Page 32 of Tempting Wyatt

Sutton chews her lower lip. “I don’t know why you all do this. I’m the youngest, and I don’t even want this place. Seems ridiculous to keep killing ourselves. For what? Not that anyone ever asks for my opinion.”

I should excuse myself from this private family moment, but it feels rude to interject. I’m trapped in the middle of this awkward exchange that only gets more heated with every word.

Isaac’s playful, comforting demeanor hardens suddenly. “Who’s killing themselves?” He lowers his voice, probably so Laurel won’t hear from the next room. “You sleep late, water some horses, make TikTok videos, and go to college classes. No one asks you to do shit on this ranch, and you damn sure don’t offer. So, don’t get pissy about not having a say in whether or not we sell it.”

Before Sutton can respond, Willow places a hand in the air between them. “That’s enough, both of you. Ivy is a guest, you’ve already upset Mom, and the steaks are getting cold. Wyatt is a big boy, and I’m sure he has a good reason for not being here.” She waves a hand across the table. “It’s not like he’s here most nights anyway.”

“Because he’s probably dead in a pasture,” Sutton whispers. “But, yeah, let’s eat.”

With that, her tears fall, and she shoves her chair back before making her escape.

The comment about Wyatt makes my chest feel hollow and raw. I should’ve tried to find him before I finished up for today. But I was a muddy mess from my jaunt into the pond so I headed to my cabin to clean up. I should’ve made him come eat dinner with everyone. Not that I have that kind of power over him, but it feels like I should have done something.

A moment later, we hear Laurel consoling a crying Sutton in the kitchen.

Isaac rubs his neck with one hand. “I should go apologize.”

Willow tosses me a sympathetic glance. “Sorry. There’s been a lot going on around here lately.”

I nod my understanding. “It’s not my place, but grief counseling might be a good idea.”

Isaac glances toward the kitchen. “Sutton has always beenthe emotional one in the family. But then, tomorrow, she’ll be back to playing on her phone, acting like everything is fine.”

Willow rubs her temples. “Actually, grief counseling is probably a good idea. Sutton is sensitive, and this has all been tough on her.”

Isaac rolls his eyes. “She’s nineteen. Our parents babied her, so she’s softer than the rest of us.”

“She’s worried about you. And about Wyatt,” I say quietly. I choose my next words carefully. “Maybe you could all go. Pretty much everyone I know sees a therapist or counselor for one reason or another, and I think it helps. I think it would help Sutton find a safe place to tell you all how she’s feeling without it turning into a?—”

“Shit show?” Willow offers.

I shrug. “Sometimes, just having a neutral party present helps stabilize highly emotional situations.”

Willow stares at me intently. “Areyoua therapist?”

I laugh, then try to keep my voice light as I answer. “No, just had to spend a lot of time in therapy, dealing with stuff. Abandonment issues. You know, standard childhood trauma.”

“The usual,” Willow jokes.

Isaac grins. “For real though, everyone is fucked up in one way or another. I’m not sure counseling would help this group. We’d probably get kicked out in the first session.”

We’re all quiet for a moment, and then I ask a question I hope doesn’t make me look like a lunatic. “So. . . Wyatt’s probably fine, right?”

Isaac arches a brow in my direction. “Really? You worried about him too?”

Willow breaks in, saving me from answering. “I’m sure he’s perfectly fine,” she says, glaring at her brother. “Since our dad passed, he’s had to work a lot of late evenings. Andhe doesn’t like to come in here filthy, so if he doesn’t have time to shower, he’ll grab dinner from the bunkhouse and call it a night.”

Isaac shrugs. “Seemed like he was wrapping up when I called it a day.”

She frowns. “Did he say anything about missing dinner?”

Isaac shows her the palms of his hands. “I’m not his keeper, Will. Damn. He’s a grown-ass man. He must’ve had plans. Hell, maybe he went into town to grab a drink and get laid. Wish that’s what I would’ve done tonight.”

Just like with the comment about Wyatt possibly being dead in a pasture, Isaac’s words pierce my chest unexpectedly.

I don’t know why exactly, but the thought of Wyatt hooking up with someone makes me feel ill.

I barely know the guy. It’s none of my business what he does.