Between Hope & the Highway Read Online Free

acted the part of a cocky kid who wasn’t scared of anything, but I knew better. His drunk old man terrified him. The accident added insult to injury. When I awoke in a hospital to my parents crying, I learned that Detrick, my twelve-year-old brother, had been thrown from the Explorer and killed instantly; Benny, my youngest brother, struggled for his life in intensive care; and Damon, my right hand man, had been carted off to the juvenile detention center in Billings for negligent homicide. I’d never cried before, but every muscle in my body ached as I recalled what happened and bawled like a baby.
    The itching sensation in my arms and chest gained tempo, making me want to scrape off my skin. Cursing my OCD sensitivities, I yanked off my headphones and snatched my backpack from under the seat. Maneuvering down the aisle, I stood behind a woman to wait for a chance to use the casket in the sky. When she exited, I crammed my body into the restroom and dug inside my pack for a new shirt. My fingers shook as I ripped off my offending garment and stuffed it inside another pocket. Turning on the faucet, I patted my chest and arms to relieve the compulsion to peel off my dermal layer. Avoiding the sandpaper towels on the wall, I opted instead to hand-fan my body dry before donning a white, silky shirt. Hopefully, it wouldn’t itch. I only had one more wardrobe change in my carry-on, and planned to use that when I exited the plane.
    As I stepped out of the restroom, I caught several dirty looks from people in a much longer line. I also heard a pretty boy comment that made me want to deck someone. But fighting on a plane was tantamount to messing with a bull when one of his cows was in heat—more trouble than it was worth.
    Wedging into my cramped space, I experienced seat-envy as I noticed the elderly lady on my other side snoring. I’d pay good money to copy her. Instead, I fidgeted and occasionally grimaced as the man across the aisle sneezed. That’s all I needed was to catch an airborne virus on this flight. I returned the headphones to my ears, knowing memories would return with the music, but at least I wouldn’t hear Mr. Infectious Disease sniffling and coughing.
    I closed my eyes, wishing I could help my friend. Damon’s life had spiraled out of control since the accident. But with my inheritance off-limits until I proved myself, my hands were tied. Dad refused to help Damon in even the smallest way. He’d never forgiven him for the accident that took Detrick’s life and ruined Bentley.
    A hand on my shoulder snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked up into the light brown eyes of the desperate attendant.
    “You need to fasten your seatbelt, Rawson. We’ll be landing soon.” She squeezed me.
    I tugged at my collar as the brunette gave me a come-hither look and dropped a business card onto my lap. She’d probably be a lot of fun tonight, but I shoved her number into my pocket. I wouldn’t be calling her. I wouldn’t be calling anyone. All I wanted was to strip off my clothes and take a long, hot shower to cleanse me of the itching sensation and germs I’d picked up on this torturous journey. Besides, after having my soul sapped dry by my bloodsucking ex, I didn’t have energy to entertain.
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 4
    Liz
    As the tidy buildings of the Bar-M-Law Ranch appeared over the rise, I slowed my mare and inhaled the fragrant spring air. If any place could be heaven on earth, this was it. The smell of barn and beast laced the breeze. Lush foothills climbed up to rugged, snow-capped peaks. The buildings, from the stables and arenas to the bunkhouse and main residence, matched in exterior design. White siding and green metal roofs gave everything a clean, orderly appearance while cupolas, pillars, arches, and Dutch doors added stylish elegance to set the place apart.
    Friday Night Gin fought the reins as we passed the arena. “No, girl.” I pulled the black mare’s head up and forced