Turn and Burn (Blacktop Cowboys 5)

“Understood. And thanks, man, I owe you.”

Chapter Sixteen

Fletch looked longingly at his big-screen TV, his state-of-the-art computer system, and his custom-made bed as he packed for his odd adventure. Then he reminded himself there were more important things at stake than creature comforts.

He loaded medical magazines and reference tomes in two duffel bags. His laptop and Wi-Fi connection ended up in his overnight bag along with cords for all his electronic devices. Glancing at the pile of stuff at his front door, he thought to himself, So much for packing light. He’d have to come back for the rest later. He wanted to be sitting on the deck of his trailer when Tanna walked by after work. Maybe he’d act all casual-like—kicked back in a lawn chair, wearing board shorts and a puka-shell necklace, strumming a guitar in his bare feet.

Hey, the laid-back image worked for Devin McClain and Tanna had seemed to like him a whole helluva lot.

She likes you a whole helluva lot—she said so, remember?

House locked up tight, supplies laid in—at least enough to get him through supper tonight and breakfast tomorrow, he started toward the Split Rock.

As he reached the outskirts of Rawlins, he debated on stopping by his dad’s place to say good-bye. The devil on his left shoulder reminded him that his father had conspired with Cora behind his back. The angel on his right shoulder reminded him his father would be gone for six weeks.

The devil won out. No surprise, he usually did.

Fletch let his mind wander on the drive. When he was on duty, driving from ranch to ranch, he focused on what the issues might be at his next stop. His focus was so absolute he barely noticed the scenery, reminding himself he’d lived in this area nearly all his life. So this time, he watched the topography change, marveling at how fast that change occurred. Although most of his friends were in the ranching business, their land was vastly different from one another’s.

No one was in the office besides Renner when Fletch stopped in to pick up the key to the trailer. They spent very little time talking specifics on what Renner considered priorities with the breeding program. Fletch wasn’t surprised to learn that Tobin was in charge. Wouldn’t that be a change, having a coworker? He hadn’t been forced to mesh personalities or differing ideas with anyone since he’d started his own business. Preferring to do things his own way, at his own speed, was the major reason he’d gone into business for himself in the first place.

But he liked Tobin. He respected him. Now if he could just stop thinking of him as a kid. Tobin was only three years younger than Hugh, and Fletch didn’t consider him a kid.

He’d managed to avoid Tanna as he’d left the lodge. After unloading his stuff, he stared at the queen-sized bed and his back spasmed in protest. Guess he’d add furniture store to his list of places to stop in Rawlins tomorrow.

Three cans of ravioli and four pieces of wheat toast served as supper. He tried organizing his reference materials, but he was too antsy.

Since Renner had given him the green light for a small grated fire on the deck, he traipsed through the wooded area behind the trailers, looking for deadwood. Took three trips until he had enough to last a couple of nights. He busted the dry limbs into manageable pieces and figured he’d start the fire at dusk.

No surprise Tobin stopped by. As well as Hugh. They didn’t question his sudden change of residence and they both seemed happy he’d be around for a while. When pressed on his daily plans, Fletch remained vague, not wanting to commit to anything until he’d had a chance to talk to Tanna.

After the guys left, Dave and Yvette, the property caretaker and his wife, who headed up the housekeeping and laundry for the lodge, wandered over. They’d been married forty years and relocated to Wyoming after Dave retired from the military. With Yvette’s years of experience in the housekeeping side of the hotel industry, they’d seized the chance to get to work together at the Split Rock and live in the gorgeous Wyoming countryside. Of course, Fletch hadn’t known any of this at the outset of the conversation. Surprised him sometimes at how easily people just told all to a stranger.

His heart beat a little harder when he heard the creak of footsteps on the planked walkway. He kept his focus on the crackling fire.

The footsteps stopped.

He glanced up at her, standing at the edge of his deck.

“Fletch? What in the world are you doin’ here?”

Man. He loved that honey-thick drawl of hers. “Nice evening, isn’t it?”

“Uh. Yeah. But . . .” Her eyes narrowed and she crossed her arms over her chest. “You have cattle stuff to do early in the morning and Renner is making you crash here?”

He shook his head.

“Were you out drinking with Tobin and Hugh and you’re too shitfaced to drive home?”

He shook his head again.

“Okay. I give up. Why are you parked in a lawn chair in front of a fire with your feet up? At ten at night? Drinking a . . . is that a wine cooler?”

“Tropical berry flavored. It’s what I had left over in my fridge at home. And since it’d been a particularly trying day, if I stopped at the liquor store to pick up a bottle of something, I’d be tempted to drink the whole thing. So I’m stuck with this ‘bitch beer’ as Bran calls it. I have more in the cooler if you’re interested in having a drink with me.”

Tanna squinted at him. “I need to change clothes.”

Fletch’s eyes wandered over her. He liked what he saw and he made sure she knew it. “Sugar twang, you always look fantastic. No matter what you are—or ain’t—wearing.”