Done and Dusted (Rebel Blue Ranch, #1)

by Lyla Sage

She was Meadowlark’s sweetheart, a giant pain in the ass, and my best friend’s little sister. Clementine Ryder.

There was something in her eyes I hadn’t realized was missing when I’d looked at her before: fire. I started walking toward her, unable to help myself, ready to get burned.

Just like his stupid eyelashes that framed his stupid chocolate eyes. His hair was long enough that he could tuck it behind his ears, which

meant I could see his stupid sharp jawline with its stupid five o’clock shadow.

“And your family is my family, Emmy, so even if you weren’t in my bar, you would be my business. You’ve always been my business, and you’ll always be my business.”

“Wes?” I called. “Yeah?” “You didn’t ask me why I came home.” “I don’t care why you’re here, only that you are.”

Today, I saw the only thing in my life I ever thought was prettier than Rebel Blue, and that was Emmy.

When it came to Emmy, I was playing with fire, but I would happily walk into the flames for her. And I’d have a smile on my face the whole damn time.

Since I was home longer, I cherished these smaller moments with him. It meant there was no pressure for us to spend time together. We got to just exist in each other’s orbit–without a deadline on our time–for the first time since I was eighteen.

It was like I had spent my life getting pieces of her, and now I was finally putting the pieces together. Guess what? There wasn’t any piece of Emmy I didn’t like.

I pulled on her belt loop again. On instinct, I brought my hand up to her throat and hauled her mouth back to mine.

I couldn’t believe the universe was so big, and I got placed on this random floating rock at the same time as Clementine Ryder.

I’d never understood the phrase “his eyes darkened” that was in all the romance books Teddy loaned me, until now.

I kept an eye on Emmy throughout the night. Not in a creepy way–just in a “I really like you and think you’re the most beautiful woman alive” way.

Emmy Ryder might have been in like with me, but it was then that I knew I was falling in love with her.

“Sugar, you deserve to go out on your own terms. Just because you got dusted doesn’t mean you’re done.”

“Mom. You know I couldn't stay here,” Luke said fiercely. “Don’t hate the Ryders for giving me what you couldn’t, and I’m not going to stay here if you talk to my girl that way.”

When I pulled back, he said, “Thank you for coming with me, Emmy.” “I’d go anywhere with you,” I responded. I meant it.

“She asked for you.” Teddy shrugged. “Emmy never asks for anything. She just puts her head down and deals with things in the only way she knows how, by kicking shit around in her own brain. But she asked for you.”

Instead, he walked with me back to my truck and said, “He’ll get over it.” “I don’t know if he will,” I responded. “I do. Emmy came home broken, and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out who helped her put herself back together. “Thank you,” he continued, “for taking care of my baby girl.” “She can take care of herself,” I said. “I know she can, but you made sure she didn’t have to do it alone.”

I think both of you bring out each other’s soft side.” “What does that even mean?” “Some love stories burn hot and fast, but you two are more low and slow,” she said. “It’s a strong and steady kind of love.” She was right. More than anything, Luke made me feel safe.