Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 40566 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 203(@200wpm)___ 162(@250wpm)___ 135(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40566 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 203(@200wpm)___ 162(@250wpm)___ 135(@300wpm)
“Sure will.” I’m writing a grocery list, going over what all we’ll need from the store while we’re in town tomorrow. I’ve got a follow-up doctor appointment for my ribs, wrist, and concussion. I’m hoping we get the green light to be released for certain activities. As it is now, we have to be very careful, and Ryland is holding back. I want him to let go of his tightly held control. I want to watch him lose himself inside of me.
I drop the pen and paper, preferring to have a physical list to mark things off as we walk through the store. After tomorrow, I’m going to insist on Ryland going back to working on the ranch, and as long as the doctor allows it, I’m going to get a lot of schoolwork done. I know going back to work at the diner is going to take a few more weeks at least; the nice little attachment to my wrist will make it hard to carry a tray, refill coffee mugs, and do more without being overly cautious. Which reminds me, I need to talk to Lucy to keep her up to date on everything. When the incident occurred, Ms. Catherine told her right away. She couldn’t give me paid time off but told me I’d always have a job when I was able to return.
I open the door, thinking it’s probably one of the family members, and come face to face with someone else entirely. “Hello, may I help you?” Maybe someone wandered up here and is lost. A slight tremble rolls through my body as I worry about the unknown.
“Hi, you must be Sutton. I’m Fletcher Wild, a family friend of the Johnsons. Is Ryland around?” His name sounds familiar, but I can’t place his face. As a waitress at Down Home Diner, you see a lot of faces come and go. If they aren’t a regular, then they’re usually just passing through.
“I am. Let me go grab him.” I turn to walk away as Ryland is walking down the hall.
“Wild, what the hell are you doing here? You’re a long way away from Peachtree, Georgia and Delilah.” Ry wraps one arm around my waist; the other goes out to shake Fletcher’s hand.
“Yeah, well, Lawson called me. Told me shit was taking too damn long, and he didn’t like it. Plus, I like to piss off Sheriff Dane, step on his toes, you know? Make sure he’s taking this incident seriously.” We step back, allowing him room to enter the house.
“Babe, you want to go grab some coffee? When Wild lands on your doorstep, it’s usually with news that need caffeine or heavy liquor, and it’s too damn early for the whisky,” Ryland says. He kisses the crown of my head, squeezes my hip gently, then lets me go.
“Sure, kitchen or living room?” I ask.
“Depends. Where are you more comfortable?” Ryland cocks an eyebrow.
“Living room.” I roll my eyes. He knows this more than anyone. After eating breakfast with Case and Ryland at the kitchen table, the last thing I want is to sit on is the hard wooden chair. Even before my injuries, I never ate sitting on a dining room chair. In my bedroom it was either eating on my bed or at my desk. The chair I found on the side of the road was practically brand new. It’s padded and comfortable, not nearly as luxurious as Ryland’s recliner that I’ve overtaken. Even Case finds himself sitting with me whenever I’m resting.
“Figured. I think she’s claiming the recliner for herself. Case even calls it His Sutty’s,” I hear Ryland brag to Wild about our family dynamics.
I switch the coffee on, wait for it to percolate, and glance at my phone.
Ms. Catherine: Everyone good your way?
I smile. She’s usually not far away, but after spending so much time over here lately, I’m sure she has enough going on.
Me: We are. Wild is here. He mentioned something about the case. I think he’s also going to piss off or piss on the sheriff.
Catherine Johnson is going to get after me for talking unladylike for sure. I’ll either be pinched or given a stern talking-to.
Ms. Catherine: Well, if Wild moved his keister home, Dane would be gone. I swear the sheriff drags his feet and you basically have to keep after him. I’m about tired of his shenanigans. Keep me posted.
Me: Yeah, I get the feeling Ryland is about to lose his mind. I’m going to get in there. Thank you for checking on us
Ms. Catherine: Always, sugar. Holler later on.
Me: Sure will!
The coffee pot beeps right as I put my phone back on the counter, so I grab two mugs and pour the guys their drinks. I’m caffeinated out—two is my daily limit right now. A massive change compared to before Ryland came into my life.