Page 24 of August’s Cowboy Braxton

"No, you don't. Cooperation means I get a say. What you want is for me to follow orders and not ask questions."

"One wrong choice can get someone killed." The words came out hard and final.

And suddenly I understood. "I'm not Eli."

Braxton went completely still. I saw what the words did to him. Saw the way his jaw locked, and his hands curled into fists, and something shattered behind his eyes.

I should have stopped, but I didn't. "Every time I make a choice you don't like, you look at me like I'm the one walking back into that barn."

"Don't."

"But I'm not. I'm not your brother. I'm not someone you failed to save. And I'm not going to let you turn me into your second chance by taking away every choice I have left."

Braxton stared at me for a long beat. Then he turned and walked out.

I’d pushed him too far. His truck started. Gravel sprayed as he pulled out of the parking lot too fast.

What was I supposed to do now? I stared at my phone. Braxton thought Evie was involved. I thought Braxton saw threats everywhere because that was how he survived.

At that moment, I needed someone who had known me longer than six days. So, I called Evie.

She answered on the first ring. "Addison? Honey, where are you?"

“I’m at the community center. Someone broke in and stole a rodeo album."

"I'll be right there." She arrived a few minutes later, still in pajamas under a rain jacket, her hair pulled into a messy bun.

She found me sitting on the floor of the storage area with my back against the wall.

"Oh, sweetheart." She knelt down next to me and wrapped both arms around my shoulders. "Are you hurt?"

"No."

"Did you see who it was?"

"No. They were gone before we got here."

"We?"

"Braxton and me. The security system alerted us to motion in the building."

Evie pulled back just enough to look at my face. "Where is he now?"

"Gone."

"He left you here alone?"

"We had a fight."

"About what?"

"He wants to cancel all my appearances. Move me out of town. Basically lock me in a room until he decides it's safe to come out."

Evie's expression softened. "And you told him no."

"I told him I'm not giving up my life because someone sent threatening messages."

"Good."