20. Travis

What the heck is wrong with me? What am I doing? My best friend's much younger sister. I'm disgusted with myself.

But she's amazing. She's gorgeous, kind, funny, and caring. And the spark I feel when we touch–I haven't felt like this in a long time–maybe ever. But I just can't. I can't do that to Ryder. I splash cold water on my face.

I'm ashamed I let it get as far as it did last night. Ryder will think I was taking advantage of her in a vulnerable situation. Was I? No. She kissed me last night. She started it.

But I kissed her first. I knew I shouldn't have done it. I couldn't help myself. Now I have to face my best friend, who's done nothing but help me out and lie to his face. He can't know. He can't know that we kissed. He can't know that I'd do anything to kiss her again–anything but risk our friendship.

I jump in the shower, hesitant to wash her scent off of me. But I can't go all day smelling like her. I've got to get this over with. I've got to wash her away. I hope she doesn't make this more complicated than it has to be. I hope she gets it. I'd hate to think I'm hurting her.

I get dressed and step out of the bathroom to find my bed empty. Sad, but relieved. On my way to the kitchen, I peek my head in on Mia. She's still sleeping peacefully. I'm going to let her sleep as long as she needs to today.

"Morning, Roberta."

"Morning, Travis. Here's a coffee for you. What a night!"

"Thanks. Yeah, what a night." She doesn't even know the half of it.

"Kenny's still sleeping. I didn't want to wake him."

"No, let him sleep. He needs it. He's been working hard all week, and after last night, I'm sure no one got much sleep."

"Yeah, I haven't heard from the ladies, either! I'm just going to make a continental breakfast today so people can eat when they're ready."

"Sounds good. And then you'll pack lunch for the ride?"

"Yes, if you're still going."

"Yeah, I think we have to. They leave tomorrow. I can't afford to refund them. They still deserve to have the full experience."

"OK, I'll have lunch ready by 11:30 so you can take it with you."

"Thanks, Roberta."

I take my coffee out to the porch. The ranch is silent and peaceful, which is unusual for this time of morning. Usually, the ranch gets a very early start. Looking out over the meadow is so peaceful. It's hard to imagine that just a few hours ago, we were restraining Chad until the police arrived.

My phone buzzes. It's Ryder.

"Hey, man. What's going on?"

"I'm almost there. I couldn't sleep. I want to talk to the police to make sure Chad is put away for a long time. Who knows what he could have done to my sister!"

"Oh ok, yeah, I'll go with you. They said they had more questions for us."

"OK. How's everyone doing this morning?"

"Still sleeping mostly."

"OK. I'll be there soon."

Thank goodness I got out of bed early. I should find Ava and let her know her brother is on the way. I'm sure he'll want to see her.

"Hey," she says from behind me. I can hear the sadness in her voice.

"Hey. That was your brother." I don't turn around. I'm not ready to look at her.

"I figured," she says, standing next to me.

"Ava–"

"Don't." She interrupts me. "I don't want to hear it. I'll play along with whatever game you want to play in front of Barbara and Ryder, but I don't want to talk about it. I don't want your pity."

"Pity? Is that what you think this is?"

"I can see it written all over your face," she says as Ryder's blue BMW pulls up in front of the house. "Or maybe it's guilt? Either way, your secret is safe with me." She runs down to meet Ryder.

"Ava! Thank goodness you're ok! I cannot believe that guy. I knew he was shady, but I never would have guessed he was downright dangerous."

"I know. I'm sorry. I never should have gotten mixed up with him."

"No, I'm sorry. I never should have let him work for me for so long. I always had a weird feeling about him–but his stories were so good. Never again. I'm so sorry."

"Ryder, it's ok. There's no way you could have known. And you sent me up here, which probably saved my life. What if I had been alone in my apartment? Who knows what he would have done? Travis kept me safe. And by sending me here, so did you." I hug him. I hate that he still worries about me so much.

"We are going to head down to the station. You should probably come, then I'll take you home," Ryder says.

"Oh no, I can't go home today. Today is the big horseback ride, and the bonfire party will be tonight."

"I don't know. I'm sure we could write something up about the ranch together in the office on Monday."

"No, I don't think so. Ryder, this place is special. You have no idea. I need to stay. You have to let me finish this," she pleads.

"Yeah, I'd love to have her stay. She's great with the ladies and with Mia. And the bonfire is really something to experience. I'd love to have you stay, too!" I'm not ready to say goodbye to Ava.

"I'll think about it while we're at the station. Come on, let's go. Ava, I guess you don't have to come to the station."

"Great, thanks," she says dryly.

"Keep Mia company. She knows what to do to prepare for the ride. And Roberta is getting the picnic lunch ready. I'll be back," Travis says.

"I sent her here to write a story, not work for you." Ryder laughs, punching my arm. "Get in. I'll drive."

Before I can protest, he's jumping into the driver's seat of his BMW. I opened the passenger door and looked back at Ava. She looks incredible standing there on my front porch. Like she belongs. I wave and then get in the car just in time for Ryder to speed off, leaving a trail of dust. I'm a goner.