Page 2 of Savage Heart

She glances at me and then down at her drink.

“I’m fine, Maverick,” she says.

I shrug. “Suit yourself.”

The guys from the football team start talking about some of their favorite plays of the year, and Lincoln is in his element. His personality is larger than life, and the whole town of Ironwood agrees. He’s animated as he demonstrates a play, and Iris and I crack up.

“I’m gonna miss that guy,” I say. “I’m gonna miss both of you.”

Iris turns to look at me, and her eyes are sad. “Same,” she says softly.

“We’ll have to talk and text all the time.” I kick at the dirt with my boots. “Better not forget all about me.”

“That could never happen,” she says.

Lincoln gets too close to the fire and rights himself just in time. When I turn to laugh about it with Iris, she’s not there.

“Oh no, is she throwing up again?” Lincoln asks and jogs over to where she’s ducked into the trees.

Iris looks unsteady before she throws up again.

Zoey puts her hand on my arm, and I look at her.

“Remember that rain check we talked about?” she says. “A few weeks ago . . .”

“Oh, that’s right. We talked about going to Nonna Bella, didn’t we?” I run my hand through my hair and force myself to focus on Zoey.

She’s a beautiful girl. Dark-brown hair and big brown eyes. She’s nice, too, and it’d do me good to date someone like her. Anything to get my mind off the one I can’t have.

I take another long drink of my rum and Coke and smile down at Zoey.

“Maybe if we’re both home from school at the same time,” I say.

“That sounds good to me,” she says, taking a step closer. “I’ve always wished we could talk more.” She laughs. “I can’t believe I’m finally getting the nerve right before we leave for school.”

“Where are you going?” I ask.

“University of Wyoming,” she says, lifting a shoulder. “Not very exciting.”

“It’ll get you out of Ironwood,” I say.

“True.”

We talk awhile longer and refill our drinks. I’m actually having a nice time. I look around and can’t find Iris or Lincoln. It’s been at least half an hour since I’ve seen them. Zoey says something, and I turn to face her.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“I said, What is your plan after college?” she says.

“Oh, I’ll be back here to help run the ranch.”

“A cowboy through and through.” She grins.

“Yep. Always have been, always will be.”

“Your house and all that property right on the river . . . and the horses . . . so dreamy.” She sighs. “That big house tucked into the mountains—it’s the most beautiful spot in all of Ironwood.”

“Thank you. Yeah, I think it is too.”