Page 10 of Loving Her

“You got it, Indy. Since Breaker seems okay for now, I’ll feed and muck the stalls for you.”

“Jeff, you don’t have to do that?—”

“I want to. I grew up on a horse farm. Being in the barn working relaxes me. Besides, the way I see it, you have enough on your plate.”

“I feel guilty?—”

“Don’t. Carson pays me regardless,” he laughs. “This job is better for my health than the others I signed on for.”

I laugh slightly while shaking my head. “Okay, thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Carson asked me to stay for another week. If that’s okay with you?”

“It’s fine. I’ll set up a better room for you this evening. There’s no point in you sleeping in the den for a week.”

“I actually noticed you already had a building already set up for ranch hands,” he says, and I frown.

“Well, yeah, but I’ve never done anything with it. I bought this place to set up my business. I don’t have the energy for a horse farm.”

“If it’s just the same with you, I think I’d be fine living there. I’d suggest that unless Breaker heads back to Kentucky once you clear him, he moves out there with me. He’s fine in here for now, but soon your customers will discover he’s here …”

“Wait. Kentucky?” Breaker butts in.

“Your MC jacket had the name of your club, Savage Brothers and the state. Does that sound familiar?”

“Not really,” he says. I don’t know if I feel disappointment or relief. God, I need to get a handle on my wayward emotions.

“Jeff, this is ridiculous,” I huff, feeling Breaker’s eyes on me.

“All due respect, ma’am, but despite the year, this is still a small town with busybodies. It’d be best for your reputation.”

“I survived hell with my first husband. I couldn’t care less about a town full of gossips that have nothing better to do with their time than make crap up, Jeff.”

He nods, but I can tell he’s not in agreement. “That may be so, but your daughter is in school. Kids hear what their parents say and spread that around.”

I huff out an annoyed breath. In all honesty, I didn’t think of it like that. I don’t want Tinny to hear something that might hurt her. I sure don’t want the other kids talking about me and upsetting her.

“I’ll take some clean towels, sheets, and things out there after I close up shop today, then,” I mutter, not happy.

“There’s no need. I can do it and clean it up. Just point me in the direction of the nearest linen closet?—”

“I’ll take you there now,” I respond. “Breaker, we’ll talk as soon as I get this settled.”

“If it’s all the same to you, I’ll follow. It will save you time, and I can check out where I’ll be moving to.”

“You won’t be going there yet. I’m not convinced it would be safe,” I warn him. I hope he can’t hear the panic in my voice. I don’t like the idea of Breaker moving out. I can’t even tell you why. I’m sure he’d be fine. Something just tells me it’s better if he’s here in the house. Maybe I’m just worried that the Feral Kings crew will see him outside and recognize him.

“Okay, Doc.”

I let out a noise of annoyance as I walk down the hall. Breaker is behind me and Jeff is following behind at a good distance. “I told you not to call me that. My name is Indy.”

“What is your full name?” he asks, surprising me.

“Why?”

“Why?” he parrots.

“Yes, why do you want to know?”