I cast out downriver, the gentle tug on my line and the racing water keeping me from pacing. Keeping me still. After Nash approved the mantel, I stained and installed it, but with the carving completed I have nothing to occupy my time. Silence and loneliness free my thoughts to fill with Shy.
I’ve gone by the office, but every time I do she’s on the phone—or else she’s pretending to be. She hasn’t stepped foot on a single job site. And she hasn’t been by to see me at home.
I’ve wracked my brain trying to figure out what I did wrong, what I said to push her away, and I come to the same conclusion. Gage. He hurt her before and she’s finally come to her senses; it’s what I asked her to do, so I can’t be upset. We’re not safe, and even though I’d love to have Shyann in my life, she may never be able to trust me. Not that I blame her. I don’t trust me.
Life before Shyann was easy. I never knew what I was missing, so I didn’t begrudge my lack of friends. But she spoiled me with her attention, gave me a taste of what it would be like to share my life with someone else. She looked at me like I was important, breathed new life into mine, and now she’s taken it away.
My line tugs. I jerk back to hook the fish and reel in a trout. It flops around on the end of my line, its mouth gaping. Movement from the corner of my eye catches my attention and Buddy inches out from beneath the deck.
Unhooking the fish, the dog whines and creeps closer, tail wagging. “Can’t eat him, Buddy. We’re sending him back.”
Which reminds me, I’m almost out of dog food. I can’t stand the thought of him going hungry.
Gathering all my fishing supplies, I store them in the outdoor shed and Buddy darts back under the deck. The weather is getting colder at night as well, and the dog doesn’t have anything outside of his coat to keep him warm.
I squat down and Buddy retreats deeper into the dark. “Cold in there?”
Deciding a trip into town for dog food and a dog bed is in order, I head in to grab my keys and some cash from my last paycheck. I study the stack of money and my face gets hot thinking about what I’d planned to do with it—to take Shyann out on a real date. To prove to her I could be normal. After our talk in her office, I was hopeful something was happening between us.
I was stupid to think it would last.
That someone like her would ever be able to stick around with someone like me.
Pulling on my sweatshirt and baseball hat, I hop in my truck and drive into town. The hustle of weekend guests fills the streets as the cooler temperatures bring tourists. Knowing there won’t be any dog beds at the grocery store, I head over to the local feed store. I know they carry supplies for livestock, but I’ve seen painted advertisements on their windows boasting pet supplies as well.
A bell rings overhead as I step through the door, and I follow the signs that take me to a section devoted to dogs. Taking in all the different brands of food, I grab the bag that has a dog that looks like Buddy on it and move to a wall with beds. Circular, square, rectangle . . . even doghouses. Maybe I should build him a doghouse. All I’ll need is a little scrap lumber. It’ll get him out from under the deck, off the cold ground. He’ll never survive through winter unless I can get him—
“Something I can help you with?”
A man’s voice comes from behind me and panic floods my veins. Hostility triggers the dark, and this guy’s tone isn’t overly friendly.
“No thanks.” I grip the bag of dog food under my arm. “Got what I need.” A dog bed can wait until tomorrow.
I’m moving toward the checkout with my head down when a pair of brown cowboy boots step in front of me. “Got some nerve stepping foot in my store.”
My gaze slowly moves up his wide body to his face. His jaw is tight and a vein pops from his forehead. “I’m . . . sorry?”
“A little late for an apology, don’t you think?” His blond hair seems to get lighter as his face becomes crimson. “Your business ain’t welcome here.”
“Oh . . .”
“Get gone, boy.”
I bristle at him calling me boy, and black flickers at the edge of my vision. I need to get out of here. I step back to the dog food aisle and slide the bag back onto the shelf.
“I see you here again I’ll call the sheriff and have you arrested for trespassing.”
Darkness bleeds into my vision, but I push it back and will my pulse to calm.
“You need an escort, asshole?”
I jerk at the hate in his words. “No. I’m leaving.” I turn toward the door, my chin tucked deep into my chest.
“Hey, dumbass!”
My feet freeze and I slam my eyes shut as Gage claws to the surface. I wish I were a stronger man, the kind who could defend himself. I’ve always wanted to be brave but have fallen short. Always fall short.
“Stay the hell away from her, you hear me?”
My muscles tense and my shoulders hit my ears. “Her . . .?”
“Shyann Jennings. Stay away from her or you’ll answer to me.”
Defeat and anguish crush me from within. I shove my shaking hands into my pockets, fisting the flesh of my thighs to stay present.
“Now get on, boy. Get the fuck outta here.”