Page 79 of Thaw My Heart

Suffering.

I almost laugh. My uncle has done nothing but love a son who only cared about himself. Repeatedly taking care of his debts, so Cash would avoid prison when he should’ve just let him rot.

“The only one who did this to you was yourself.”

“I see,” Cash shakes his head, tsking at Cole. “Better keep the golden boy in the dark so you get what you want. You never change, do you, Dad?”

Cole’s gaze falls to the gravel.

Cash steps closer to me. “You know, cousin, you’re just a tool to him, just like I was. But then again, you’ve always been the chosen one. The son that Cole always wanted.”

Cole always preferred me, but I wasn’t a spoiled brat who gambled a hard-working man’s fortune away.

“I think it’s time you got going,” I say calmly.

“Do you really want the ranch?” he asks.

My jaw clenches, not wanting to answer. Not wanting to speak my true feelings in front of Cole. The last thing that I want to do is hurt him.

“Lone Pine is mine, Kit. That bastard of a father owes it to me.”

“He owes you nothing,” I huff.

Cash smiles, staggering back to his car. “So be it. I’ll tell you the truth someday, cousin. Let’s see if you still love him, then.” He hops in his red sports car and spins around, leaving a dust cloud in his wake.

I exhale, letting off steam.

Cole’s hand lands on my shoulder, steady and firm. “You did well, Kit.” His voice sounds tired and defeated as he hangs his head. Walking away, followed by Blake and Wes, who trail silently behind him.

Ryker moves to my side. “You alright?”

I nod, trying to forget Cash’s words before they make me question the man I loved the most. What the fuck was he trying to accuse him of?

“You want to get a beer or something?” he offers.

“I’ve got plans,” I murmur as my phone vibrates in my pocket. And I’m looking forward to finding Sadie like I promised, to finishing what I started in the loft.

“Plans to sit alone on your front porch are not plans,” he narrows his brown eyes at me, frowning intensely. “This loner lifestyle isn’t healthy, man.”

But I’m too distracted by Sadie’s name on my phone to respond.

Sadie:

Averie is going through something… I’m sorry, but I’m headed to her place now. I don’t know when I’ll be back.

Kit:

Be safe.

Sadie:

Tomorrow, Cowboy??

Kit:

Tomorrow.

“Earth to best friend. Come in, best friend. Over,” Ryker uses his hands to make radio transmission noises like he’s some kind of astronaut.