7. Indy

Chapter 7

Indy

I wish I knew what makes me so nervous around Breaker. He’s not a threat—I’d be willing to bet on that. There’s something about him, though, that makes me feel nervous—like I’m out of my depth. I don’t understand my reaction to him. It’s bothering me because that’s not the person I am. I’m self-assured and I don’t let anyone get to me. My ex enjoyed that way too much. I’ll never allow anyone to do that to me again. My daughter needs to see what a strong woman looks like and what she accomplishes. I want Tinny to understand that she can do anything by herself. She doesn’t need anyone.

Still, once Iva shows up and takes Tinny into the living room, I go into the guest room where Breaker is staying. Jeff looks up as I open the door. “Hey Jeff. Could I get you to unload the horse feed and corn in the back of pickup and stock up the feed room in the barn? I normally do it myself, but I need to talk with Breaker and I’m running late to be at the clinic as it is.”

“You got it, Indy. Since Breaker seems okay for now, I’ll feed and muck the stalls for you.”

“Jeff, you don’t have to do that?—”

“I want to. I grew up on a horse farm. Being in the barn working relaxes me. Besides, the way I see it, you have enough on your plate.”

“I feel guilty?—”

“Don’t. Carson pays me regardless,” he laughs. “This job is better for my health than the others I signed on for.”

I laugh slightly while shaking my head. “Okay, thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Carson asked me to stay for another week. If that’s okay with you?”

“It’s fine. I’ll set up a better room for you this evening. There’s no point in you sleeping in the den for a week.”

“I actually noticed you already had a building already set up for ranch hands,” he says, and I frown.

“Well, yeah, but I’ve never done anything with it. I bought this place to set up my business. I don’t have the energy for a horse farm.”

“If it’s just the same with you, I think I’d be fine living there. I’d suggest that unless Breaker heads back to Kentucky once you clear him, he moves out there with me. He’s fine in here for now, but soon your customers will discover he’s here …”

“Wait . Kentucky? ” Breaker butts in.

“Your MC jacket had the name of your club, Savage Brothers and the state. Does that sound familiar?”

“Not really,” he says. I don’t know if I feel disappointment or relief. God, I need to get a handle on my wayward emotions.

“Jeff, this is ridiculous,” I huff, feeling Breaker’s eyes on me.

“All due respect, ma’am, but despite the year, this is still a small town with busybodies. It’d be best for your reputation.”

“I survived hell with my first husband. I couldn’t care less about a town full of gossips that have nothing better to do with their time than make crap up, Jeff.”

He nods, but I can tell he’s not in agreement. “That may be so, but your daughter is in school. Kids hear what their parents say and spread that around.”

I huff out an annoyed breath. In all honesty, I didn’t think of it like that. I don’t want Tinny to hear something that might hurt her. I sure don’t want the other kids talking about me and upsetting her.

“I’ll take some clean towels, sheets, and things out there after I close up shop today, then,” I mutter, not happy.

“There’s no need. I can do it and clean it up. Just point me in the direction of the nearest linen closet?—”

“I’ll take you there now,” I respond. “Breaker, we’ll talk as soon as I get this settled.”

“If it’s all the same to you, I’ll follow. It will save you time, and I can check out where I’ll be moving to.”

“You won’t be going there yet. I’m not convinced it would be safe,” I warn him. I hope he can’t hear the panic in my voice. I don’t like the idea of Breaker moving out. I can’t even tell you why. I’m sure he’d be fine. Something just tells me it’s better if he’s here in the house. Maybe I’m just worried that the Feral Kings crew will see him outside and recognize him.

“Okay, Doc.”

I let out a noise of annoyance as I walk down the hall. Breaker is behind me and Jeff is following behind at a good distance. “I told you not to call me that. My name is Indy.”

“What is your full name?” he asks, surprising me.

“Why?”

“Why?” he parrots.

“Yes, why do you want to know?”

He gives me a lopsided grin that somehow engages the lines on his eyes to make his face seem almost sweet—definitely still sexy, but gentle and sweet at the same time. It’s a deadly combination. “I just don’t think Indy suits you,” he says with a shrug.

