Best Friend's Ex Box Set

“Thank you,” I said.

“For what?” he asked.

“For everything you’ve done for me.”

“How’s your arm?” he asked.

“Don’t deflect. I’m serious,” I said.

“I’m not deflecting; I’m curious.” He ran his fingertips down my arm, and we both could see the bruise that had formed. I knew Colt was still upset that I hadn’t told the sheriff anything about our encounter, but I figured it wouldn’t bring anything but trouble.

And we’d just wiggled our way out of trouble already.

We peeled ourselves from the shower and went our separate ways, but later when we all gathered after our workdays were over, Michael joined us. Tiffany and Colt were talking about the fundraiser, and I was chatting with Michael about the adoption of my horse, but I could tell Michael was having a hard time concentrating.

“She’s beautiful, isn’t she?” I asked.

“Tif? Oh, yeah. She’s a pretty woman.”

“You should tell her that,” I said.

“Tell me what?” she asked.

“That you’re easy on the eyes,” Michael said with a grin. I shot Colt a look, and he glanced down at his sister, but she seemed unfazed by the compliment.

“Not with this stupid cast on, but if all goes well, I’ll be in a boot before December rolls around.”

“How long will you be in that?” Michael asked her.

“Four weeks, then there’s a bit of physical therapy. I’m hoping to be back out and with the animals before the turn of the year.”

“If you need any help, I could offer my services,” Michael said.

“That’s very kind of you, thanks. With everything that’s happened with Rick, I know that would help us out a great deal.”

Colt rolled his eyes, and I couldn’t help but giggle. She had no idea that Michael was flirting with her, and it was painful to watch her sidestep him without even realizing it.

“Anything for you,” Michael said with a smile.

“Well, I’ll get you a potential schedule, then,” Tif said.

“Tiffany!” I exclaimed.

“What? He offered to help! We could use it with Rick being locked up for pulling all his bullshit.”

“Such a dirty mouth for a pretty woman,” Michael said.

“You just haven’t met women like me yet,” she said.

She was absolutely clueless, and it was becoming physically painful. I was glad when a knock on the door saved us from the painful conversation, but when Colt opened the door and we saw the sheriff, things got serious very quickly.

“May I come in?” he asked.

“Of course. We’re all in the kitchen.”

He sat down with us with a solemn look on his face, and I knew that something else had developed. I felt my chest clench with anxiety, and Colt grabbed my hand underneath the table to try and steady my breathing. I felt the world already spinning beneath my feet, and I wasn’t ready for another hiccup.

I wasn’t prepared for the sheriff to do any more than update us on Rick, then to take credit for his capture.