Page 77 of The Guy Who Stole My Ranch

Chapter 20

-William-

I knew women could be stubborn, but Brooke had taken it to a whole new level.

She’d insisted on walking back to her place, even after I’d offered to let her ride. I’d even tried to walk next to her, but she’d told me to stay where I was.

I didn’t entirely blame her, considering she looked, and smelled, like she’d purposely rolled in fresh cow pies and likely didn’t want to have to clean it off of anything else besides herself, but I’d noticed the way she was cradling her left arm. Something had happened, and she wasn’t saying what.

Frank, Bonnie, and Clyde trotted next to Brooke, while I led Jake. The dogs had looked repentant for a grand total of ten seconds before they’d started chasing the cows back across the fence line.

It was a good thing that I’d gotten Christopher’s number from him, because I’d used it to tell him what had happened.

Christopher:Is Brooke okay? Did the snake bite her?

I gritted my teeth and decided to hate myself just a little bit more today than I had yesterday. That’s the first thing that should have come out of my mouth when I’d gotten to Brooke, but I’d been too focused on the bull trying to have his way with my horse. Instead of thinking of others, I’d once again displayed the selfish traits of my father.

William:She’s shaken, covered in cow manure, and I think she may have sprained her wrist at the very least.

Christopher:I see you guys. Should we come over there?

William:No.

If they got involved Brooke would likely murder us all.

William:I’ll take care of her. Do you think you and Brandon could get these two things done today?

I sent him our list with the priorities highlighted.

Christopher replied with a thumbs up. Then a message.

Christopher:Good luck taking care of her, she’s a bit of a free spirit.

William:I’ve noticed.

“Who are you texting?” Brooke asked over her shoulder.

“Christopher.” There was no reason to hide it. “He and Brandon are going to get our priorities finished for us so you can take the day off.”

“I don’t need the day off,” Brooke grumbled as she turned into her driveway.

I didn’t answer but jumped down from Betsy and tied her and Jake to a post. I checked them for injuries, didn’t see any, and then straightened to see Brooke staring at me. Some of the mud and manure had dried, leaving caked sections on her folded arms.

“Are the horses okay?” she asked.

“They are.”

The dogs moseyed over to the porch and got comfortable.

The scowl on Brooke’s face might have pushed most men away, but I’d dealt with Courtney my whole life, and Brooke’s prickly exterior couldn’t compete with my sister’s.

Vowing to make up for my earlier selfishness I said, “What can I do for you?”

“Nothing.” She turned and took a couple of steps toward the house but stopped.

I waited. There was no way she was going to go inside covered in feces.

Brooke heaved a sigh and looked over her shoulder. “Come hose me off.”

---