“Well, I’d tell you my full name, but it’s highly classified, so telling you would result in your death. I worked too hard keeping you alive to let that happen.”

I’ve been looking at him over my shoulder, but I turn back around with that quip, opening the door to the linen cabinet which is built into the wall. My hands freeze as his laughter rings out, surrounding me. It hits me in my center, warming my whole body. I have to will my damn legs not to wobble. I haven’t reacted to a man in years. I thought my ex-husband had taught me that men weren’t worth the trouble. Why my body chooses to betray me now, I don’t know. I can’t allow it to happen. Nothing good can come from me being attracted to Breaker. He doesn’t even know who he is. He didn’t have a wedding ring or even the tan line of wearing one. That doesn’t mean anything, though. He could have a woman at home worried to death about him. Heck, he could have kids waiting on him. He’s so good around Tinny, that’d make sense.

No, I need to stay away from him.

I pull out two sets of sheets that will fit the bunks in the ranch house quarters. I turn, expecting to put them in Jeff’s arms. Instead, it’s Breaker. “Are you sure you can carry these?”

“I’ve been going around without my crutches since after breakfast. Just using this cane that Jeff found for me. I think I’ll be fine.”

“You’re pushing too soon,” I warn him.

“I promise to slack up if I begin having problems,” he compromises.

“Jeff?”

“Yeah?”

“Grab some towels and things out of the bathroom closet. I’ll bring extra after work tonight.”

“Sure thing,” he says, already walking toward the bathroom.

“I would still like you to eat dinner with us. Tinny likes it.”

“Okay, but I’ll grab supplies in town and see to myself any other time.”

I frown. I’m from the South. We take care of our guests. I don’t like it, but I’m not going to fight him on it either. Cooper already explained that Jeff is having trouble putting his past behind him and isn’t very social. I may not know a lot, but I know how it feels to try to forget the pain you left in the rearview mirror. Jeff definitely is trying to do that. I recognize it because I did the same.

“Do you need to sit down?”

“Depends,” he murmurs, his eyes staring straight into mine.

“On what?” I ask, cocking my eyebrow.

“Are you going to be sitting with me?”

I force myself to take a step away from him. “You need to stop.”

“Stop, what?”

“You’re flirting with me. You need to stop.”

“Why? I think you’re attracted to me, too.”

“Breaker, you could have a girlfriend, a child, or even a wife waiting for you. You need to worry about getting your memories back,” I reprimand.

I see as very slowly shock moves over his features. You can tell that he never thought about that. It hits him so hard that he takes a step back. “I don’t feel married. I have to believe that if there was someone in my life, I wouldn’t be so drawn to you, Doc.”

“Maybe you’re drawn to me because I was the one that rescued you.”

“Bullshit,” he denies at once.

“No, it’s not. It happens all the time. Listen, Cooper has gathered some information on the MC that is connected with the cut you were wearing. I think it might be best if you reach out to them.”

“I thought you said the clubs were dangerous?”

“The local one here is. That’s the guys that came after you. I can’t afford to let them know I helped you. Still, your club may be different. There has to be a reason they attacked you. The Ferals are lunatics, but there is usually a sad, pathetic reasoning behind their methods. I think it’s your best bet to finding out who you are and what kind of life you left behind.”

“I think you’re trying to get rid of me, Doc.”

“Don’t you want to know who you are and who you have waiting for you in Kentucky, Breaker?”

“When I look into your eyes, the answer to that is no.”

“Maybe your concussion was worse than we thought?” I mutter, trying to ignore the way my body feels alive when he is this close.

“Are you telling me you don’t feel this pull between us, Doc?”

I moisten my lips. I want to instantly deny him. I’d be lying, but I still think that stopping whatever this is —right here and now—is prudent. It’s definitely safer. “I’m telling you that knowing there could be someone waiting for you in Kentucky means whatever pull between us there is—will never happen. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a sick dog waiting for me in the clinic.” I take a step around him, and he surprisingly backs up a step.

“This ain’t over, Doc.”

“It never began, Breaker,” I respond. I ignore how those words make me feel sad. I don’t look back. I just keep walking.

I don’t have a choice.