Page 14 of For Him

“Actually,” he started, and I blinked rapidly but still refused to look at him. “There’s a small herd of cows that we didn’t breed this year since they’re a little older that I’ve kept up near my house. Haven’t moved them like I would’ve normally done by now since I usually bring Eugene to that pasture in the winter. Then they integrate with the younger, pregnant cows.”

I finally chanced a glance towards Weston. His cheeks were a little red as he continued to ramble. “That herd is in need of a good deworming and just a once over before winter hits really hard.”

I remained still beside him, my heart racing in my throat as I realized that he was attempting to find an excuse to invite me over.

“Sure could use a vet visit if you’re available to help out sometime in the next few days. Storm warning came in, so I gotta get it done before things get rough. Except I just now remember your saying that Doc would come out to service our herd and not you….” he finished, and his voice trailed off. Curious blue eyes roamed my face before he realized I was watching him, and then he turned away.

“I think I could pencil you in on Friday?” I responded quietly, hoping he would recognize my unspoken apology for my outburst.

Weston gently pushed the cart forward, a faint smile visible against his lips. “Friday it is.”

We checked out in silence and then parted ways without another word. A few odd glances from the cashiers were afforded in our direction, but they said nothing. As I drove the vet truck back to the clinic, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of excitement; though, I wasn’t sure if it was because I was going to be seeing an incredible view or someone. Someone who I couldn’t figure out, who I might potentially be able to call a friend.

∞∞∞

I slid into the booth across from Elena and Carly. The bright red plastic was cracking from years and years of use, the menus at this hometown Center Street Diner were flaxen and fading. But the food here was to die for. I’d already eaten here more times than I cared to admit in the short time I’d lived in this small town.

Taking a sip of my water while we waited for the server to bring our food, I gazed out the window beside me. People bustled quietly up and down the sidewalk, pausing to talk to neighbors and kinfolk, making me wonder how many had ever made it out of here, even for just a vacation.

Carly and Elena were gossiping about something I hadn’t been paying attention to. Not until Elena addressed me by name, pushing her curly hair behind one ear. She’d left it down today, framing her beautiful, soft face while Carly had pulled her blonde, straight hair into a sleek high ponytail. It lacked the baby hairs that stood up straight like mine was currently doing.

“Martha told me you rejected Cassidy Duke.” Elena grinned wickedly as Carly’s mouth fell open.

“What?” I questioned, turning my green eyes towards the two girls who sat across from me. “Martha who?”

“Martha from the feed store,” Elena replied.

I sighed heavily—a private conversation that was of course overheard by someone else. Meaning that most likely the entire town knew that I’d told his brother that I would never date Cassidy.

“So it’s true!” She stared at me in shock.

“Why would you do that? What’d he say?” Carly asked, rocking forward in the booth. I turned my gaze back towards the winter wonderland that had befallen us.

“She didn’t say it to Cassidy directly,” Elena filled in before I had a moment to speak.

“Does everyone know?” I asked, but Carly ignored my question.

“Who’d she say it to?” She addressed Elena who swung towards her, practically leaving me out of the gossip about myself.

“That drifter who comes through town now and then,” Elena answered and clapped her hands in glee.

“The really tall, quiet one? Keeps to himself but seems super intense with that gnarly scar I can’t seem to stop staring at?” Carly asked, scooching a little closer to Elena. And for a moment, I was reminded of our age difference, despite it being small.

“That one,” Elena replied and I furrowed my brows.

Weston wasn’t a drifter at all so why were these girls talking about him like he was one? As if he never spoke to anyone and hardly ever came into town. Although, I’d have to admit that was the first time I’d seen him in town since moving here, and most people whispered rumors about Cassidy in passing and nothing about Weston. Or the other sibling I knew they both had.

“What do you guys know about the Dukes?” I suddenly asked, interjecting myself into the conversation that was about me.

“So much!” Elena squealed.

“Everyone does! Especially because of Cassidy…..” Carly added with a hungry smile, and I tilted my head in curiosity.

“Carly,” Elena scolded, rolling her eyes before returning to me. “Right, I forgot you didn’t grow up here. The Dukes practically founded this little town. Coming out west before anyone else was here. They own at least something of everything here except for the mayor’s office. They stay out of politics all together, or pretend to.” Elena’s brown eyes widened in admiration.

Carly continued for her. “The ranch has been passed down for generations, typically the oldest son inherits it once he’s left town and done something ‘successful’ outside of the family ranch.”

“Successful?” I questioned, quite intrigued.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com