Saving the Rain (Crimson Ridge #4)

by Elliott Rose

“I just . . . I don’t know if I’m ready to tell anyone about anything. I haven’t even properly told Chaos, or Brad, or even my dad about my knee. What am I gonna do, drop a bombshell that I’m finished with competitive rodeo, and then tack on the end that I’m gay?” “Well, I’ll make it real easy for you,” I grumble. “Raine . . . please, it’s not that I’m embarrassed or anything.” “Sure seems like you might be.” I raise an eyebrow at him. Kayce is already on the move, crossing to my side of the truck. “Look . . . can you just put yourself in my shoes for a moment? I’m trying to get my head around a lot of really big fucking changes right now.” There’s the faintest hint of a tremor in his voice, and I hate that for him. I hate how similar we are in that regard. We’ve both been fucked up from day one when it comes to learning how to trust others. Tilting my head to one side, I reach out and cup his jaw. Lifting his focus to meet my own, I give a little shake of my head. “You’re right. I’m sorry.” He goes completely still. Lips parted. “Don’t act like that’s the weirdest thing to ever come out of my mouth.” It’s a rough grunt I offer, doing my best. “You just apologized. Just like that.” “Yeah, and?” “You never . . .” From how shell-shocked he looks, it certainly puts into perspective how long we’ve been out of each other’s lives. He doesn’t know the version of me who has had a chance to do a little bit of healing. There are still a lot of scars there. I’m still the world’s wors...