“You think I’m charming?”
“I’ve always thought so. It’s one reason why I hated you so much.”
“What are the others?” he asked, as if my answers wouldn’t bother him.
“Other than how everything came easy to you, how you had all the money, and how the whole town thinks you and your family hung the moon, the stars, and make the earth spin? Hmmm . . .” A smile played over my lips. “Maybe how you won over Daisy so easily. Or how you snuck my horse treats but you knew I wouldn’t get mad because I love the shit out of Bucket.”
“You know what pissed me off about you?”
“My stunning personality?”
There was that grin again. “Actually, yes. You acted like you didn’t care and everyone bought it. Everyone. But you do care, and that’s why I kept telling you about downed fences and lost cows. You were so focused on your work and you didn’t need anybody.”
Until I had. I had needed him. Now, I wanted him. But I also needed him.
He turned down the long drive to his house. “There’s Tucker. I’ll park by the door. Take your time. We’ll go when you’re ready.”
“I’m going to take you out sometime,” I blurted. “I’m going to pay and I’m going to drive.” Hopefully, Pop’s old pickup would start after sitting for so long.
“I’ve never been taken out before.” He parked by the porch and grabbed his cowboy hat from the back seat. “I look forward to it.”
We both got out, but instead of going to the house, I went for the barn.
“I don’t have a tub in the shop,” Dawson said as he caught up with me.
“I gotta say hi to Bucket.” I wouldn’t have to lean over the fence while he ignored me as he munched on the new growth on the ground.
Bucket’s tail swooshed. Breaking my leg had been a giant pain in the ass, but I was glad it had been me and not him. I’d get my business to a place where I didn’t have to take him out when he should stay safe in the corral.
Dawson opened the gate for me. Bucket swung his shaggy head toward me and bumped me on the shoulder. I laughed and wrapped my arms around him. It wasn’t muddy, but I’d have to wipe off this walking boot before I clomped through the house.
Worth it.
Dawson went to the other side. Bucket nuzzled him like he was doing a pat down for treats.
“Not today, big guy. If I keep giving you apples, you’re not going to be able to work cattle in a month.”
My body tensed. The daily operation of the ranch had been on my mind for weeks but I’d purposely kept myself from thinking about working cattle. It was impossible to do alone. Pop hadn’t been much use in the last few years, but he could still update records while I did the work and while the noobs he hired waved their arms to get the cows to go where I wanted.
“He missed you,” Dawson said.
“Right.” I patted Bucket’s neck and swept my hand into his coarse mane. “He’s going to follow me right out and want to go home right now.”
My horse looked healthier than ever. He was getting the best feed, had a nice pasture with a barn, and was enjoying the other horses’ company. Bucket didn’t have to whinny from a half mile away to chat with his buddies.
I petted Bucket along his firm cheek. I could commiserate.
I was getting the best food, I had a sturdy roof over my head with a bathroom no farther than the next room, and I got to talk to Dawson every day. I didn’t want to go home either.
Dawson
“An Irish pub in Billings, huh?” Bristol studied the place as we approached the entrance. A cute line formed between her brows. She was dressed more casually than when we’d gone to Hogan’s. Faded jeans and a lilac long-sleeved shirt that looked like it could’ve doubled as long johns.
Sexy as hell. Add in the exaggerated roll to her hips the walking boot gave her and I was tempted to walk around the block just staring at her ass. If she weren’t recovering, it’d be a nice night for it. A cool, late-April night. Partially cloudy and the sun was still out at dinnertime.
I had tossed on a blue Yellowstone hoodie and picked a place she’d be comfortable in. The pub in downtown Billings was full for a Thursday night.
“Kate told me