Saving Her Billionaire Cowboy Hero - April Murdock Page 0,15

a second storm hit or they were the target of marauders, he wouldn’t be able to do a thing.

“Come on, let’s get back to the house. You don’t look that great. Maybe you should sit down.” She tugged on his arm.

He pulled away. “Look, sweetheart, we both know you don’t really care about me. I’m fine. I’ll let you know if that status changes.” Wrong. He wasn’t fine. He was a glorified invalid and he wasn’t going to be any good to anyone. He met her hurt gaze, his stomach souring. He opened his mouth to apologize but it was too late. She’d brushed past him and stormed out of the building.

Brady sighed and made his way slowly after her. As he headed to the house, he took in the dismal state of the property again. It wasn’t likely his crew would be coming back today. Chances were high other properties were hit just as hard. His guys could be stuck or offering to help clean up before coming back. He had some phone calls to make.

By the time he made it inside, he could smell the eggs cooking.

His stomach growled as he quietly pushed the door shut. He took a deep breath and trudged toward the kitchen. With her back to him, Dakota was standing at the stove, working on their breakfast. She’d pulled her hair up high on her head in a messy kind of updo. The shirt she’d borrowed from Faye’s dresser was a little short and showed off a strip of olive skin at her waist.

Clearing his throat, he meandered into the kitchen. “Sure smells good.”

She glanced at him over her shoulder, then placed the food on a plate. “Enjoy.” Dakota shoved the plate to his chest.

“Dakota, I—”

“Not now, Brady.” She retrieved her own plate from the counter and placed it on the table. “After breakfast, I’m going to see if we can get someone out here to move that tree from the dirt road, then I’ll be out of your hair.” Dakota stabbed her omelet with her fork and took a bite.

Brady placed his plate on the table and eased into his seat. If he had to guess, he’d bet that tree wouldn’t be moved any time soon. Taking a bite of toast, he studied her. How would she react to being stuck here longer than planned? His brows lowered and he stared at his food. If the way she was acting lately was any indication, she’d be livid—and it was his fault. For some reason, he rubbed her the wrong way.

He played with his fork. Waiting until she found out on her own would be better. If it didn’t come from him, she might take it better. Brady took a bite of the omelet and froze. His eyes raised to meet hers. “This is great.”

“Thanks,” she mumbled.

“I mean it. I always overcook my eggs and they end up dry and rubbery. Even Mary’s eggs are missing something. How did you do this?” He took another bite and savored the buttery, fluffy consistency.

Her lips twitched. “My mom taught me.”

“Is your mother a five-star chef?” He took two more bites, hoping she’d take pity on him and make more.

That smile he’d only caught glimpses of finally appeared. “She was a teacher, but she really liked to cook.”

A sound of appreciation escaped his lips. “Well, I’m impressed. I could eat this all day.”

Dakota wiped her lips with a napkin, then placed it on the table. “Do you want more?”

Brady beamed. “Really?”

She nodded.

“Absolutely.”

Dakota got to her feet and held out her hand for his plate. “Any special requests?”

He raised his brows. “What do you mean?”

“Well, this one was made with cheese, peppers, pepperoni, and tomatoes. I can add whatever you want. I grabbed cheese, onions, and mushrooms too.”

“All of it.”

She chuckled. “Okay, then.”

Something warm replaced the unease in his abdomen. He loved her laugh.

Dakota returned to the counter and started whipping up some eggs. She tossed in a handful of veggies and cheese and stirred the contents of the bowl again. The pan on the stove started sizzling as she poured the contents into it. In a matter of minutes she was back at the table with a fresh plate of seasoned eggs.

The smell wafted toward him and he smiled. “Thanks.”

She nodded and returned to her seat, sipping her drink.

After scarfing down the omelet, he put down his fork and leaned back. “So, what’s your plan today?”

Dakota’s fingers rested on her glass. She spun the cup around as