Beautifully Broken Life by Catherine Cowles

Author:Catherine Cowles
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The PageSmith LLC

24

Liam

The light was fading as Tessa and I drove back through Sutter Lake after tending the horses. Tessa’s anxiety seemed to have lessened. Time with the horses always seemed to bring her peace. It was amazing to watch the way they eased each other.

But an afternoon with Tessa in all the beauty that was the Cole Ranch had done nothing to dull the rage pumping through my veins. Not a damn thing. I clenched the steering wheel harder.

I would never understand the need to tear someone down to make yourself feel better, whether that be physically or emotionally. And I had no doubt now that Tessa had endured both.

I took a deep breath, forcing my hands to relax. Tessa did not need my rage right now. I glanced over at her. She stared out the window at the passing stores with a small smile on her lips—those gorgeously kissable lips. Don’t think about that, jackass.

I cleared my throat. “Why don’t I drop you off, and then I’ll pick us up some dinner from the saloon? Burgers sound good?”

Tessa turned to meet my gaze. That smile directed at me was like a fist to the gut in the best way possible. “Burgers sound great.”

I pulled to a stop at the back of the Kettle. Shutting off the SUV, I jumped down to make it to Tessa’s door before she could open it. She grinned at me. “Such a gentleman.”

I returned the tip of lips. “My mama did her best to raise me right.”

A slight blush tinged Tessa’s cheeks. “I’d say she did a pretty fantastic job.”

I guided Tessa towards the door with a hand at the small of her back. “What about your parents? Do they know where you are?” I wanted to take the question back as soon as I asked it.

Pain filled Tessa’s eyes. “I don’t know where my dad is. My mom died in childbirth. I grew up in the foster care system.”

My chest seized. This girl had been through far too much. In this moment, I knew I would do anything in my power to make her life easier, to let her know she had people now. She wasn’t alone. I brushed my lips against her temple. “You’re amazing, you know that? So fucking strong.”

Tessa shuddered against me. “Some days, I don’t feel very strong. Some days, I feel like a coward for running.”

I squeezed her to me. “You did what you had to do, and it was so damn brave.”

Tessa ducked her head as she fumbled for the keys in her bag. “Thank you.”

I took them from her and unlocked the door. “I’ll walk you up.” It was going to be a battle for me to leave Tessa alone for even a second. I knew I’d have to at some point, but I could also take a few extra precautions.

Tessa tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “You don’t have to. I’m fine.”

I edged closer, kissing her temple again. It was fast becoming an addiction.

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