CHAPTER 62

“You’re not. It’s okay. Just sittin’ here thinkin’.”

Gemma scooted next to him on the cement step. “Macie’s not back yet?”

“Nope.”

“Maybe she got called in to work.”

“Be a little hard for Velma to reach her when Macie’s cell phone is dead and in the camper.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah. I checked.” He set aside the empty bottle and sighed. “Go ahead and remind me she’s an adult.”

Gemma didn’t say a word.

The sweet, low tones of mourning doves rose and fell in the early twilight. A bull roared in the north pasture. The humid air seemed to amplify the normal sounds and every breath he sucked into his lungs was heavy. Oppressive.

Cash took off his cowboy hat and hung it on the metal railing so he could rub the knot at the base of his skull.

“You okay?”

“Just a headache.”

“Probably from tension. Want me to rub your neck?”

He glanced at her. “You wouldn’t mind?”

“No. I like touching you, Cash. It doesn’t always have to lead to the bedroom.”

Gemma’s sweetness soothed him somewhat.

“Come on. Scoot down on t