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“Besides, I gathered the eggs this morning. Just chill and hang out with Bri or something.”
As if simply saying her name had the ability to summon her, Brielle floated into the room. “The sheriff said he could be here in the next few hours. He said if you needed him here sooner to let him know.”
Both Brielle and Dax looked in Sarah’s direction, expectantly.
“Whenever he gets here is fine.”
Dax jerked his head toward the door. “Can I talk to you for a minute, Bri?”
She gave him a surprised look. “Sure.”
He turned to Sarah. “I mean it. I’ll not have you passing out on my watch again.”
Sarah rolled her eyes, but the soft smile that hid just beneath the surface was enough to set off a warm sensation deep inside. There was something about being the source of that happiness that did something to him. He shook off the strange feeling and moved out into the hall with Brielle.
Dax pulled the door shut and lowered his voice so Sarah wouldn’t be able to hear, then he faced Brielle. “Obviously, Sarah doesn’t know what’s good for her. She’s more stubborn than that bull out in the pasture. I want you to make sure she doesn’t do anything stupid.”
Brielle’s eyes narrowed and a smile played at her lips. “Oh.Iget it now.”
“You get what?”
“You like her.”
His scoffed and shook his head. “What? No, I don’t.”
She lifted a shoulder. “Deny it all you want. But based on the way you were doting on her, I totally get it.”
“Knock it off, Bri. I don’t have feelings for her.”
Brielle snickered. “I didn’t say you hadfeelingsfor her. I said youlikedher. But hey, maybe youaredeveloping feelings for her.” Her voice was teasing—the way she used to flirt with him when they’d been involved.
He took a step toward her, closing the distance between them. “I am her boss, and I’m responsible for her well-being. Your father entrusted me with her training and her safety, and I’m not about to drop the ball. That’s it.”
“Whatever, Dax. Don’t forget that Iknowyou. This is just the beginning. I don’t know what it is about her that you like so much. But there’s definitely something there. Just…” She glanced at the closed door. “Just be careful. There’s stuff you don’t know.” It was like she’d caught herself from spilling a secret.
His cheek twitched just below his eye. He blamed this incessant need to learn more about Sarah on his own despicable past. Just like his other addictions, he’d have to quit this obsession regarding her past. Besides supervising Sarah’s work on the ranch, he had several other responsibilities. “Just keep an eye on her until she’s better. Then you can do whatever it is you do when you sneak out at night.” He brushed past her, not letting her get in another word before he escaped down the hall toward the stairs.
He wasn’t without his own secrets. Even Brielle didn’t knoweverythingabout him, and they’d spent time growing up together. He’d chosen to keep his more sordid activities a secret. Dax rubbed a hand down his face as he exited the house and headed for the barn. Brielle was wrong. The way he felt toward Sarah, while improving, wasn’t anywhere close to developing anything more than a professional relationship.
13
Sarah
The next few weeks were somewhat strained between Sarah and Dax. The way he’d treated her right after her fall had been strange, but at least she didn’t feel like he was judging her at every turn.
Dax was the kind of boss who was strict but fair. He requested that she do her best work, pushing her to limits she never thought she could reach but at the same time supporting her. It was one of the many talents he seemed to possess.
Sarah headed toward the corral where he continued to train the yearlings. He’d sent her off to get a drink, something he was more insistent on since she’d gotten to the point where she could be on her feet without getting dizzy spells.
She stopped at the edge of the fence line and watched as Dax expertly maneuvered the animal into new positions or gaits with ease. The muscles on his arms rippled and the concentration of his brow was such that he looked like he was some form of divine being rather than a human being at all.
It wasn’t any wonder that Brielle went on and on about him. As Sarah continued to watch him, it was like everything slowed down. Dax called out to the animal, clicking his tongue or whistling. The yearling galloped, tossing her head.
Dax was so different from all the guys she’d ever interacted with back home. The guys she knew usually fell on a spectrum from wanting something from her to dragging her into trouble. Those who knew about her family usually went for her money or recognition. It was the second most important reason she hadn’t told Dax who she was. Money got people into trouble.
Here, no one recognized her. No one knew that she’d been involved in the criminal activity that had occurred a few months ago. Not even the Callahans knew about her family background. This was an opportunity to start over. It wasn’t like her family had done much checking in on her. They probably thought she was still partying it up at college. The few times she’d called to check in, the conversations had been short.
Sarah climbed up onto the top rung of the corral, grasping it on either side of her with both hands. She dragged her attention back to the present, her eyes focusing on Dax. Her heart leaped into her throat when she realized he was watching her. She straightened, her hands tightening on the rail. How long had she been caught staring?
