Shaking her head, she whispered, “I’m sorry. I’m okay, Tristan. It’s just been a long day.”
Now it was Dodge’s turn to step closer to Sierra. “Will you at least let one of us walk you to your car?”
Looking between both of us, Sierra’s eyes widened. “Um . . . no I’d rather be alone. Thanks though.” She quickly began walking off, never once looking back.
“Tristan, what in the hell happened?”
Watching Sierra walk away, I slowly shook my head. “I’m not really sure, but I think Sierra may have just had a bit of a breakdown.”
“Pesh, good going there, Tristan.”
Slowly looking back at Dodge, I narrowed my eye at him. “Fuck you, asshole. At least I’m not known as the guy who is only good for a fucking. By the way, stay the hell away from Sierra.”
Dodge pulled his head back and laughed. “Excuse me? Are you seriously telling me to stay away from a girl who is not even your girlfriend?”
“Yeah, I am.”
Pushing past him, I began walking up Sixth Street to where my car was parked. My head was spinning right now. Seeing Sierra break down about killed me. I wasn’t sure what caused Sierra to snap and that bothered me.
Running my hand through my hair, I let out a whispered, “Fuck,” as I opened the door to my car and climbed in. I needed fresh air and wide open spaces. I needed the ranch. That was the only way I was going to be able to clear my head and get my game plan down on what I was going to do next with Ryn. It was decision time. I was either going to walk away from the one girl who had brought feelings alive in me that I had never experienced, or I was going to fight like hell to put my own fears aside and take a risk.
“SO ARE YOU GOING TO tell me what is bothering you, Sierra?”
Tipping her head up, Sierra looked at me. “Nothing is bothering me. Why do you ask?”
I looked around Nordstrom’s and gestured with my hands. “We are in the middle of your favorite store, in the shoe department, and you have yet to pick up anything and say you had to have it.”
Giving me a weak smile and a small shrug, Sierra walked over to a pair of silver high heel shoes. “I guess it’s just the holidays are getting me down. I used to go over to my ex asshole’s parents’ at Christmas, and with it only being a little over two weeks away, I guess I’m starting to feel sad. It’s stupid.”
Placing my hand on her shoulder, I gave it a light squeeze. “It isn’t stupid at all. Listen, I’m headed to Joyce and Peter’s ranch, why don’t you come along?”
Dropping her head and looking up at me, Sierra asked, “You mean, Tristan’s parents’ ranch? Um . . . does he know you’re going to be there?”
“Ah . . . no?”
“Is that a fact or a question, Ryn?”
“It’s a fact. Joyce called me a few weeks back and invited me. At the time, I thought I would be using this as a trip to say good-bye to them since I wasn’t sure where things with Dodge were going.”
Sierra asked, “So, is it a good-bye visit?”
Taking in a breath, I quickly blew it out. “No, it’s not a good-bye visit. I just adore them and I don’t think I could say good-bye even if I wanted to.”
Picking up a leopard print boot, Sierra turned it over and let out a whistle. “Damn, that is one expensive ass boot.” Lifting her hand, she waved a sales associate over. “May I try this on in a size six and a half?”
Smiling, he took the boot and excused himself to go get it.
Looking at her, I giggled. “I thought you said it was expensive?”
“It is, but if my ex thinks I’m giving him half of my savings, he has another thing coming. I’ll spend it all first before I give that dick any of it.”
We both started laughing as the salesman brought out the boot. “So, has this time away from all men given you the space to clear your head?”
Dropping back in the chair, I moaned in frustration. “Ugh. Why is it that you can’t live with men and you can’t live without them?”
“Hmm . . . that is the golden question. If you find out, please let me know.”
“I do know that there could never be anything more between Dodge and I. I’ve already told him there would be no more . . .”
“Booty calls?”
Rolling my eyes, I glared at Sierra. “Whatever you want to call it. I think Dodge needs to move on and find someone who will love him like he deserves to be loved.”
Nodding her head, Sierra moved on from the subject of Dodge. “Are you going to tell Tristan you are going to visit his parents?”