Page 136 of Wrangled

As I walked in, Matt glanced in my direction. “How was lunch?”

“I wouldn’t know. I didn’t eat it. We fell asleep.” And that empty feeling in the pit of my stomach could have been hunger, but I knew better.

Butch snorted. “The conversation was that stimulating? Or did he wear you out?”

His snark went over my head. There was too much going on in there.

Zeeb regarded me thoughtfully. “What’s wrong?” His voice was quiet, nothing like his usual loud outbursts.

And just like that, a hush fell, and all eyes turned in my direction.

Fuck.

Teague’s gaze flickered in the direction of the house. “Is Robert okay?”

“He’s fine. But don’t go up there right now,” I added quickly. “He needs some space. I’ll be eating down here this evening.”

Teague’s face fell. “Shit. I knew it. Iknewthis would happen.”

“What’shappened?” Butch demanded.

“Whatever it was, it’s none of your fucking business.” I put a rein on my emotions. “Look, your boss needs time to think. I’m willing to respect that, to give him some space—you should too.”

“What does he need to think about?” Paul’s brow furrowed. “What did you do?”

“Me? I… I didn’t do anything.” All I’d done was make a suggestion, one I thought had been enthusiastically received—until Robert’s mind had kicked in and analyzed the fuck out of it.

I couldn’t blame him for that. All I could do was hope.

“But…” Walt appeared confused. “It was going so well. He washappy, goddammit.”

“Yeah, he was,” Butch confirmed. His gaze narrowed. “So why isn’t he happy now?”

I lost it.

“For Christ’s sake, anyone who thinks two people from totally different worlds can make it work just like that is delusional, okay?”

Butch looked as though I’d just kicked his puppy. “So itisover?”

No, it isn’t,I wanted to yell.I just need to give Robert time to realize that.

“I’ll talk to him again tomorrow before I leave.” I wasn’t answering his question, but it was the best I could do.

Zeeb stared at me. “Then youareleaving.”

“Yes. I have a life in California. He has his life here.” I couldn’t take anymore. I walked out of the bunkhouse and headed for the paddock. I needed air.

Fuck. Robert was up there, hurting, and here was I, hurting people I’d come to like and trust, and that wasn’t good.

From behind me came footsteps and the sound of hooves on gravel. I turned to find Paul leading Lightning toward me, saddled. “Here.” He held out the reins. “Go for a ride. You need him right now.”

“Are we talking about the horse—or the boss?”

“Both?”

I wasn’t in the mood, until it struck me Paul was right—I needed this.

I led Lightning to the mounting block, and got on. “Come on, boy, let’s get out of here.” I trotted toward the meadow, heading for the trail that led to the creek. It felt good to be riding, to feel Lightning move beneath me, to feel the wind in my face.