Branded as Trouble (Rough Riders #6)(117)

India rolled to her back and stared at the ceiling. Squinted at it mostly, because her eyes were so swollen and bleary from crying.


She suffered from the mother of all headaches. Her mouth was as dry as the Wyoming prairie. She was exhausted. Heartsick. Her body hurt. Her mind was scrambled. But she knew if she laid there wallowing in self-pity another second she’d never get up. Or she’d give in.


One step at a time.


She slowly pushed to her feet. Shuffled into the kitchen.


Poured herself a glass of water. Once she’d accomplished those simple tasks, she was ready for the hard one. She scrolled through the contact list on her cell phone. When his number flashed, she selected it and hit dial. He answered on the fourth ring.


“Hey Bert. It’s India. No, I’m not doing so good. Yeah, I realized I’m not invincible. Do you have time to talk to me? Face-to-face?” The tears came again. “Thank you. Come on up, the door is unlocked. I’ll put on the coffee.”


Chapter Twenty-four


Colt’s head spun every which way. When he parked in front of his empty house, he realized it was the last place he wanted to be.


Running wouldn’t fix anything, but time away might give him a different perspective.


He called Cam and left a message. “I’m droppin’ off the grid for a couple days, bro. Don’t round up a search party for me, I’ll be fine. And if anyone in our family asks, let ’em know I ain’t on a three-day bender. Later.”


Next he called Chassie’s. “Hey Trev. How’s Chass? Yeah, well you knew she was ornery when you married her. It’s funny that it takes both you guys to handle her. Look, I’m leavin’ for a couple days and I wondered if you and Ed would keep an eye on my place?


Nothin’s wrong.” Colt sighed. “That ain’t entirely true. Just some shit I need to sort out on my own. I appreciate the offer. You guys are great. Thanks.”


Food packed, gear packed. Two rods, one tackle box, zero cell phone.


When things got tough…the tough went fishin’.


Two days later…


India burst into Dewey’s when she noticed the sheriff’s department cruiser parked in front. She stalked over to Cam, who was sitting at his usual space in the back booth. “Tell me where he is.”


“Who? Colt? I haven’t the foggiest idea.”


“Bullshit.”


“I’m serious, India. He left me a message saying he was leaving for a few days, and not to worry because he wasn’t on a bender.”



India winced.


“You wanna tell me what’s going on?”


“Domini didn’t tell you?” After India talked to Bert, she’d called Domini. Usually India relied on Skylar for personal problems, but she was dealing with two sick babies and an equipment breakdown at the factory. The last thing Skylar needed was more stress.


So India had sobbed on Domini’s shoulder for half the damn night. In addition to being a great listener, Domini gave practical advice. Which was why India had allowed a cooling off period before she set about making things right…only to realize Colt had all but disappeared.


“No, I haven’t talked to Domini, besides when she swings by to refill my coffee. She’s been a little busy around here.”


“Why? Did Cat take off again?”


“Huh-uh. Cat got fired.”