Downpour (The Griffith Brothers, #2)

by Maggie C. Gates

“My score?” Goddamn, it hurt to talk. What the hell was wrong with my throat? Christian reached into his pocket and pulled out the championship buckle. He placed it in my hand, but I couldn’t feel it. “Ninety-one point nine,” he said. I’d won.

What was the point in dissecting the fact that I was quadriplegic. That I was unable to move an inch beyond my neck because I had to ride one more bull, had to claim one more championship? Because I just couldn’t quit while I was ahead. I didn’t need to dig into any of it. It was what it was.

I gritted my teeth as I watched the tears stream down his face. I hadn’t shed a tear since waking in that hospital bed. So why was he crying? “Ray, what the fuck? You’re moving!” “I was thirsty.” He didn’t move for the plate, the squished potatoes, or the meatloaf. “Y-you...picked it up.” “I just learned how to use my hand again,” I said. “Don’t make me use it to flip you off.”

“I can hire help. I can have someone cart me around and do my bidding like I’m a fucking princess. But that doesn’t give me my life back,” I snapped. “So, stop being delusional and acting like if someone’s here to put me on the goddamn toilet, that it’s all sunshine and fucking roses.”

Two days had passed since Brooke showed up at my doorstep with skinned knees and a smile plastered on her face. And for the past two days, she hadn’t stopped talking. No matter how many times I told her to shut up, she just...wouldn’t.

Mickey, my niece’s accidental pet cow, had taken up permanent residence on my back deck. Apparently, he was in love with the girl.

“What was your backup plan?” I asked. “You know, after bull riding. I can’t imagine that being something you could do forever.” Ray continued to fiddle with the rope, not even bothering to glance up at me. “I never had one.”

“You should have them over. Order a pizza or something. Oh! We could have a game night! That’d be so much fun! They still want to hang out with you even though they’ve grown up.”

“How’d you get your wheelchair down the grass?” I asked, setting the coffees on the ground and rummaging around in my bag. He let out a weighted breath. “Pretty much the only workout I get.” “Is that why you don’t use a power chair?” “Yeah,” he muttered. “Someone’s chatty today,” I noted. “I like it.” He rolled his eyes as he went to work untying all the knots.

“Why do you tie knots all the time?” “Why do you ask so many questions?” “Because I like you.”

“Aww! You think about me?” I giggled. “I’m touched.” “Don’t let your head get big. I think about firing you at least three times a day.”

I didn’t need him to fucking check on her. I would fucking check on her.

“I—I’m sorry,” she whispered. “Running errands took longer than I thought, and there was traffic, and I⁠—” I reached up, cupped her chin, and wiped away the tear with my thumb as a low growl slipped from my chest. “Who the fuck did this to you?”

Brooke never woke, and I didn’t sleep. Because for once, I wanted to be awake.

“Cassandra made the call.” My heart dropped. “Oh.” Before I could say anything else, he added, “But I told her to.” Ray tipped his head to the door beside his bedroom. “Guest room’s yours.”

I took another sip. “Well, what?” “How’d I do with the coffee?” “Right. My aura.” I stabbed the straw into the cloud of whipped cream. It was delicious. “It’s fine,” I grumbled. “You like it!” she sang. “Our auras match! This is great. I knew we’d get along.”

“You’ve made it this long without getting fired. He must think you’re something special.”

“Can I give you a hug?” That... wasn’t at all what I expected her to say. “Why?” “Because I have a feeling that you haven’t had one in a while. And if we’re keeping secrets, what’s one more? Besides, I like hugging it out after an apology. It seals the forgiveness.” I stared at her optimistic face for a moment before turning to face her on the couch and opening my arm. “Come here, Sunnyside.” Brooke laughed and scooted over.

Cassandra’s jaw dropped, along with her fork. “Oh my god. Pollyanna got him to leave the house.” I flipped her the bird. Brooke giggled.

I hated people watching me. It was like waiting for rain. The downpour would let loose sooner or later. Whatever was anticipated was always a disappointment.

It made my skin crawl. My neck tensed. I wanted to get out of there. Then I felt her. Brooke squeezed my left hand under the table.

“You know me. I always have a place for you.” She tipped her head toward the door. “And one for that sweet girl too. She was a lucky find, wasn’t she?” “Lightning in a bottle,” I said under my breath. Mom chuckled. “That’s the truth.”

“The rain will stop, you know.” I glanced out the window. “It’s not raining.” “I don’t mean outside, sweetheart.” She leaned down and dropped a kiss on my head, just like she used to when I was a boy. “If the clouds don’t part where you are, keep going until you find your sunshine.”

“You know Ray’s gonna chew your ass out about this, right?” The thought of Ray anywhere near my ass made my spine turn electric. “He’s the one who told me to go on a walk.” CJ let a wry laugh slip. “Yeah, and he’s the one who called me when you didn’t come back after two hours and no one had seen you.”

“I’m sorry,” I whispered as I stood in front of him like a kid getting scolded. “I went too far and I was trying to find my way back, but I didn’t have service and then my phone died, and I⁠—” “I was worried.” His stubbled jaw flexed with tension.

