Page 93 of Truck Off

He pulls his head back with a look of surprise. “You do?”

I nod. “Always wanted a dog, but never had one. Do you have dogs too?”

He shakes his head. “Nah, my goats are my pets.”

A wave of disappointment washes over me. When I was a little girl, I begged my mom and dad for a puppy. I’d seen kids with dogs in movies and they were like their best friends. I didn’t have a lot of friends growing up, so I thought a dog would be the next best thing. Maybe even better than a friend.

But my mom hated animals. She’d cringe anytime a dog or cat got near her. She always said they were disgusting creatures. After she left us, I’d thought about asking Dad if I could get a dog, but I never worked up the courage. Besides, they just make me think of her and how much I hate her for how she left us. I don’t need the constant reminder.

“You don’t like dogs?” I ask, deciding I need to know why a farm boy like him doesn’t have dogs. Dogs seem like a normal thing to have.

“No, I do. We had several dogs when we were kids. Don’t really know why we don’t have more now. Garret has a dog, Rocket. She’s around a lot, so she fills that role, I guess.”

I nod, fiddling with the hem of my shirt. I’m oddly relieved by his answer. Dogs aren’t something I’ve thought about in a long time. And I certainly haven’t considered getting one. Couldn’t afford one anyway. But it makes me happy to know he’s not opposed to them.

He slides his arm around my waist and pulls me against him. “What’s that look mean? I can’t tell if you’re disappointed or relieved.”

I look up at him and wrinkle my nose. “Maybe both. I like dogs and always wanted one. Relieved you like dogs, but sad you don’t have one, I guess.”

He opens his mouth to say something but is cut off when one of his goats pushes his way between us. Chase growls as he releases me.

“Butthead! Should have known you’d be a cock blocker.”

I chuckle. “Butthead? Please tell me that’s not his name.”

“Oh yeah. That’s his name alright. He’s nothing but trouble.” He plants a quick kiss to my lips and then takes several steps backward. “Come on, boys. Let’s get you in the field, so I can get your brother and sister.”

I fall against the side of the stable and sigh. Watching him run with his goats is oddly sexy and makes me like him even more. He talks to them more like they’re his kids than his pets. And they chase him and cling to his side with equal affection.

“He’s really taken with you,” a strong, raspy voice says from beside me. I jump in surprise and press a hand to my chest. I smile when I see it’s his grandmother.

“Mila! I didn’t see you walk up.”

She waves and makes a tsk noise. “Please, girl. You know better than to call me anything other than Grams.”

I nod, and she places her hands on her hips before she looks up at me with a narrowed gaze.

Mila Mutter may be a small woman, but she’s still intimidating. She’s only five foot three with shoes on. Her white hair is short and spiked on top, making her look like a total badass. She cusses almost as much as her grandsons, and she always speaks her mind. From the way she’s looking at me, I’d say I’m about to get a piece of her mind this morning.

“Now, about my grandson.” Her words are firm, almost threatening.

I glance over my shoulder to find Chase is still in the field, running around with his goats. “What about him?”

“He’s got it bad. Don’t want to see him get hurt.”

My chest tightens at her words and my eyes fall shut. I’ve known Mila my entire life. She knows my history, and we spend time together on knitting night. She just might know me better than Chase.

“I don’t want to hurt him either. I like him.”

She takes a deep breath, causing her nostrils to flare. “Yeah, I can tell. You’ve got it bad too. It’s just …” She trails off and looks past me to where Chase is now walking toward us. Her expression softens as she watches him. “He’s a good man, Lina. One of the best. You both have baggage. Don’t let it get in your way.”

“He’s a very good man. Treats me well. And I’ll try. But it’s hard for me.”

Her eyes come back to me, softer now. “I know dear. Just don’t forget that you’re a good woman as well. Also one of the best.”

My throat feels tight, and I feel my eyes heat with tears. I clear my throat and drop my head so she can’t see the emotions she’s evoked. The last thing I want to do is cry.

She squeezes my arm. “Now, none of that. He’s almost here. If he thinks I upset you, he’ll give me hell.”

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