Page 80 of Thaw My Heart

“Sorry,” I chuckle. “Looks like I no longer have plans.”

I’m a patient man. I can wait, and she’s worth it.

Ryker’s dark brow raises with intrigue. “Who did you have plans with?”

My phone vibrates again, pulling me back.

Sadie:

Also, I hate to ask, but would you mind checking on Foxie?

Kit:

You can always ask me to do that.

Sadie:

Stop being so sweet. You already had your hand down my pants.

Kit:

And the next time I do, you’re going to come so hard you’ll see stars.

Sadie:

Fuck, Cowboy.

I chuckle, tucking my phone in my pocket, wrapping an arm around Ryker’s shoulders, who’s still standing there, confused. “I have a lot to tell you, brother.”

An hour later, I’m sitting on the docks at Ryker’s cabin, gazing out at the half-frozen river. Bandit and Oreo lie on a flannel blanket near us, chewing on twigs while Ryker and I open our second can of beer. After telling him about my date with Sadie, he grins widely, not the least bit surprised.

“I had my suspicions about you two,” he muses. “At first, I thought maybe she and Blake were finally ramping things up, but it didn’t make sense. That level of smug satisfaction is a look I’ve only seen on her face when she’s around you. That and well, the glaring sexual chemistry. It’s ridiculous, really.”

My mouth tugs into a smile.

“Figured maybe something happened, but you weren’t ready to admit I was right,” he grins, nudging my shoulder.

“Yes, you were right.” As much as it pains me to admit.

“I’m happy for you,” he smiles.

“We’ve had one date, Ryker.” There are still plenty of things that could go wrong. For one, she could decide she no longer wants me, that she wants someone else…

Someone better.

It would be a recurring theme that I’m used to.

He rubs the back of his neck. “Yeah, I know, but it’s been a damn long time since you’ve been with anyone, man. For only one date, you already seem happier.”

Well, at the moment, Sadie seems to be the only thing going right. Everything else in my life feels too overwhelming. Like no matter what decision I make, someone is going to get hurt.

My aunt and uncle. The thirty ranchers who call this place home. My best friend.

Sadie.

She loves it here.

Or I can just pretend it makes me happy. That I want the crushing responsibility. It seems like the best option, and the only one I can make. Hurt myself for the sake of everyone else. Another theme I’m used to.