Done and Dusted (Rebel Blue Ranch, #1)

by Lyla Sage

“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.”

I looked at Emmy again. Everything I’d felt about her last night was still there. I still thought she was beautiful. I still wondered what she’d look like wrapped up in my bed sheets. I was still pissed that she left with Wyatt, and I still wished she’d left with me instead.

He's a simple man

Emmy Ryder had burrowed her way under my skin in a way I was not expecting. What the hell was I supposed to do about that?

I was starting to think Emmy was put on this earth to torture me.

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.

Honestly, I didn’t think I’d be able to stay away from her, no matter how hard I tried. Emmy Ryder was just…more. She was more than anyone was, or than anyone would ever be.

I needed to say something to her. Anything to keep her right here where I wanted her. But I couldn’t. Emmy Ryder had just willingly put her mouth on mine. My brain was a pile of hay.

At that moment, the back slider opened, and in walked Emmy. It was a good thing I was still holding Riley because if I wasn’t, I probably would’ve dropped to my knees. She was beautiful. I wondered if there would ever be a time when she didn’t cause my heart to go from zero to one hundred in one second flat.

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 can’t stay away from you anymore.”

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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”