“Yeah. Sorry.”
“You were thinking about Mom and the horrible thing Dad did to her, weren’t you?” she whispered.
Taking a deep breath, he blew it out slowly. “No point in recalling all that shit. I’ll be near Richfield this weekend. I’m going to a biker rally. I’ll stop in and see how you and the kids are doing.”
“Another visit from you so soon. I love it! I know the boys will be ecstatic about seeing you again.”
“I’ll call you toward the end of the week and let you know when I’m coming. Take care of yourself, and call me if you need anything.”
“I will. I love you,” she said.
“Yeah. See you.”
He put the phone on the end table and twisted off the cap on the whiskey shooter, downing it in one long drink before lighting another joint, stretching his legs out in front of him. He wasn’t going back to Utah for the rally or to see his sister; he was going because a dark-haired woman had captured his imagination. With one glance, her soulful eyes pulled him in, and he wanted to see her again.
A billow of smoke ribboned around him as he blew out. Paco had no idea what it was about this particular woman that intrigued him so much, didn’t know why he couldn’t get her out of his head. A part of him feared the deep stirrings inside him, but he ignored the unease.
Maybe when I see her again, I won’t feel anything. I bet I was just tired from the long ride and the storm. I’ll see her, make sure she’s okay, and then move on. When I get back, I’ll party with Lucy. I may even ask her to spend the night with me. I’ll be back on track. I just need to see Misty one last time, and then all will be good.
Watching the mist thicken outside, he rested his head back against the cushion and closed his eyes.