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“If we get a white dog, you could call it Salt.”

“Maybe Sugar,” she suggested. “I think it would be sweet to hear you call the dog that all the time. ‘Come here, Sugar.’”

She always found a way to make him grin and laugh.

“How about I save that one for you?”

“You don’t have to call. I’m always being pulled to you.”

“You’ve got this hold on me I can’t explain. And I like it.”

“Yeah. Me, too.”

“You sound tired.”

“I am, but the sun’s up now, and I can’t sleep. Not here. Not without you.”

It killed him to hear her say that, but at the same time he loved it that she wanted him there. “I’m sorry, Angel. If I could be there, I would.”

“I know. Stop apologizing. It’s not necessary. I just want you to know that’s how I feel. I want us to always be honest.”

“Then, tell me what you’re really feeling and thinking about what happened at your place.”

“I’m scared.”

He knew it but didn’t like hearing it one bit.

“Mostly, I’m mad. Why do this to me? What did I do to deserve this? I never asked him to come. I never gave him any signal that I wanted him in my life. I tried to be nice. But look what that got me.”

“It’s not your fault. And being nice got you a family who loves you, friends who are there for you, and me.”

“I like you. Him, I want gone. For good. You should have seen him last night, telling me he didn’t do this and that I needed to give him a chance.”

“It sounds like you already did.” Viper didn’t like the situation at all and knew that it could quickly escalate. “Please don’t go anywhere alone. If you feel threatened or scared, call the cops. I’ll be back as soon as I can. I hope you know I’m always thinking about you, and I want to be there more than anything. If something happened to you... I can’t even think it.”

“I keep reminding myself, it’s just stuff. I can replace it. I’m still here. I’m fine.”

“That’s what’s most important.”

“I’ll be really happy to see you when I see you.”

“Same. If I can speed things up here, I will.”

“Do what you have to do. I’ll be here when you get back.”

He didn’t want her to know how scared he was that she wouldn’t be waiting for him.

“I think I’ll go out to the ranch, ride my horse, and talk to my parents and brother about what’s going on. Maybe do some online shopping while I’m cooking for tonight’s crowd.”

“Friday night at the bar is always packed.”

“Busy is good. I won’t be in my head. Time will go by quickly, and I’ll be closer to seeing you.”

“You’re off on Sunday. If I’m back, let’s spend time together.”

“Sounds good to me.”

He yawned, the long night catching up to him.