“I can’t believe you just did that. To a woman who’s been physically abused, it could be traumatizing.”
“You’re the one who told me you weren’t broken. You know I was playing. If you want me to walk on eggshells around you, tell me.”
“Would you?”
“No, but I would try.”
Sutton laughed. “At least you’re honest.”
“There you go.” He slung an arm around her shoulder. “Let’s watch some television.”
Tate sat down on the couch, pulling her down next to him. He was about to reach for the remote when she snatched it up before he could.
“I’m not watching another episode of Justice or Mountain Justice.”
“How about—?”
“I’m not watching Moonshiners, either,” she cut him off, turning the channel until she came to the show she was searching for.
“Hell no, that isn’t going to happen.” Tate made gagging noises at Naked and Afraid.
“It’s educational. If the world comes to an end, I’ll know how to survive in the wilderness.”
“If the world comes to an end, we won’t be alive, and if we are, I’ll hunt for us, but I’ll guarantee I won’t be buck-ass naked when I’m doing it.” He tried to take the control from her.
“All right, all right, I’ll change the channel.” She flicked through the channels, coming to a stop.
Tate sat back, relaxing, recognizing Duck Dynasty.
“This okay?”
“I can live with it.”
“Figures.”
“What does that mean?”
“Rednecks and hillbillies are kissing cousins.”
“That’s not true.” He propped his feet up on the coffee table.
“Yes, it is.”
“Nope, hillbillies are smarter.”
“I don’t think they would agree with you.”
“Yes, they would. That’s why they’re rednecks.”
Sutton rolled her eyes. She managed to watch one episode, but when another reality show came on, she rose.
“I’ve got to go for a walk. My brain’s going to turn to mush if I watch anymore.”
“Hang on, and I’ll go with you.”
It didn’t take him long to pull on his boots and grab his straw hat. Searching through the closet, he took out what he had been itching to do for the last week.
“I’m ready.” Tate came out of the bedroom, carrying the fishing poles.
“We can’t go fishing. Someone will see you.”
“Get your keys. I know a spot where no one will bother us.”
“All right.”
They went outside after she retrieved her car keys. Once in the car, she turned to him.
“Where are we headed?”
“To Cash’s house.”
Sutton drove down the gravel driveway, turning in the direction of Cash’s. It was just getting dark, but the drive didn’t take long. When she parked in front of Cash and Rachel’s home, Rachel ran out to greet Tate.
“You okay?” His sister stared up at him with worry.
“Everything’s fine. Sutton and I were getting stir-crazy and thought we’d go fishing.”
“You two have fun. Cash worked a double at the factory, or we’d join you.”
“Rider doing okay?”
“Yes, he’s lucky he was wearing his helmet. Usually, he doesn’t wear one, but they were coming back from racing with Stud.”
“Who’s Stud?” Sutton asked.
“He’s the president of The Destructors and The Bluehorsemen motorcycle clubs.”
“His biker name is Stud? I need to see this guy.”
Tate shook his head at her teasing. “You want to stay away from him.”
“Why? Is he dangerous?”
“No, but his wife and her friends are,” Tate told her, his hand going to Rachel to pull her to him. “How’s the baby doing?”
“Good.” His sister started to reach up and pat him on the chest, but Tate grabbed her hand.
“I’m fine. You take care of my niece or nephew.”
“It’s a girl,” Rachel told him with a grin.
“Is Cash happy he’s having a girl?”
“I haven’t told him.” Rachel laid her head on his chest, giving him a tight hug before taking a step back. “If you catch any extra fish, bring me one.”
“Sure thing.” Tate told his sister good-bye as he motioned Sutton forward into the woods.
The lightning bugs were just beginning to come out as they headed to the stream.
“I missed them.” Sutton’s voice was filled with wonder as she grabbed one of the small bugs, holding it gently in her closed hand before releasing it to fly again.
“I remember when I caught some in a jar for Rachel, and even though I put holes in the lid, you convinced her to let them go.”
“I couldn’t bear to see them trapped.”
Tate thought of the irony that she had been too gentle to harm a bug then had found a monster to capture and torture her.
“What are we going to use for bait?”
Tate went to a tree. Picking up a stick, he dug around for a few seconds until he found a couple of worms and lifted them up to show Sutton.
She took the fat one wiggling in the palm of his hand. “You can have the skinny one.” She pierced the squirming creature onto the hook.
“I dug it up. I should get the big one,” Tate grumbled.
“I’ll dig them up next time. I’ll find two big ones.”