Because what in theDays of Our Liveshad I just stumbled across here?
I excusedmyself shortly after Rhett and Tink started bickering like an old married couple. Whatever was going on between the two of them, I wanted to let that stew simmer a bit before I dove in for a second helping.
Like I said, I was there to do a job. And Brody was already enough of a distraction.
Because there I was, hunting him down. I was curious about him—about all of them. I'd seen a little bit of everything during my nomadic existence and, honestly, I loved the drama. Didn't mind poking the bear to see what kinda shit I could stir up.
I made my way to the barn—a large, fairly modern structure painted white with black accents a few hundred yards from the main house. Outside were a few corrals and paddocks, one with a beautiful black stallion glowering at me. I gave it a wide berth before slipping inside.
I passed the tack room and several empty stalls—the cowboys must be out working the herd. Toward the back of the building, I saw three heads poked out—and one rear. Instinct took me toward the ass.
When I found Brody sitting on the floor of the stall, the horse's head dipped for gentle strokes between its eyes, my shit-stirring ways took a back seat. He was staring at the straw-covered concrete, knees bent, absently petting his horse with one hand and propping his head up with the other.
"You okay?" I asked, startling both man and beast.
"Fine," he said, making to stand and settle his horse.
"Didn't take you for a cowboy."
"No?" He wouldn't look me in the eye.
I hated it.
"You were wearing Nikes." He chuckled, but said nothing. "Can you gimme a tour? Rhett seems a little… preoccupied."
That got his attention. Brody turned, gaze fixed over my shoulder toward the house he couldn't see. "Yeah, I reckon he is."
"Sounds like juicy gossip." I waggled my brows when he finally—finally—looked my way. "Care to fill me in?"
I watched his Adam's apple bob on a rough swallow. He exited the stall and strolled toward me. "How 'bout that tour?"
"Let's do it, boy scout." I clapped my hands together, startling his horse again. I was usually better at hiding my flinches around horses, but he caught it.Of course.
"You scared of horses? Workin' on a cattle ranch?" He smirked. I was glad to see some sort of expression on his distractingly handsome face other than… sorrow, maybe? I couldn't place what I'd been looking at these last few minutes.
"I'm not scared of horses."Liar.
"Well, you can't ride in those," he said, pointing at my Docs.
"I will shovel their shit all day long, but you won't find me riding." He frowned down at me. "Rhett hired a ranch hand—not a cowboy. I'm sure there's plenty of work that doesn't require saddlin' up."
He chuckled and threw up his hands. "Yes, ma'am. Whatever you say."
My smile turned a little more wicked. I sauntered toward him, eliminating the few feet still separating us. We were so close our chests brushed together on each inhale. I tipped my head up, looking him in the eye.
"What did I say about calling mema'am? Pick anything else.Anything."
A deviant smile that matched my own spread across his face before he leaned down to whisper in my ear. "Okay…viper."
My skin erupted in goosebumps. Brody pulled back just enough that our mouths were inches apart. I could feel his hot breath, smell its minty-freshness, as it skated across my skin.Fuck, I shouldn't be doing this.
Hoots and hollers from a couple cowboys entering the barn had us jumping apart like we'd been electrocuted.
"Hey, pretty lady. Why don't you take a real cowboy for a ride? Leave this fella to his pedicures?"Gross.
"Woooo-wheee, Brody! Reboundin' quick, ain't ya?" one said.Uhh, what?
"Ah, fuck off, the both of ya." Brody clasped the back of his neck and stared at the ground.Hmm. Looks like my boy scout needs a little backup.
