I sigh as I sit up and scoot to the edge of the bed. I don’t hear any sound of Rule moving around, but I doubt that he’s still asleep. He seems like an early riser.
I glance at the alarm clock and see that it’s already after ten. I can’t lie in bed all day, so I take a deep breath and then start to dig through my suitcases for something to wear. It feels like I’m going to war as I get dressed in my nicest dress. It’s short, ending at mid-thigh, and is a deep purple, which complements my red hair and eyes.
I dig out a pair of heels and straighten my spine as I head out to face him.
I make it down the hallway and into the living room. The couch has been made, the blankets and pillows that he used last night neatly piled on the end. I stride around the corner and into the kitchen and deflate when I realize that he’s not here.
Looks like I got myself all psyched up for nothing.
There’s a note on the counter, and I pick it up to read what Rule wrote.
Harvie,
I hadto head out to take care of a few things. Stay inside and away from the windows.
I mean it.
Sit tight.I’ll be home soon.
Rule
I roll my eyes.I can’t believe that he left me here alone when I was only brought here to be kept safe.
I could be back on the King ranch, hanging out with my friend, and instead I’m stuck here alone and bored.
Well, screw that.
If he can leave, then so can I.
My phone is on the counter by the toaster and I grab it, turning it on and hitting Arlowe’s name. She answers on the second ring, sounding surprised to hear from me.
“Hey,” she says.
“Hey, what are you doing right now?”
“Uh, nothing. Why? Is everything alright?”
“Yeah, I was just wondering if you wanted to grab breakfast with me… or an early lunch,” I amend when I catch sight of the time.
“Sure. Is Rule okay with this?”
“Yeah, it’s fine.”
“Okay, I’ll pick you up in ten? We can eat over here. My brothers are excited to see you again.”
“Sounds good. I’ll be ready.”
I look down at my outfit and decide that it’s too fancy for lunch so I hurry to change into something more casual. I grab my favorite pair of yoga pants and a loose-fitting tank top before I shove my feet into my tennis shoes and head for the door.
When I hit the button for the elevator, nothing happens. I try again, but it doesn’t appear to be working. I wonder if it needs a code or if he disabled it to try to keep me put.
“Fine,” I grumble, “I’ll just take the stairs.”
I jog down the steps and am just heading into the underground garage when Arlowe pulls up in her truck. She waves as I jog over to the passenger side and hop in.
“Hey! I’m glad that you get to hang out,” she says as we head back toward King Ranch.
“I know. I was missing you.”