I turned on the couch and curled up beside him. “I don’t think you were their hero because you were a rodeo star. You were their hero because you were there for them when they needed you. So, yeah. You’re not their hero right now because you won’t let them see you.

“I’m starting to think you just talk a big game about firing me.” I let my hair down. “I think you like me.” “I don’t hate you.” But his dark eyes were twinkling like a starry sky. “But you are a walking disaster and a big pain in my ass.”

I think Brooke’s coming back tonight. I don’t know when she’ll get in.” He cracked a smile. “You’re sweet on her.”

“I’m not saying I understand, because I don’t. After what happened to Nate in Mosul and losing Gretchen, I coped by working and moving forward. I had the girls to think about, and I had to hold on to the good moments to deal with the downpour. And I’m sorry for putting that expectation on you.”

“Wanna tell me how you went from firing anyone who set foot in your kitchen to paying an unqualified gopher to live with you full-time?” “You and your assumptions can fuck off.” He laughed. “Yeah, I think my assumptions are pretty spot-on.”

“No judgment. I think she’s a sweet girl.” “Just stop talking already.” He chuckled. “Momma loves her.” “Momma loves everybody.” “She’s good for you,” he said, shoving his hands in his pockets.

He looked down at his feet, a little bashful. Stars glimmered over us like diamonds. The sun, in blazing orange, still peeked over the horizon, coating the pond in waves of fire. Somehow, standing between the heavens and the embers, he had created a hallowed place.

I just… I never feel safe. Not like I do when I’m here. I can actually sleep when I’m here.”

“I just need to figure something out. I can’t stay forever. What would I even do?” His eyes lowered. “Give me peace.”

“You’re headstrong and stubborn to a fault. You work in silence because you don’t need eyes on you. You just do what you have to do.” I raked my fingers through his thick hair, and he melted. “You have this ardent work ethic that transcends your physical abilities. You’re honest even when it hurts. It’s honorable. You have grit and patience. There’s not a single difference between you and your brothers. I see it every time I look at you, cowboy.”

It was care, connection, intimacy, and tenderness. It made me feel human again. Like a man.

“Will you come in with me today?” “Look, if it’s about the heat, I’ll find a coffee shop or somewhere to hang out.” “It’s not about the heat. I... I want you to come in.” And like it pained him to do so, he gritted out, “Please.” I squeezed his hand. “I’d love to.”

I wanted to think someone in the office had a breakthrough with him, but I think it’s been you.”

“Maybe I just like the little hit of adrenaline I get every time you drive. It’s like being back on a bull.” I laughed. “I’m not that bad!” “Baby, I mean this nicely, but you’re the worst driver I’ve ever seen.”

“Darkness and light exist together in the same moments. We find it in sunrises and sunsets. It’s the clash that people trek across mountains to experience.”

If he wasn’t going to be brave, I would be. “I like you,” I confessed. “A lot. And maybe that’s weird since I work for you and we don’t have much in common. But I like hanging out with you. And I’m pretty sure you’re the sexiest man I’ve ever met in person.”

Her grin was feline. “No one touches my man.” It had been a while since I’d fallen. But this time, I didn’t mind. My gait and stability were no match for Brooke. Because just like that, I fell.

“So, are you like… Uncle Ray’s girlfriend? Or do you work for him? Because I just thought you worked for him.” Hushed laughter rose up from the table. Brooke’s cheeks turned bright pink. “Um⁠—” “Geez, you can’t ask that,” Bree whispered in the loudest whisper known to man. “Everyone knows it’s both.”

“I love you,” he said softly and calmly from behind me. “I do. And that’s why I’m trying really fucking hard not to hurt you. That’s why you can’t be with me.” “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.” “I love you and that’s why I want better for you. I want someone good for you.” I turned to face him. “You are the greatest good.”

“I think I like you driving me around.” Ray chuckled and leaned over to give my head a quick kiss. “That makes two of us.”

“Downpours happen. You either drown in it or grow after

“Baby, I don’t want you going anywhere. That’s why I don’t want you working for me. I want you to be here because you want to be. I don’t want to keep you trapped. Cass is going to help us find something for you that you love.” He gently cupped my cheek and forced me to look at him. “I’ll get to the rest of my apology in a minute. But you’re going stir-crazy. I want more for you than occasionally giving me a hand and getting my groceries.”

If I had to choose between you and the sun, it’s you. In every lifetime, you are the most brilliant thing in existence. Your love is blinding and sustaining. I crave your warmth. The incandescence of you is what gives me light when my nature is to seek darkness. In every form that you exist, you are my sun. And I’ll be your moon. I’ll be the light that drives the nightmares away. The glow that soothes. And the calm you seek refuge in. Because you can burn eternally without me. But not me without you.

love you, Brooke,” he said as he cupped my jaw and guided me to his lips. The kiss was warm and laced with the salt of tears. But so was life. “I love you too.”

“What’s that?” Ray chuckled and set the small pot in my lap. “Your plant. The one that only blooms when you meet the love of your life.”