Chapter 14 Lina
lina
“Dad!” I squealed, running into his arms as soon as he climbed out of his truck.
“Darlin’.” He chuckled, taking me into his embrace, giving me the biggest squeeze we both could muster.
“I’ve missed you so much.” I gripped his shirt, not wanting to let go, letting his firm, warm arms wrap around me, and his familiar scent of fresh soap and spicy aftershave comfort me.
My heart finally felt as though it could return to its natural rhythm instead of the heightened rate it had been at since St. John.
He rubbed my back. “I’ve missed you, too. So glad I was able to come out. We gotta get you that win today, baby girl.”
I gave him a final squeeze before pulling back. He looked good, his salt-and-pepper mustache trimmed and … “Are you growing a soul patch?”
He stroked the new hair on his chin. “Do you like it?”
“You’re giving me Riley Green vibes, but if he were forty-seven,” I told him.
Dad snorted a laugh. “Is that good?”
“Dad, you’re a zaddy. Watch out. You may have some buckle bunnies buzzing around you tonight.”
“I don’t know about all that, Lina.” He huffed another laugh. “I think your ol’ man may be done dating. I left those days on the circuit long ago.”
“Nah. You can still get some tail.”
“Lina,” Dad chastised. “I don’t think daughters are supposed to talk to their dads about getting laid.”
I shrugged. “Well, you look happy.”
“I’m here with my baby girl. Of course I’m happy.”
I gave him another hug before feeling the blistering heat at my back when Reed officially caught up with us. I’d lost him when I took off running at the sight of my dad’s truck.
“Taking care of my girl?” Dad asked Reed over my shoulder.
I could almost feel Reed’s brief nod. “We should talk.” It was the only thing he said.
It was icy cold and serious. I knew what this talk was going to be about, and I had already prepared myself to tell Dad what happened.
This was not going to be a fun talk. Thankfully, Reed was prepared to fill in the gaps, especially since I still couldn’t remember any of it.
Dad sensed the seriousness, pulling away from me. He gave me a once-over before giving a nod at Reed. “Let’s take it to the trailer.” Dad’s voice had gone 30 below, and I nearly shivered despite the 80-degree day.
Dad’s face was like glass, his jaw clenched tight. I was worried he’d break a tooth with the way he was gritting them.
“Say something, Dad.”
Reed had just finished apprising Dad of all the details of the night—that I was drugged and almost abducted and assaulted. I clenched my hands in my lap while we sat in the fifth wheel. Dad and Reed sat across from each other at the table while I sat cross-legged on the couch.
Dad rubbed his new whiskers, before turning to look at me. His eyes were hard and angry, but I could tell he was trying to hold it together.
“You’re not to leave Reed’s side,” he finally said.
“Dad, I know. I just didn’t think—”
“I know, darlin’. None of us would’ve thought any of this would’ve happened.
You’re going to need to accept that you can’t handle this all on your own now.
I know you. You’re strong and independent.
You don’t take shit. I raised you to speak your mind and hold your own, but this feels like more than someone who’s just obsessed with you. He’s downright dangerous.”
I picked at my nails. “I know. I understand the seriousness.”
“Thank God we’re all going home after this rodeo. I’m ready to have you back on the ranch.”
“Me, too, Dad.” I was so ready to go home. We had Romy’s bachelorette party and then the Willows Rodeo. I was tired and emotionally drained, eager to be recharged by Oregon’s high desert. I needed Thornbrush more than Thornbrush needed me.
Dad pushed himself to his feet. “That’s all we’re going to say about this today. We have a race to win, and that’s our focus.” Spoken like a true rodeo dad.
I smiled at him, my eyes flitting to Reed, who was cracking his own slight smile as he looked at me. My heart did a silly little gallop, and I had to clear my throat before speaking.
“Let’s go make Prineville Rodeo my bitch.” I’d fake it if I had to.