“Yes.”
God, I hate having this conversation. Everyone thinks I don’t realize I’m working myself into the ground, but I do. I just don’t have any other choice. I either take care of Animal Haven or I get rid of it, and the latter is not an option.
“Everything else I do almost every day.”
He nods and tosses his shirt in the car. “You don’t have help?”
His phone rings from inside his pocket, and Duke barks again, but Rhett makes no move to answer it.
“I have volunteers who come in from time to time.”
“Let me rephrase. Do you have any regular help?”
“Yes.”
“How often?”
Damn him. “As often as their schedules allow, and on Sundays.”
“Right.” His jaw clenches tight as his phone continues to ring.
“Your crotch is ringing.”
He tries to fight it, but I see a hint of a smile.
“You going to answer it?”
“No.” Shoving his hand in his pocket, he does something to silence his phone and opens his mouth, but I put a hand up.
“I get it, okay? You aren’t going to say anything that hasn’t already been said to me a million times. It’s a lot of work for one person, yes. But it’s necessary, and we have fewer animals right now, and I’m not willing to bend. I also won’t argue about it or try to plead my case. I have volunteers who come when they can, and that’s all I can ask for because they’re volunteers. Now, stop shoving your nose into my business and get yourself home and take care of your shoulder.”
“You lookin’ out for me, Mo?” he asks, tilting his head away from the sun.
“Someone has to.”
“And who’s watching out for you?”
No one. God, Rhett, since you left me six years ago, no one has looked out for me. Except maybe Coop, but I’ve always wondered if that’s out of courtesy to you.
With a deep breath, I look down at the ground. “I’m a big girl, Rhett. I watch out for myself.” I look up and catch his gaze. “Now, if you’re done assaulting me with questions, I have to get home and get cleaned up before my shift at Dirty Dicks.”
Pinching his lips together, he looks away. “You’re bartending tonight?”
“I am. You should come in for a drink if you don’t have any other plans.”
I climb into my truck and start it up, making sure to crank the air. Right before I shut the door, I hear him.
“Maybe I will.”
Rhett
“What are you doing here?”
I’m exhausted. I didn’t do strenuous work today, but my body is still healing, and I definitely pushed it too far. All I want is an ice-cold beer and my bed, which is why I’m not at all pleased to see Nikki sitting at the kitchen table, drinking a glass of wine with Coop.
But sure as shit, here she is.
She and Coop turn at the sound of my voice.