Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 70934 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70934 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
“Need some help?”
Sutton stiffened at the question coming from the wooded forest. Even after all these years, she recognized the quiet voice without having to turn to see his face.
“I could use the help.” Sutton took a step back, turning to the woods to see Tate stepping out from behind a large tree.
His face was shrouded in darkness as Sutton watched him approach the porch indifferently. She had worried about how she would react when she saw him, but she hadn’t needed to. The heart he had once sent pounding in her chest didn’t skip a beat as he walked past her toward the door.
She caught the scent of the pine trees on him, which was different than the cloying smell of expensive colognes she had become used to.
Sutton watched as Tate pushed the door open then stepped out of the doorway so she could enter without brushing against him. Her mouth quirked at the unnecessary movement. She wasn’t anxious to touch him any more than he was to touch her.
“Thanks,” she said.
“No problem.” He shrugged indifferently. “The electric on?”
“Yes. I called and had the electric company turn it back on last week.” Sutton went through the doorway, her hand going familiarly to the wall switch beside the door. Flipping the switch on, she stared around the home that was the same as when she had last been there years before. Everything was covered in dust, and the smell was musty from lack of fresh air, but she didn’t notice, too lost in thought.
Tate came to stand next to her, breaking her train of thought.
“How long you staying?”
“I haven’t made up my mind yet,” Sutton answered.
“Your parents must be glad you’ve come home for a visit.”
Sutton remained quiet as she turned back to the door, placing her hand on the doorknob. “Thanks again for helping me inside.”
Tate’s brow rose at her abrupt dismissal. Going back through the door, he placed a hand on it before she could close it behind him.
“I wouldn’t stay out here too late. It’s not safe,” he warned.
This time, it was her turn to lift a brow in his direction. “Don’t tell me you’re still growing weed and keeping poachers away.”
Tate’s face flushed angrily. “When did you become a bitch?”
Sutton gave him a mocking smile. “I’m not eighteen anymore.”
His eyes roved over her body insultingly. “No, you’re not. I hope you’re not planning on seeing Cash while you’re in town. He’s married to Rachel now, and I don’t want you causing trouble for my sister.”
“I know, and I have no intention of seeking out Cash.” Sutton lost her smile. Cash wasn’t why she was here.
“Good. They’re happy, and they don’t need you trying to stir up trouble.”
“Since you want to talk straight, I’ll reciprocate. I’ll repeat what I said: I have no intention of seeing Cash. I won’t say it was good seeing you again, Tate, because it wasn’t.” Sutton slammed the door and locked it. She held her breath, listening for sounds from the other side of the door. It was several minutes before she heard him walking away.
Releasing her breath, she turned away from the door and walked farther into the house. It seemed as if her grandfather should have been there, waiting for her; but she heard only silence.
She went to his favorite chair, sitting down and ignoring the dust as she leaned back against the soft leather.
“Pap…” Her voice trailed off, unable to go on with the tears clogging her throat. Her hands tightly gripped the arms of the chair as she gathered her control, pulling the emotionless void back around her. “I was hoping I wouldn’t see him again,” she whispered into the comforting silence. “I guess it was a good thing, because I was dreading seeing him for no reason. I didn’t feel a thing.”
She could almost imagine Pap’s laughter.
“I didn’t. I don’t feel anything anymore.” Sutton stared down at the wedding ring on her finger, her hand closing into a fist.
She stood, brushing the dirt from her jeans. Then she moved from room to room before coming to stand once again in the living room, where she mentally made a list of the supplies she would need to bring when she returned tomorrow.
Going to the door, she paused before opening it.
“Night, Pap. I’ll be back tomorrow if the sun’s shining and the creek doesn’t rise.” It was the same good-bye they had spoken a thousand times during her childhood when she came for her weekly visits.
Opening the door, she walked out then closed and locked it behind her before going to her car.
She had no doubt Tate was somewhere, watching. She was tempted to flip him off, but she didn’t want to antagonize him. The Porters were all mean when roused. Tate’s temper didn’t rise as fast as his two younger brothers, but that didn’t make it any less volatile.