Page 12 of Buckled in Barbwire

I gnaw on a curse and follow after her. “Do you ever listen?”

“When someone says something worth hearing.”

That sassy mouth could be put to better use. Paisley’s posture stiffens as if I voiced that suggestion aloud. When she glances over at me, her blue eyes gleam in warning. Anache spreads through my chest. The pain and suffering are just waiting to be purged. If I’m not careful, she’ll conquer my darkest secrets. Talk about a trap.

Instead of creating more trouble for myself, I decide to stew in silence. We round up the cows easily enough and push them ahead where they belong. I’ll never admit it but the task is completed much faster thanks to her.

Once the gate is locked, Paisley rides off without a backward glance. Fine by me… except I’m stuck watching her go. She sits deep in the saddle but I still get a decent view. That curvy ass hugged in denim and bling does wild things to my imagination. Fuck.

I scrub a palm down my face. “Enough of that.”

My horse snorts to call bullshit. The sound of his betrayal echoes across the lush acres surrounding us. Responsibility rests heavy on my shoulders as I signal for him to move us along. There’s a fresh pile of contracts demanding my attention in the office.

But those demands will have to wait a bit longer when I catch sight of Dad at the chicken coop. He kicks at the door, which is hanging crooked from one hinge. Paisley is standing right there beside him as if her sparkling personality will solve this issue.

I tug on the reins, pulling my horse to a stop next to them. “How did that happen?”

My father shrugs. “Beats me. I was taking a stroll, minding my own business, when I spotted the cock racing outta the henhouse. Assumed he got himself in hot water until I saw the busted door gave him a clean break.”

The exhale that breezes from me is weary. “I don’t have time for this.”

“Too bad, kid. Gotta take care of this before the chickens become fox food.”

“I’m aware.” My knees creak as I swing off the saddle and squat to check the damage. I find the missing hinge on the ground. “You’ve got to be kidding me. The damn thing is bent in half.”

“Huh.” My father purses his lips. “That’s odd.”

“Sure is,” I drawl. “First the cows and now the coop. What’s next?”

Paisley blanches. “You shouldn’t ask that.”

Dad pats her shoulder. “No need to fret. It’s just a strange coincidence. Might be a sign to take it easy for a change and smell the clover.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. “That’s not an option for me.”

My dad scoffs. “You’re the boss. Take the day off and get stuff done around the farm.”

“I have to keep our multiple businesses afloat or we’ll lose the farm,” I grumble. But the door needs to be repaired. “Maybe I have a spare hinge in the shop. If not, I’ll make a trip to town.”

“There’s the solution we need. I can always count on you to get the job done.” Dad begins backing away.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

He huffs and puffs and damn near blows the entire structure down. “What do you want me to do? I sure as shit can’t fix it.”

“Maybe I can,” Paisley chirps.

“Not by yourself,” I growl. “The wood is too heavy.”

My dad nudges her. “Told you he woke up on the wrong side of the stable this morning.”

She giggles. “He isn’t always this grumpy?”

“Nah, my son is a true delight. Don’t let his recent behavior fool you.”

“I’m beginning to think he doesn’t like me,” Paisley murmurs.

“What’s not to like? You’ve been extremely helpful since Bianca left. I can’t thank you enough for reviving the flowerbeds. My Marion would be giddy at the sight.”

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