Page 31 of Burning Skies
“Trust me, you don’t want to know.” I set another piece of wood up and bring the blade of my ax down, splitting it in half. Sweat stings my eyes, and I grab the bottom of my t-shirt to wipe it away. “I’m an idiot.” Apparently, I’m always an idiot around Honey.
If I had a sister, and some asshole treated her the way I treated that woman, he’d be a dead man.
My brother lets me take out my frustrations on my wood pile. Usually, working on the ranch, on my house, with the animals, helps me clear my head. Helps me feel grounded.
But no matter what I do, no matter how hard I work, nothing gives me peace.
Rhett follows me back into the cabin, where the kittens bolt out to greet us. He picks up a tabby and gives her a few scratches behind the ear. “This place is coming along. I like your new floors, and your kitchen is gorgeous.”
I can admit it’s come a long way since our previous renterstrashed it on the way out. “The back half still looks like hell, but I guess the front is presentable if you don’t look at my furniture.” Everything is old or a hand-me-down. I could either buy appliances or furniture, and I figured my kitchen was a better investment.
“Let me know when you wanna work on it. After you slaved away on Maverick’s farm last summer, pretty sure he wouldn’t mind helping you here. I could bring the boys and Jace if he’s in town. Order some pizza. Knock out whatever you need.”
I know he means well, but I’m not used to having people here. “Sure. I’ll think about it.”
He chuckles. “You don’t have to do everything by yourself.”
I don’t, but sometimes it’s just easier that way. After I wash up, I pick up Fireball, who’s scaling my jeans. “Hey, girlie. How you doing?”
“These guys are pretty cute,” Rhett says as he pets another kitten. “Whatcha gonna do with them?”
“No clue. Mrs. Delgado can’t take them back, and I can’t bring myself to dump them in the barn with the others.” Ranch cats are a natural vermin deterrent. They kill rats and mice and any other insects that shouldn’t be messing with our horses. Not sure what the purpose of a house cat is, though. Never had one before. Exhausted, I flop on the couch where Fireball scrambles up my shoulder and curls up against my neck.
When Rhett sits on the chair across from me, I realize this isn’t just a friendly visit. He wants to discuss something. Obviously trying to figure out what to say, he rubs the back of his neck.
“What’s going on?” I yawn. “Someone in trouble?” I figure it’s Jace. I’ve always thought it’s only a matter of time before my fun-loving brother has a little too much fun and gets in trouble with the law. Or knocks up a girl and her father tracks him down with a shotgun.
“Thought you might want to know who’s in Mav’s wedding party.”
“What’s to know? It’ll be us and maybe Isaiah, if he hauls his ass home.”
“I mean the girls Baylee asked to be bridesmaids.”
His statement hangs in the air. “Why would that bother me?”
“Not saying it’ll bother you. Just thought you should prepare yourself. Because I wasn’t ready for this either.”
I sit up, and Fireball lets out an annoyed meow. I situate her in the crook of my elbow. “Who are the bridesmaids?”
“Paige. I’ll stand with her, obviously. Rory, who will stand with Jace.” Rory is one of the girls who works at Baylee’s salon. He glances down a moment. “And Honey McAllister, who will stand with you.”
“You’re shitting me.”
“Nope. Baylee came over last night and said, if I had a problem with Honey, to take it up with Maverick.” He laughs and scrubs his face. “Like I’m gonna tell Baylee her business. But I can’t think Honey’s family will be too excited about this development. And since Trig gave you that pretty shiner, I don’t want you to be surprised if he’s snorting like an angry bull the next time you see him.”
I’ve wondered if Baylee and Honey were getting close since Honey goes to Bay’s salon now. I shrug. “Wedding’s not till December.” Halloween is next week. “That might be enough time for the McAllisters to get over themselves.”
“Maybe. Maybe not.” He leans forward. “But if they give you any more trouble, I need to know. Don’t try to fly solo like last time.”
He’s irritated ’cause I didn’t tell him about my fight with Trig for a few days. “Things have been going well for you. Didn’t want to jinx that by involving you. We both know the McAllistershave a funny way of fucking up people’s shit when they least expect it.”
“That’s a chance I’m willing to take. No one’s gonna mess with my brother.” He cracks his knuckles.
“Thanks. I appreciate that.”
As he gets up and stretches, he glances back at me. “How was the Laughing Pony? You went there the other day, right?”
Did he hear something? For the first time, it hits me that maybe someone saw me carry Honey out of the bar.
