own home.”

He’s quick to shake his head. “I offered. Besides, like I said, I stay at the ranch during the week anyway, so weekends ain’t no different. A lot quieter in fact, which is nice.”

I nod slowly. I don’t know anything about ranches or cowboys, or what they even do day-to-day, but the last thing I would want is to displace someone.

“Alright, well…” Cole presses his lips together in the semblance of a smile, nodding once. “I’ll get outta your hair.”

“What do you say, kids?” I look at Tommy.

A small grin curls his lips. “Thanks, Cole.”

“You’re welcome, bud.”

“Bil?” I give Billie’s shoulders a little nudge, but instead of thanking Cole, she practically launches herself at him, throwing her arms around his waist and hugging him tight.

Cole startles, arms held out, uncertainty in his gaze as he looks at me.

“Sorry,” I murmur, attempting to pull Billie off him.

“S’okay.” He chuckles, patting her on her back tentatively.

“Thank you, Mister Cole.” Billie looks up at him, offering her most adorable, butter-wouldn’t-melt smile, one which he returns, full dimples and all.

“You got a sec?” His smile falters when he looks at me.

“Sure.” I nod. “Billie baby, you stay in here with your brother, okay?”

“Okay, Mommy.” She skips off into the bedroom, joining Tom.

Cole walks outside and I follow him to his truck, waiting while he opens the door and leans inside. Seconds later, he’s handing me a small box and my eyes flare when I see it’s a brand-new cell phone.

“I-I…” I shake my head. “I can’t accept?—”

“Ain’t no landline inside,” he interjects gruffly. “And I need you to be able to reach me in case… I don’t know… the thermostat shits itself, or… whatever.” He shrugs one of his broad shoulders, reaching up and rubbing the back of his neck. “I put my number in there already.”

My shoulders sag with resignation, and I force a smile, taking the box.

“Fridge is fully stocked too.”

I gape up at him. “Cole…”

He holds a hand up, stopping me. “Use whatever you need. No big deal. Gonna go bad if you don’t.”

I feel myself deflate a little. I hate feeling so needy, but I can’t say it’s not a relief not to have to worry about scrounging up enough money to put food on the table for Tom and Billie. “Thank you. I’ll pay you back.”

He waves a hand, turning to leave.

“Actually,” I continue, causing him to pause. Reaching into my pocket, I pull out the money I tucked in there earlier. “Here.”

Cole looks down at my hand, one eyebrow quirking when his eyes lift to meet mine.

“It’s only fifty dollars. For the week,” I explain. “It’s all I’ve got. But as soon as I can find a job, I-I’ll pay you?—”

“A job?” He interrupts me, eyebrows bunched. “What about the… theclub?” I don’t miss the way he says it, gritted and gruff, almost like it pains him.