Loner by Harloe Rae Page 0,93

I can begin to compute the odds that I’ll ever be worthy of her. I’m not a betting man, but I know the odds stacked against me.”

“Dad?”

A smirk tilts my lips. “Yeah, you’ve always been good at reading my thoughts. It always rolls back to him. He’s gonna be hearing from me real soon.”

Grant kicks his legs up onto the railing, getting comfortable. “Let him know I’m still waiting on my investment payout.”

“That’s on you, brother. I got enough shit to say.” And the list continues to grow after sitting with the man beside me. My father’s transgressions have no bounds.

“Want me to come with you?”

“Nah, this is something I gotta do by myself.”

“I understand. Just remember that light will be waiting on the other side of the tunnel.”

“That’s a good reminder. I’ve been living in the dark.” And without so much as a match to guide me. Maybe with Grant’s advice, things can actually swing in the correct direction for a change. Look at me being all optimistic and shit.

“Well, lucky for you, I’m here to help.”

“Ah, luck never graces me with any favors. That cranky bitch hates me.”

“Only because you play too safe.”

I chuckle, scrubbing over my mouth. “Not sure I’ve ever thought of it that way.”

“You’re welcome.” He makes a gun out of his fingers, shooting at me.

A random thought occurs to me. “Just realized I have no clue where you’re living these days. Damn, that’s messed up.”

“You miss keeping tabs on me?”

“That’s what younger brothers are good for.”

He peeks up at the puffy clouds dotting the blue sky. “I have a place near the office in Vicken Falls. Thinking of relocating, though.”

“Makes sense.”

“Shouldn’t have left to begin with. I miss Silo Springs. Always have.”

I chuckle at that. “No surprise there. I think the biggest shock of all is when you moved outta town.”

“Yeah, that was a stupid decision for a lot of reasons.”

I stand to leave, pausing for a moment. “For what it’s worth, I’m glad you’re back.”

A dimple dents Grant’s cheek when he grins at me. “So am I, brother. Life sucked without you.”

“Maybe we’ll do this again soon.” I brush my words off with a shrug. There’s no guarantee that he’s actually sticking around. That possibility whispers at me, murmuring reminders from the last lonely decade.

He straightens and claps me on the back. “A horny harem won’t keep me away. In the meantime, go slay the dragon so you can get your girl.”

“You make it sound so regal.”

“It’s better for our egos. Being the hero is badass,” he drawls.

Another rescue mission? Wasn’t sure I had the first one in me, or the second for that matter. But I can buy into the idea when Grant puts that spin on it. “Yeah, I guess it is.”

Healing Hug #28: Sneak attack for the desperate hearts.

Melodic chirping serenades me from a branch above. A lone robin is providing a cheery tune to complement the warm yet comfortable weather. The oppressive dryness isn’t suffocating us quite yet. That’s probably one of the reasons so many people chose this early hour to stop here. A thrill zaps along the bare skin of my arms. Even with the sun beaming over me, goosebumps rise on my flesh.

I push the sunglasses up higher on the bridge of my nose. The large oval frames were picked on purpose this morning, as if I’m incognito. A huff escapes me as I glance around. My undercover skills could use some serious improvement. Millie is dashing across the space in front of me, squealing loudly as Elsa chases her. It’s no secret who we are to anyone who has the slightest clue. But deep down, I can admit the truth.

Being at the dog park is a risk. The chance of bumping into Crawford is much higher at one of his preferred and approved locations. But this is my town, too. Just because he took a sledgehammer to our arrangement doesn’t mean I have to slink away in the shadows. We have to co-exist in Silo Springs. That man has done enough damage. He won’t stop me from taking Millie and Elsa out to enjoy the beautiful summer day.

I scan the congested grassy field with a watchful eye. Choosing a peak traffic time isn’t an accident. It’s highly doubtful Crawford’s aversion to people has suddenly vanished. I haven’t seen the shadow of his outline along Main Street in over two weeks. Not that I’ve been looking. Another scoff escapes me. It’s a surprise my shorts aren’t