Page 13 of Buckled in Barbwire

Her grin is sweet enough to rot my teeth. “That’s very kind of you to say, Dennis.”

“Only speaking the truth. I’m happy you’re part of the team. You’ve become like a second daughter to me.”

“Oh, my.” Paisley clutches her chest. “Keep this up and I’ll be crying on your shoulder.”

“Feel free to let it out. I’m a great listener.”

The two continue flapping their chaps like we’re on vacation with nothing better to do. I wasn’t aware that our recent hire had clawed her way into my father’s good graces. Once again, I’m struck by her tenacity. She’s determined to push me to my limits. And by the looks of it, she has Dad’s support. How predictable. It wasn’t enough for her to ruin my reliable routine. This woman is turning my own father against me.

They keep talking while I grab a halter and tie my horse to the nearest hitching post. Paisley tells Dad a cheesy joke. Her lyrical laughter grates on my nerves. She’s too much, which I tell her at every available opportunity. My father doesn’t seem to mind. Their exchange is effortless, a continuous stream that flows evenly between them. I’m the odd fuck out in this scene. Annoyance bubbles in my gut, and I have the sudden urge to intervene.

Dad is in a fragile state. She’s going to drive him to drink more. But the longer I watch them, I recognize a difference about him. He seems… lighter. The gloom that’s been hovering over him since Mom died has lifted slightly. I’m almost jealous that Paisley has this impact on him. Fuck, maybe she is good for morale. At least for everyone but me.

“Brody?” Dad waves a hand in front of my face. “Did we lose you?”

I blink from the fog. “Been here the entire time.”

A telltale gleam flickers in his gaze. “What do you think?”

My mind goes blank. The last thing I want to do is admit weakness or defeat. I glance at Paisley, then refocus on my dad. Silence isn’t an acceptable answer.

“It’s doable,” I mutter.

His expression brightens and he claps. “That’s my boy. Knew you’d see it our way.”

I get the feeling I’ve just stepped into a trap. “Since you two have the coop handled, I’ll unsaddle my horse and get back to the office.”

“Very funny,” he chuckles. “Maybe you didn’t hear me correctly.”

“Message received. You’re doing it your way.” I swat at the conspiring duo. “Have at it. The door won’t fix itself.”

“Oh, I know. Which is why Paisley volunteered to help you.” Dad’s grin is more smug than a pig rolling in mud.

“That’s not necessary,” I counter.

He wags a finger at me. “It’s a two-person job. She’lltake good care of you. And now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m due for a nap.”

My hands curl into tight fists as Dad casually strolls to the house. It feels like every tendon in my body is about to snap. I turn to unleash a snarl on the only available target. “What the hell was that?”

Paisley doesn’t balk, greeting my malicious bite with a blinding smile. “You’re stuck with me, boss.”

“Your brother is such a jerk.” The words are out of my mouth the instant Bianca answers my FaceTime call.

Her wince fills the screen. “What did he do now?”

“What didn’t he do? It’s been two weeks of torment. Yesterday he decided to hide the halters. Every. Single. One. That put me in quite a pickle. How can I do my job if I can’t take the horses out? I’m clearly incompetent and deserve to get fired.” My bubbly tone is saturated in sarcasm.

Bianca laughs. “Um, wow. Did you retaliate?”

“Pfffft, heck no. Why get revenge when proving myself is more rewarding? Rather than surrender or return fire, I used twine to fashion very chic rope halters. It’s all about the knot placement. You should’ve seen his face after I put my innovative creation on Ritzy and led her out of the barn. He thought he bested me, but victory is mine! It was beyond satisfying.” My chef’s kiss has extra pizzazz.

She releases a low whistle in appreciation. “My brother has finally met his match.”

“Damn straight,” I spout. “That man doesn’t know who he’s messing with.”

Her eyes narrow. “I’m not used to seeing you so… vengeful. It’s kinda hot, babes.”

“Thank you, thank you.” I bend into a slight bow.

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