Deadly Inheritance (completed)

Chapter 3

Thank you for reading please remember to vote! I would love to hear your comments about the story and characters

Enjoy 😊

Ryan

It was a quiet ride back to the ranch. I left the radio off just so I didn't wake Charlie. She definitely needs some sleep. I can't get my mind off her attitude change though. I'm thinking she took her medicine and that's why she was more relaxed and didn't seem so stressed out. She probably needed it. I can't say that I wouldn't be just as stressed if not more so if I just lost everything I had. She just gave up her money, her business, her life in New York to pay our bills and salaries for month. And she has no guarantee of ever seeing that money again. I still can't wrap my mind around why she would do it if her plan was to sell?

Pops and the boys are outside the main house talking when I drive up. I slide out leaving my door open and nod at Pops. Charlie is still out in the front of the cab. Her head is rested against the window, her body curled up in the seat into a protective ball. It's like she's afraid of something, someone. She didn't flinch when the truck came to a stop, but sighed out and her body relaxed more. Pops comes around to me, away from the others and looks in at her. Concerned is etched into his forehead as he looks at me. It's like he knows more than I do about her.

"Is everything okay, you were gone quite a bit there? What's wrong with Charlie?" Pops asks softly seeing her not moving out of the truck.

I nod to some of the boys and look over to be sure the others can't hear me. "It's fine. Can you and the boys help get the groceries in and put away for me? Charlie transferred the money and... Pops, she's got nothing left. Every dime she has she just transferred for ranch. She's just a little worn out."

Pops nodded and looked to the ground kicking at the dirt. He shook his head, his lips pursed in a tight thin line. His disapproval of something is evident. He took off his hat and scratched his head. Looking at Charlie's sleeping form then to me. I hope he's not blaming me for her losing everything. This was her choice, I'm not taking a woman's choice from her. Maybe I should have gone into the bank to see if there was something else that could have been done, but it's her ranch, she's the boss. I really didn't think she'd appreciate me stepping in and taking over.

"Boys get the bags put the groceries away now." Pops told them, but didn't move. "There's a lot you don't know about this family, Ryan. Things about Charlie's father that you'll find it hard to stomach. As wonderful as Gramps and Stella were, their son, well, he was nothing like them and once he got his hands on her, he ruined poor Charlie. We're her family now. She's gonna need us."

I frowned at that, but said nothing. She was born with a silver spoon in her mouth and her father ruined her? How is that now our problem? The last thing I wanted was to be responsible for another person. I'm a single thirty year old man. I'm not interested in taking on a woman that needs to be catered to. I like my single life, I have women that I spend time with sure, but I'm not committed to anyone. Why should I have to feel responsible for her? She's the boss here, shouldn't she be responsible for herself?

Pops grabbed some bags and headed in to help the others, while I moved around to carefully get Charlie out of the truck. I very gently opened her door and steadied her as I opened it so she didn't fall out. I really didn't want to wake her just yet. I looked over and the front door was wide open, good I don't have to try to open it with my arms full. Making my decision, I reach across her and unlatch her seatbelt and release her before I very gently scoop her up into my arms. Good God, she weighs nothing. Does she even eat? This makes me wonder, I didn't see her eat last night, she barely touched her breakfast, but she obviously drank quite a bit last night. No wonder it hit her so hard. Cradling her in my arms with her head against my shoulder she shifted slightly and softly sighed against my neck as she snuggled into me. I can't move, but just look at how perfect she looks sleeping. Shaking my head and that thought away I walk into the house. I don't want her that way.