Page 23 of Cowboy Heat

“That was Wyatt,” she says, waving her cell phone around. “Apparently, the doc was with a patient all morning and just heard the news. I have exactly five seconds to get over there and prove I’m okay, or today might be the last day you’ll ever see me again.”

She says it as a joke, but I can’t help but feel a ping of disappointment at the thought of not seeing her again.

Less than two days, and I enjoy her company.

“Could you give me a ride back to Low Low for the truck?” she continues. “Then, I guess we’ll have to reschedule again for the last of the tour.”

I nod, but there’s the little pang again. “Good idea,” I say, though I don’t mean it.

I guess I want her to stick around a little longer.

We make quick time of the drive back to the animal shelter. I know the way now and direct myself as Kissy types out text after text. The blood on her is still there, but my attention is turning to the rest of her.

Kissy is an attractive woman.

I wonder if she’s single.

I wonder if she’s seeing Guidry. I think Guidry might want that, based on how he reacted to her this morning.

Then I wonder where Guidry is.

I almost ask, but we’re back at the shelter, and Kissy has her hand on the door handle.

She makes a soft startled noise before she opens it. “Oh! By the way, I meant to say it earlier before Wyatt called, but you should pay the Branch a visit.” Her enthusiasm manages to bait my curiosity.

“The Branch?”

“It’s our local bar. You know, Robin’sTree, and theBranch.” She laughs. “We’re big on nicknames, remember? Anyways, even though we have a really solid restaurant in town, the Branch is where most locals eat supper when out. Not the healthiest menu, but Briar really knows a thing or two about keeping his patrons happy.” She pulls her cell phone up and shakes it. “I’ll text you the directions after I get to Mimi’s. You should go tonight! He has weekday specials, and tonight is the Briar Burger with sweet potato fries.”

Her excitement immediately dulls.

She doesn’t say why.

A beat later, she’s smiling again.

“I might check it out then,” I say.

“Alright. I’ll text you in a bit.” She’s out the door quick but turns before she shuts it behind her. Kissy’s eyes might be dark, but there’s something in them that makes me feel seen. “Thanks again,” she adds on. “For everything.”

I nod, and that’s all she needs.

Kissy gets into Wyatt’s truck and drives off.

My stomach growls as I watch her go. Bars aren’t my scene, but maybe if she’d be there, I’d go.

I think on that a little, surprised.

Then, I drive back to the house.

I wonder again what Kissy was doing at the end of that dark, long road the night before.

CHAPTERTEN

Kissy

Alice survived her gunshot wound,and according to Mimi who knows the surgeon who saved her, she’ll be fine. She’ll have a scar and need some physical therapy, but she’s good otherwise.

Well, minus the fact that she can’t seem to remember who shot her or why she was at Low Low in the first place.