Page 33 of Something Tangled Something True (Rosa Ranch #1)

WORRY WART

Not only does it piss me off that Lemmon would come after Lola, but it also scares the shit out of me, especially with what happened with the fence the other day. Could that have been connected to this?

Those text messages are creepy at best. At worst, they’re an outright threat.

But for Lola’s sake, I plan to pretend like it doesn’t bother me as much as it does. I don’t want my anxiety to add to hers for no reason, and I definitely don’t want her to hold back on telling me if something else happens just to avoid ramping up my worry.

The thoughts scrambling my brain make me restless, and I’ve finally managed to finish the last chapter in my book. It’s probably best I get started on the barn anyway.

I tap lightly on Lola's bedroom door, my knuckles rapping firmly against the thick wooden frame.

"Hey, I'm heading out for a bit," I call through the door.

The usual hum of water from the shower is steady, but no response comes.

I wait a moment, my hand lingering on the doorknob.

The silence stretches a little too long.

I knock again, firmer this time, and listen closely—still nothing. A knot tightens in my stomach.

I crack the door open and hear the water in the shower stop. “Ryder, is that you?” she calls out.

“Yes. Just wanted to let you know I’m gonna be gone a few hours. Got some work left to finish before the sun goes down.”

“Oh! Would you mind dropping me off at the barn? I’d like to get started on it or at least figure out some solid ideas for the design,” she calls.

I clear my throat, my brain overwhelmed with the thick scent of her and the knowledge that she’s naked behind this door.

“Uh, yeah, Lols. No problem,” I tell her, scratching my neck.

“Is something wrong?”

“N-no. I was just heading over there to get some electrical work done on the building. You sure you’re ready to start working on it?”

Truthfully, I’d hoped I could work quickly enough to get it all done before she was up for it.

I wanted to surprise her, but I’m realizing that might have been a bad idea.

This is meant to be her baby, and if there’s one thing I know about Lola, it’s that she wants to work for what she has.

I’d been stupid to think this would be any different.

Lola tugs the door open, popping her head out. A blush-pink, waffle-knit towel is wrapped around her, tucked under her arm, another plopped on her head.

She’s so beautiful, it hurts to look at her.

“I appreciate you, Ry, but I have to put the effort into this too, okay? You can’t protect me from everything,” she says, her voice quiet and her eyes crinkled at the corners.

“I understand, Lols. I’m sorry.”

She gives me a tight-lipped smile. “Don’t be. I know you mean well. I’ll toss on some clothes and be ready in five. ”

I busy myself with locking up the house, double-checking the windows and back door while she gets dressed.

Having this place for Lola to control her lessons, when she teaches, what she teaches and knowing no one can ever take it away from her provides me with a heavy comfort.

It’s all hers.

And so am I.