“But nothing else you said?”
“Ah. No.”
Lainie smirked an I’ve-got-a-secret smile.
“What? Did I say something . . . ?” A niggling sense of unease arose. Shit, had he been spouting poetry or something? A man under the influence of narcotics couldn’t be held responsible for what he’d said, could he?
Fuck. Had he blurted out that he loved her? Body and soul? Straight down to the bone?
That’d be embarrassing.
Wouldn’t it?
No. It’d be a relief. If she didn’t feel the same he could blame it on the drugs.
She leaned across the bed. “So, you’re not going to f**k me until I can’t walk when you’re feeling up to it? Because I was kinda looking forward to it.”
He attempted to keep it light. “Since I feel like dog shit, it might be a while.” After he said that, Hank held his breath, fearing she’d toss off something flip, like that Kyle could keep her motor running while Hank recovered.
Lainie let her lips cross his in a sweet, lingering glide. “Lucky for you I’m a patient woman, Hank Lawson.”
His eyes felt heavy, his body went limp, and then the lights went out.
The next morning, after Hank’s discharge, they waited in front of the hospital for Kyle to pick them up. Hank crawled in the rear of the quad cab and stretched out across the bench seat. Fuck. It didn’t matter if he lay down or sat up; his body hurt like a motherfucker.
“Hank, buddy, I’d ask how you’re doin’, but it’s obvious you ain’t back up to full speed yet.”
“How’s your arm?” Lainie asked Kyle.
“Fine. I iced it down last night. Put liniment on it this morning. Took some pills. I’ll wrap it tonight before I ride.”
“So you are riding tonight?”
“Of course. Different purse. More points.” Kyle stretched his arm across the back of the seat so Lainie could examine it. Then he looked at Hank. “I figured you’d take off for the ranch. So I’m joining up with Breck. He lost his traveling partner. Won’t be hitting the same rodeos we’d planned on, but going toward Oregon and Idaho.”
Hank almost protested—but his greedy side reminded him that with Kyle gone, he’d be with Lainie. At home. For a week.
That alone was almost worth getting injured for.
He shifted slightly and stabbing pain shot through his midsection.
The rest of the drive to the rodeo grounds was quiet. Hank was starting to relax and lose consciousness as the throbbing in his chest abated and the pain pill kicked in. Doors opened and closed.
“Take care, Hank. You’re a lucky bastard.”
“I know.”
“I’ll keep in touch.”
The last thing he heard was Lainie saying, “I’ll help you pack.”
Outside the door to the camper, Kyle said, “Thanks for the offer, but I’m already packed up.”
“Maybe I just want to talk to you in private.”
Lainie glanced at the duffel bag and Kyle’s equipment bag. She jammed her hands in her pockets. “You’re ditching us for Breck, huh?”
“His traveling partner left yesterday, so it’s actually great timing.”
“Breck seems like a good guy.”
“He is.”
Her stomach roiled when she saw the wariness on Kyle’s face. “I won’t ask you not to go.”
“I know. Which is why I’m goin’,” he said softly.
She’d been a fool to believe no one would get hurt in this situation. “I’ll be rooting for you.”
“I appreciate it. I hope my luck holds.”
“It will. You’re a great bull rider.”
A ghost of a smile appeared and vanished. “Don’t give me those sad puppy-dog eyes, Lainie. We knew it’d end. It just happened sooner than we expected.”
Lainie had no response.
“Hank will heal faster at home in Muddy Gap. Especially with you taking care of him. He’s a great guy, but I don’t need to tell you that.”
“Kyle, I didn’t mean—”
He held up his hand, halting her excuse. “I know. You didn’t want to choose. But you have. I accept that. I’ll admit to feeling a bit glum, as I’d hoped it’d be me. But to be honest, Hank is the best guy I know. You’re the best woman I know, so in my mind, you and Hank are the best match.”
She swallowed, determined not to cry.
“Don’t worry. I won’t be an ass to you or Hank, or blab to anyone about how we spent Cowboy Christmas. It’ll stay our secret, because, sugar, I don’t have a single regret.”
“Me either.”
“When I see you at CRA events, I won’t make it awkward—”
“You won’t see me at CRA events,” she blurted. “Or at EBS events. Or at any events.”
His eyes clouded with confusion, then sharpened with suspicion. “What are you talking about?”
Her shoulders slumped against the camper. “I’m switching to an administrative position with Lariat. Full-time. I can quit my part-time EMT job. No more weekends on the road. To be honest, it isn’t as glamorous as I imagined.”
Kyle frowned and she backpedaled.
“Don’t get me wrong. I love the people part of my job. But all I see is the airport or the inside of my car, another hotel room, and the medical room.”
“And you just realized this?”