Page 32 of Storm Warning
The announcer’s voice plays over the small sound system. “Jordan Daily is up first for today’s roping competition.”
I better hurry up.
After tightening the saddle’s cinches, we head off to the side of the arena. Danielle stands among the other competitors that I don’t recognize, her boyfriend already leading his horse to the gate away from us. She wears a smile on her face, but even from a distance, I notice how puffy and red her eyes look. I can’t help but wonder if what I said triggered a sadness that deep, or if I caused a fight between them. Daily has a temper on him, and has never been shy about showing it, but I just thought it was rodeo specific, not something he did to everyone. I let out a deep sigh. Maybe I’m overthinking the entire thing, but I think I should make sure she’s okay.
I close the space between us. Fuck, Kaylee’s right. I really do always try to save the day. I’d take it to the grave that she’s wrong over admitting she’s right, but sometimes people just aren’t sure how to save themself. And, I guess, sometimes I can’t help but try.
I lead my horse up to her side and she jumps the moment I touch her shoulder.
“Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to scare ya.”
“You’re fine, but I shouldn’t be talking to you.” She doesn’t make eye contact with me for long as she looks at her feet. “It’s just going to piss him off if he sees you anywhere near me.”
I bristle at the deflated sound of her voice, the way she can’t even look at me as she speaks for the fear of upsetting him. “It ain’t any of my business,” I say earnestly, “but thatdoesn’t seem like any way to treat a lady. Let alone, one you’re datin’.”
Her brow furrows when she turns back toward me. “You of all people shouldn’t be talking after what you said. And you’re right, it’s none of your business.” She’s curt with her reply as she releases an angry breath. I definitely wasn’t overthinking the situation, she’s mad at us both. I shouldn’t have brought her into the spat, but it’s clear their issues run deeper than this situation with me.
I probably should leave her alone.
“My bad, just wanted to check on ya and apologize for actin’ like a schmuck.” I want to push the conversation, because she doesn’t seem okay, but I also don’t want to make anything worse, so I decide against it. “Sorry for buggin’ ya and I didn’t mean any disrespect, I just got caught up in the moment,” I mutter, tilting my hat and turning to leave.
A small hand touches my shoulder and I turn back toward her.
“He’s not as bad as he seems.” A tear wells in her eye, but she wipes it away. “He was just used to being the best. He’s better when we aren’t here.”
I look at her. Really look at her. And that’s when I notice the faint bruises on her upper arm that peek out just beneath her sleeve. The look in her eyes tells me she isn’t just worried, she’s scared. It’s obvious their problems run deeper than arguments and raised voices. “Listen, like I said it ain’t my business. I don’t much care how he acts toward me, but your tears tell me it hurt ya.” Among other things, but it feels wrong to point that out. “Doesn’t matter where ya are, ya deserve better. Everyone does. If ya need me to get ya out of here I will. That offer stands no matter where ya see me. Always.”
God damnit, now I know Kaylee’s right.
Another tear rolls down her cheek followed by a soft half-smile.
“Just wanted to make sure ya were okay, not make ya cry more.”
“No, no. I’m okay, thank you for checking. I’m fine but I appreciate the gesture and the offer.”
I can’t tell if I helped even a little, but I do feel better that, at the very lest, she knows I’m not as big of an ass as I just made myself out to be.
19
RHETT - JUNE 26, 2004
The door chimesas I enter Southern Sip, followed by soft playing music throughout the shop. Funny, it’s usually so busy here that I don’t tend to hear it, but the instrumental melody makes this place feel peaceful.
Kaylee looks up from the counter and then to the clock. “You’ve got five minutes until close.” Unlike most of the times I’m around her, her smile is bright. And I hope my grand entrance is the reason.
“Better get your wallet out, Angel. I’m about to get one of everythin’.”
She laughs. “I take it you won?”
“If I remember correctly, you said it yourself, I’m a big shot who makes tons of money. Have to be a winner to keep that title goin’.”
“I get it, you’re perfect. Don’t let it go to your head.” Judging by the look in her eyes, she can’t believe she just let that slip. “I mean thatyouthink that, not me.” She spits the excuse out, trying to backpedal to save face. But there’s no hiding or taking back the little crack she just made in her armor. She knows it and so do I.
“Perfect, hey? Now, be careful, someone might think you’ve got a thing for me, Angel.”
She rolls her eyes playfully this time, rather than out of annoyance. A scowl doesn’t rest on those pretty lips of hers, but instead a genuine smile. She’s always pretty, but a look like that makes her stunning. A real-life angel, if I ever saw one.
“Alright, what’ll it be, Casanova?” She rinses her hands in the sink behind the counter, and I stare a moment too long at her ass before shifting my eyes up at the menu, trying to come up with an order while also trying not to get caught.
