Page 72 of Saving the Rain

Hey.

Yeah, I’m back in one piece. Thanks.

Holy shit. I type the most boring, mundane of replies, promptly delete everything, and then my thumbs fly across the screen to say exactly the same thing again, before hitting send.

As I do, an anguished groan leaves my throat.

Could I sound more pathetic?

I’m not in one piece at all. I’m nothing but squishy, melted marshmallow goo on the inside, and my head is spinning. What the fuck? He wasn’t supposed to message me first. He was supposed to be the uncaring and unreasonably gruff asshole.

That’s how we are, and that’s how things go between us.

Not this... I don’t know whatthisis.

Raine doesn’t send messages, and he certainly isn’t the type of cowboy to initiate simplychatting. Oh my fucking god. I think I’m going to pass out with the rate my heart starts pounding, seeing that familiar row of tiny dots begin bouncing immediately. He’s already typing a reply, and I’m caught between being unable to decide if seeing what he has to say is anything I can handle right at this moment, and bringing myself to walk away from my phone right now.

So, I’m left staring slack-jawed when his words arrive.

Thought you ghosted me, snowflake.

The tips of my ears burst into flame, and my pulse does a swan dive in my neck. I can’t stop to overthink this, if he’s willingly replying—and not berating me for being a complete idiot like usual—I’m too far gone to put up a fight or pretend to be aloof.

I’m the least cool, most over-eager cowboy to exist.

Sorry, I really didn’t mean to.

I hadn’t checked my inbox... I promise I’m not trying to play games or anything.

Honestly, I’m a little surprised you know how to use social media.

As I press send, my teeth sink into my bottom lip. Am I out of my mind? Am I allowed to be a tiny bit flirty with him? How will he take it if I tease him just a fraction? Oh, Jesus, I’m going to overthink this to death if I’m not careful. Those little dots I’m so damn rabid for all of a sudden start to flutter in front of me as I wait there, eyes glued to the screen, not daring to exhale.

I would say come here and front up with that smart mouth... but I think you might enjoy that a little too much.

Oh my god. Flames lick across my cheeks, and I fully glance around my empty goddamn kitchen while clutching the phone to my chest. As if there’s anyone within a hundred-mile radius other than horses and cattle to witness my simpering little meltdown at Raine’s message.

I do. I like that idea all too much, I fear.

Bet you’re blushing for me, aren’t you, pretty boy?

I blink, mouth dropping to practically hit the floor at the sight of his follow-up message.

Why the fuck do I feel like I want to hurl myself at him every time he taunts me like this? Christ, I don’t understand it. If it were anyone else, I’d have laughed in their face and shrugged them off. But with Raine, I start squirming immediately. Wanting more of those little hints that it maybe pleases him... that maybe I could please him.

No.

Cowboys don’t blush.

I bite my lip again. Knowing the absolute opposite of what I’m saying is true. Fuck, I’ve got work I gotta head out and get done around the property, and I really can’t afford to spend time flirting with my stepbrother like a grinning lunatic.

Ahh. My mistake.

But they certainly do beg for my cock, oh so politely.

Jesus... you were already too smug for your own good.

I aim to please.