“And our phones are off because we just got done hearing a guy who grew up with Dad tell us about his accident like he was bored.” Bitterness drips from Landry’s tongue. He cares too. Neither of them wants to. Nor do I. Yet I have to figure out what to do about it.
With a scowl, Bowen takes his phone out. He taps the toe of his boot against the ground as he waits for it to fire up. I don’t bother with mine. If Sawyer needs an extra pair of hands, I’m going to trust her judgment. She might’ve talked to Meredith and known not to call Bowen for help because we were picking up the car.
“Nothing,” Bowen grits out. “I’ll text Carlos.” More boot-tapping. His phone buzzes almost immediately. “Shit. There’s a hoof crack in a bull, and she needs more help than just Carlos. They didn’t want to bother us.”
“Thoughtful of her.”
Bowen’s brows draw farther together.
Landry rounds the rear of the car, still inspecting the damage. “Sounds like she’s got it in hand. Or do you want to head down there and make sure the other vet doesn’t have her in hand?”
Irritation flares across Bowen’s features. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Landry glances at me, and I nod. Bowen’s acting more like me when I saw Tanner hug Meredith at the funeral. I wanted to break that man’s arms and dump him in a ditch. Just thinking about it makes me want to stalk out of the shop to my vehicle. But Meredith’s at Jules Creek, and I have more issues than being a jealous ass.
If that’s what’s motivating Bowen, my life could get a whole lot easier. He’d understand a fraction of why I’m not pressuring Meredith to sell. He’d form an attachment to more than his company. I wouldn’t worry that one day, he’ll be like Landry and just never answer. I’ve always done what’s best for them, but this is the first time I’ve had to fight for what I really want to do.
THIRTY-EIGHT
MEREDITH
Our Saturday night is hopping, but both Molly and Brenner are at work. The three Cross brothers are present, and like last week, there’s a higher percentage of women in the taproom. More ladies, but less clothing among them. They would be horrified if they knew what I did with one of the Cross brothers by the door they had to walk through to get in here.
I die inside a little every time I think of it, but my body comes alive. The past week has been packed with the best sex of my life. Even last night, when Calder seemed lost in his head, he still made me come three times before he curled me against him to sleep. I didn’t have to ask why. When I walked outside, my gaze strayed to the shop. I was too afraid to go in. The sadness isn’t suffocating anymore, but if I see the car, I might stop breathing.
I drop a flight off to Ben. Declan snags the stout, takes a drink, and acts like he’s chewing after he swallows.
“Still a no?” I ask with a laugh.
He shakes his head. “I’m going to keep trying until I see what he likes about that stuff.”
Ben hands him the Honey Creek. “So, Meredith. The broody eldest is still looking like a hungry lion ready to eat you.”
A blaze flames up my neck and into my cheeks. “Yeah?” I say, my voice too high to be casual.
Ben’s mouth drops open. “Iknewit.” He smiles triumphantly at Declan. “You owe me.”
Declan shakes his head. “I thought you were holding strong, Meredith, but I should’ve known. I doubt many women keep their resolve—or their panties—around the Cross brothers.”
“I don’t think there are that many panties on in this crowd.” Ben and Declan share a knowing look.
“What’s that?” I say lightly. “Someone’s calling for a refill.” I speed away. With so many of us, no customers are ready for a refill.
When I return to the bar, Calder and his brothers are crowded at the end, deep in conversation. I’ve seen them gathered like this a few times since they’ve all been together, but it hits me now. In one week today, they’ll leave. Can I suspend this moment? Have a Groundhog Day of today, where I get to wake up with Calder, spend the day doing what I love with him, watch him laugh and joke around with his brothers, and then he and I will go to bed together at night?
“I’m taking a break,” I say to Molly.
“There’s a first time for everything.” She winks. “Go, before we get another rush.”
No one’s in the barrel room, so I head in there. The patio is full, and going upstairs to the office wouldn’t feel like I’m getting breather. I just need to sit and think about?—
No. I want to not think right now.
I sit at one of the long tables that are just like what we have on the patio. Sounds from the taproom are muffled, making it more of a white noise. Closing my eyes, I let my mind wander, but I only see flashing dark eyes and a smile that hasn’t been used often.
His footsteps are quiet. Heat wraps around me, and there’s a small thunk. He’s set something in front of me.
“Am I intruding?”
