Page 20 of Embracing Hope

“This is the newest building. You’ll find all the modern equipment here,” Jinx said, swiping his gaze from Isaac and onto Hope. “Need me to stick around?”

She shook her head, sending the ends of her hair over her shoulder. “Nah, it’s my job to play babysitter.”

Jinx shifted uncomfortably. “Then I’ll leave you to it. It was nice meeting you, Isaac.”

Alone now, Isaac swiveled on the heel of his boot and steadied his gaze on her. “Babysitter?”

“What else would you call it?” she said evenly.

“Well, because I’m not a baby, the term doesn’t seem fitting unless you’re offering me something to suckle.”

“Jesus!” she sputtered. “Do you always say what’s on your mind?’

“Pretty much. Do you always roll your eyes like a kid who didn’t get their way?” As if karma was visiting him, a fly buzzed around his head and had a partner. They seemed to enjoy pestering him.

“It’s a response to bullshit.”

“You are a smartass, aren’t you?” He swiped off his hat and ran the back of his knuckles over his sweaty brow. The day was a scorcher, or maybe this was a response to the woman who looked at him from under that ballcap like she had half a mind to skewer him.

She sized him up for an excruciating length of time, and then a smile, not one of humor or joy, puckered up those beautiful lips. The same lips he’d enjoyed kissing and wouldn’t mind getting another chance to do so. “Takes one to know one.”

“Touché.” He’d been called worse.

She jutted her chin for him to follow.

That was something else he didn’t mind. He didn’t have a problem watching that rhythmic sway of her hips and bottom that could only be described as fucking enticing in the tight-fitting jeans that cupped her ass cheeks.

She crossed into another part of the barn, obviously set up as a clinic with an exam table and shelves stocked with medications. The stalls were empty except for one where a massive cowboy examined a horse that Isaac was sure was worth more than the newly erected barn. He looked up as Isaac and Hope entered.

“Morning,” the man laid his stethoscope around his neck. “Hope said she wanted me to meet you.”

“This is our vet, Keller,” Hope positioned herself against the counter.

“Isaac Marcum.” He swung out his hand, and the cowboy gripped it before stepping back. “I’d like to shadow you one day if that’s possible. I’ve heard about your modern approach to livestock care. I want to take some things back to San Antonio with me.”

“So now the truth is revealed. He's here to gain all our secrets,” Hope said glibly.

The ridiculous words made Isaac look at her. They didn’t deserve a reply, but he wanted to squash the blunt remark. “If we merge, then I’d have access to the information anyway.”

“I’d be obliged to do that today, but unfortunately, my wife has an appointment, and if I don’t attend, she’ll tar and feather me. Hope can attest to that,” Keller said with a gentle laugh.

“Yeah, I definitely can attest to that statement.” Hope peeled off her hat and allowed her long blonde locks to cascade freely down her back.

Isaac felt like he’d been kicked in the chest by the horse in the stall that seemed to be watching Isaac in case he made a wrong move. Even the mare didn’t seem to appreciate his visit. He attempted to gain his poker face but failed to do it quickly enough because he caught the doctor’s knowing grin. Isaac didn’t like that the woman both infuriated and excited him.

Clearing his throat, he muttered, “I’ll be around for a while so we have time.”

“I’m always willing to share my knowledge.”

Hope pushed off the edge of the counter. “Let’s go grab the truck. The next part of the tour requires driving.”

Issac said goodbye to the doctor and stepped behind Hope, who seemed to be in a race to get to where she was heading. It's good that he had much longer legs and a faster stride because he caught up to her and took a space to her right. “I thought you wanted the merger?”

She didn’t even look at him. “To be perfectly frank, I don’t give a damn. Not everyone agrees.”

“That could be a problem.”

She stopped and faced him, her heated gaze burrowing into him. “You see, cowboy, we don’t have to agree. Daddy will do what he wants when he wants.” She took off walking again.

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