“Are you sure it’s not more about not wanting to open up instead of not being able to? I mean, us brothers always talk. Maybe you just didn’t feel a close enough connection with Mindy to take things to the next level, like you did with Samantha.”
His brother did have a point. “Both needed more than I could give them.”
“You do put walls up, brother. One day you’ll find a woman who can bust them all down and you’ll have no choice but to enjoy the ride. Mindy definitely was a looker though.”
The image of the tall, slender blonde who modeled lingerie for a living developed in Zander’s head. He couldn’t deny she was a beauty, but there’d always been something missing in their relationship. Somehow he’d always known that she couldn’t be satisfied with a man like him, not long term at least. Just like his ex-fiancé, Sam. Sex had been great, but outside of bed they didn’t have a lot in common. She liked fancy dinners at five-star restaurants and exotic vacations, and Zander was happy with a pizza and a ride through the untouched places in Wyoming. “Yeah, but looks wear off, personality doesn’t.”
Nixon looked over his shoulder to see if they were still alone. “Now that we’re away from the table, tell me about the murder over at Tattleman’s Farm. The victim had been a dealer, right?”
Giving his brother a nod, Zander adjusted his boots on the spindle. “He pissed off the wrong people.”
“So, was it really just a disagreement between you and the supervisor?”
“Yeah. Just a difference of opinion. How about you? By the way, you still considering that position you’ve been offered?”
“Dad told you?”
“Yeah. He said you are thinking it over. I think you’d be perfect for it.”
“I like being a detective but working with a special forces unit led up by my hero, Carson, well, that’s enticing. Dad said Carson handpicked me for this team.”
“They couldn’t have picked a better man, bro. You’ve earned this.”
Nixon shrugged. “I’m still mulling it over. I’d have to get used to being alone for weeks at a time.”
“Take your time. If Carson wants you bad enough, he’ll wait until you’re sure. It’s important not to jump into anything.”
Cullen opened the screen door and popped his head out. “Mom said to tell you dessert is being served. If you don’t want it, I’ll take your share.”
“Strawberry shortcake? Hell no to sharing mine, bro. Mom makes the best this side of Wyoming,” Nixon stood, rubbing his palms together.
“Who the fuck you kidding, brother? She makes the best this side of the world.” Zander pushed himself up from the chair. “Let’s go get a slice before Kace sneaks away with all of it like he used to.”
~~~**~~~
“Brenda, tell me, has he tried calling?”
“Who?”
Wynn sighed. “You know who. Rory.”
Her best friend’s yelp of enthusiasm rattled the phone line. “You finally left him. Didn’t you?”
“I don’t think I remember you ever getting this excited, not even when you won the trip to Cancun. The answer is yes, I did.”
“So that’s the reason why you haven’t answered your phone. Where the hell are you?”
“I needed to leave everything connected with Rory behind. I truly need to start all over on my own two feet.”
“Oh, please tell me you didn’t leave that pretty silver Lexus he bought you for your birthday.”
“Yes, I did. It’s in his name, and the cell, and he’d bought most of my clothes. All left behind except for what I brought into the relationship.”
“And the money? You left all of it too?” There was obvious disappointment in Brenda’s voice.
“I took some. I had no choice. Anyway, I’m sure when he woke up from his drunken stupor, he got the point that I wasn’t coming back. Don’t tell him anything when he calls you, because he will eventually.”
“How can I tell him anything? You haven’t told me where you’re at.”
Wynn hesitated, not sure how far she wanted to drag her friend into this, at least for now. “Okay, but remember, not one word to him. Okay?”
“Best friend’s honor. I’m doing a happy dance right now. The man is an ass. I can’t believe you haven’t left him way before now. Okay, in all seriousness, where are you?”
“Remember when I told you my grandmother had died?”
“Yes, just a little over a year ago, right?”
“What I kept secret is that she left her place, at least the house and a few acres, to me. It’s in Crooked Creek, Wyoming, and I’m heading there.”
“All the way in Wyoming?” The joy left her tone.
“It’s not that far away. Just a plane flight away. I need this, Brenda. Rory has changed. I’ve changed. Now I need to figure out where I belong.”
“I understand. I’ll miss you, but I want you to be happy again.”
“Fingers crossed.”
“I’m sorry, but you deserve better, sweetie. Someone who knows how awesome you are. Maybe you’ll find the man of your dreams out there in cowboy country.”
“Don’t bet your wages on it. I’ve got to go. I’m using a payphone and by the looks of it, I’m the only one who has in the last decade. It’s cold out here too. I’ll catch up with you as soon as I get another phone.” Hanging up the receiver, she swiped her hand down her denim-covered thigh, but still felt dirty. She took a step back and looked through the window of the gas station. They’d have hand sanitizer…and maybe something for
