Page 19 of Far From Sherwood Forest

I have to admit that I find the time to soak in the beauty of this world more than I ever did back in Sherwood Forest.

It’s been several days since I’ve seen or heard from Henry. I’ve been tempted to call up to the park and ask him what’s taking so long with my destruction, but I figure it’s best not to poke the bear. At least for now.

I’ll probably see him today, so I’ve been saving it.

Once the sun clears the ridge, casting its full yellow light over the town and chasing the mist into shadows, I tug gently on Marley’s reins. She lets out a low snort, and we head back to the stables. Before I return her to her stall, I give her a goodbrushing and make sure her water bucket is full.

When I get back to the bunkhouse, I’m not surprised to see that my truck is still gone.

John cashed in on the favor I owed him for rescuing me from bleeding out in the park and took the truck last night for his date with Bethany. He never came home. He at least texted me to let me know; otherwise, I may have gotten a bit worried, what with the Sheriff out there and all.

I mostly hate not knowing what his plan is.

Fortunately, Spencer’s been staying at the ranch for the past few days while Brian’s been out of town for a job he occasionally works at another park, so I’m catching a ride with him for the wildlife tour we have scheduled today.

Spencer is already ready to go, sitting on the porch, drinking coffee, and talking on the phone. It’s probably his morning call with his boyfriend, so I don’t bother him. He gives me a smile as I pass him on my way inside, glad I’m no longer limping at least.

After I get a shower, I pull on a pair of jeans, the green volunteer park shirt, and my dark gray jacket. It’ll warm up later today, but the early morning chill is still enough to bite at any exposed skin.

By the time I head back outside, Spencer’s off the phone and is sitting in the driver’s seat of his truck with the engine running, letting the cab warm up. I grab the large duffel bag I had packed earlier and toss it into the bed before getting into the passenger seat.

“Thanks for driving us.”

“Of course,” Spencer says as he shifts into drive. “I don’t mind at all. It’s nice being around friends while Brian’s out of town. Especially if I run into that one ranger up there.”

Judging by the way he grins and grimaces at the same time, I have a feeling I know who he’s talking about.

“Let me guess. Henry Faulkner?”

He goes by the same name here as he did back in Nottingham. I might’ve looked him up to see what he’s been up to for the past five years. There wasn’t any record of him until three years ago.

“Do you know him? Sorry. Didn’t mean to be rude if you do.”

“Don’t worry about it,” I tell him, waving it off. “I totally understand what you mean. We knew each other a long time ago.”

Spencer glances at me with an arch of his brow like he’s interested in hearing all about it. “He’s prickly for sure, but—don’t tell Brian I said this—he’s a sexy bear if I ever saw one.”

I laugh. “A sexybear?”

He shakes his head and rolls his eyes. “Oh, you sweet child.” Keeping one hand on the wheel, he holds up a finger with his other. “He’s big. Like, tall and…hella muscles. I swear I thought his biceps were going to rip the sleeves of his shirt.” He holds up another finger. “Hairy. Granted, I only saw his face, but he’s got a nice beard. I’ll bet he’s hairy elsewhere too.”

“Well, I have no intention of finding out.”

“If you do, I want every detail.” He glances at me again and winks.

“Don’t hold your breath,” I tell him with another laugh.

I completely ignore the fact that I was definitely staring at his legs the other night. I might’ve made fun of how tight his jeans were, but…hell. I don’t know. I’m not gay, but they looked good, I guess?

Henry could probably pop a giant watermelon between his thighs. Or my head, which I’m sure he’d rather do.

I need to stop that train of thought before it completely derails.

“When’s Brian getting back?” I ask Spencer as an excuse to change the subject.

“In two days. You cool with me crashing at the bunkhousefor another couple of nights?”

“Of course.”