A shiver of pleasure spread through my chest when I heard Jess’s voice at my side. I hadn’t talked to her all day—but, to my credit, I had managed to avoid punching Austen, so it wasn’t all a fail. I sent an apprehensive glance around the room, but I didn’t see him anywhere. Only then could I smile at her and answer.
“Mostly. I just need some dry jeans. I wasn’t expecting a joy ride in the mountains today, and these aren’t exactly waterproof.”
That delicious mouth curved softly. “I’m afraid my pants wouldn’t fit you, but how about this?” She held out her hand, and her fingers uncurled to reveal a protein bar. “I always keep a couple in the car, and I don’t think you got anything to eat, did you?”
“I didn’t, but you don’t need to do that. Thank you, though.”
Her smile quirked to the side, and she gave me a suspicious look. “Are you turning it down because you don’t like chocolate peanut butter or because you’re trying to be polite?”
“Well…” I let my eyes rove over her face. She was so… so perfect. Like an angel, but flesh-and-blood-real, and I never could get enough of looking at her. It wasn’t just her alabaster skin or those sculpted cheekbones or the lips that looked like they’d been crafted out of rose petals.
It was those crystal blue eyes that could speak; the gentleness and intelligence in them, the patience and humor, and something else I couldn’t define. I’d always felt like if I ever got the chance to really open up to her, we’d find that our stories were penned by the same author.
Jess reached for my hand and pressed the protein bar into it. “You can say yes, Dusty. It’s okay to accept things for yourself once in a while.”
I allowed a slow smile and tore the wrapper open. “I’d rather share things than have them all to myself.” I broke off the end and offered it to her. “Did you get anything to eat?”
She chuckled. “Some.” But she did accept my offer. And then she smiled, her eyes twinkling at me as she chewed. That tasted better to me than any protein bar ever could.
“Dusty, there you are. I think we’re going to take off.”
Austen had come up behind Jess, and I’d been so lost in watching her that I hadn’t even noticed him. He didn’t look angry today, and I couldn’t figure it out. How does a guy flip a switch like that? He even smiled and put his hand out to shake mine.
My Adam’s apple bobbed in my throat as I hesitated. I couldn’t refuse because thenI’dlook like the jerk. I thinned my lips and shook his hand. “Drive safely,” I mumbled.
“You too. Roads are getting icy. I promised Jess’s dad I’d have her home in time for puzzle night. Right, angel?”
Even Jess blinked at that. She raised her eyebrows at him, and an ironic laugh escaped before she caught herself. “Oh, I don’t think I’m any kind of an angel, but yes, we should probably go. Take care, Dusty. I hope they find Marshall quickly, and that the roads don’t get too bad before you guys leave.”
A yawning pit of lava was slowly engulfing my stomach. I could feel it—the bitterness, the jealousy, the indignation of it all—and the mortification of having to smile at them while they ripped my guts out. How was I still breathing? But I grunted some kind of answer about how Marshall was just fine, and we’d head home as soon as he got back. And then Jess gave me a small wave as Austen led her away.
Angel. That wasmyword for her! Had Austen managed to steal everything of mine? My words, my thoughts, and even my heart. And I was probably the only one who’d caught a glimpse of the other side of him, but no one would believe me if I said anything.
Well. My family would. But that wasn’t much help right now.
“Call an ambulance!”
The words split through my thoughts, and I whirled around to see where they’d come from. Morgan was on her feet, too, and we plunged out the door together into a snowstorm. A lone horse was walking up the little slope to the barn, carrying two people. One was Kelli Mason—the reins in one hand while the other arm wrapped around…
“Marshall!” I bolted out the door and ran to meet them.
Marshall was practically lying on Kelli, his head rocking on her shoulder and his eyes glazed over. But despite the bruises and blood all over his face, he was wearing the most ridiculous smile.
“What happened?” I demanded. I started to reach for him to pull him down.
“Silly cowboy decided to belly flop onto some rocks,” Kelli replied. “Be careful. I think he broke some things.”
“What? What did he break?”
“All of it,” Kelli grunted. “Come on, cowboy. You have to let go of me.”
Marshall already looked drugged. “‘S awright shugar,” he slurred. “Gimme ‘nother kiss an’ ah’ll be jes fine.”
“He’s in shock,” Morgan said. “Meg! Call 911! Somebody get some blankets out here!”
“Naw, I’m not in sh… sh…” Marshall rolled his head around and smiled at Kelli. “I’m in luff.” His forehead wrinkled, and he winced in agony as Kelli tried to shift him. “Oof. Luff hurts.”
As I tried to wrestle my brother down from that horse, a million thoughts were wrestling in my head. But the one that stuck there the rest of the night and through the next few months, was that Marshall was dead right about one thing.