Page 42 of We Redeemed the Rain

He gave an annoyed snort. “You’re chatty.”

“I don’t wanna talk about it, alright?” I stalked off toward the barn, and Jesse followed me, clearly unwilling to letherdrop.

He clicked his tongue. “Do y’all have bad history?”

I sighed. “She’s an old friend I never thought I’d see again. That’sit.” I walked through the barn corridor to see the sheep penned up in the holder, ready to be herded into the trailer. I needed to call Billy to break the news, then release them back into the pasture. Ducking into the tack room, I started gathering the checklist of things I’d need for the rodeo, lining them out on the table. Jesse came in, too, and leaned against the table.

“She’s…” He let his words trail off.

I glanced over due to his long pause. He stared into space, gave his head a gentle shake.

“Finish that. She’s what?”

After a long pause, he said, “She’s really nice.”

I gave a knowing laugh. “That’snotwhat you were thinkin’.”

“Well…it’s what I should’ve been thinking.” His words made my stomach twist. Jesse struggled with guilt regarding other women. Laurel had been gone awhile, but he still belonged to her alone. Miss America waltzing into Meadowbrook wouldn’t change that.

I let my tone soften. “She’s a guest, Jesse. We both ought’a leave her be.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” He scuffed at the ground with his boot. “Why don’t you ask her to drive?”

“What?”

“Ask her to help.”

I huffed out a breath. “She drove her car into the mud.”

“It was dark and raining. Anyone could’ve made that mistake.”

I grunted.

“It’s a solid idea. If she’s an old friend, she’d probably be happy to do it.”

“I’m not lettin’ awomandrive my trailer.”

He laughed. “Come on, boss, you’re too desperate to be prejudiced right now.” He crossed his arms, shrugged. “Penny drives a thirty-fiver. Laurel could, too.”

“Bea’s here to rest.”

“Pay her, obviously. Don’t ask for a favor.”

“Forget it. I’m not askin’ that.”

Jesse rolled his eyes. “Alright then, I’m gonna grab Cade, and we’re heading out soon.”

He left, and I charged toward the horse pastures, angry for reasons I couldn’t fully grasp.

Why the hell was she here? I wanted to demand an answer, but it was probably best I give her a wide berth and stay out of the way. The less we interacted, the better.

TWELVE

Bea

Ipoked around the kitchen, looking for the cold breakfast items the website promised. In the fridge, I found some pre-cut fruit, yogurt, bagels and cream cheese. The coffee grounds I found in the cabinet over the coffee pot were expired by six months. I made a cup anyway and gagged it down. My caffeine needs trumped taste at the moment.

I’d changed my clothes and put my muddy stuff in the washer I discovered off the kitchen behind slat doors. The two outfits I had in my carry on weren’t very ranch friendly—one white tennis outfit, and a pink tank top and skinny jeans—but they were better than nothing. I chose the tennis outfit today.

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