Page 72 of When We Break

BECKETT

“Hey, boss,” Brad says as he walks into the barn. It’s barely daybreak, and I’m ready for some fucking sleep. “How’s our girl?”

“She’s a lot better this morning,” I reply as we check Bessy over. “She’s turned the corner, which is good. I was afraid we might lose her for a couple of days there.”

“Me, too.” Brad nods and reaches out to pet Bessy’s cheek. “We’ll keep her on the antibiotics for a couple of weeks, which means we can’t use her milk for a while.”

“No, you’ll have to toss it,” I agree. “But she’ll be okay, and that’s what matters. I’m going to get a few hours of sleep, then I’ll be away from the ranch most of the day.”

“Good. We’ve got everything handled here.”

“I feel a little guilty.” I drag my hand down my face, and Brad scowls at me.

“Why?”

“Because I’ve had you guys handling a lot more than usual lately. I’ve been less hands-on.”

“You have a full crew of guys right now,” he reminds me. “It’s our job to do this so you don’t have to. Beck, you’re entitled to a life, just the same as anyone else. Being in this barn twenty-four hours a day isn’t healthy.”

“You’re out here more than I am.”

“It isn’t healthy for most people,” he replies with a grin. “Skyla seems really nice. She’s beautiful.”

I narrow my eyes at him, and he laughs and holds his hands up in surrender. “I’m not being a dick, I’m just stating the obvious. When I met her last weekend, she seemed interested in what we do, and she looked at you like you hung the fucking moon.”

I cross my arms over my chest. “I’m so glad you watched her so closely.”

Brad laughs again and pats me on the shoulder. “Go get some sleep, boss. We’ve got things handled out here. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Yeah, okay. Oh, before I forget, I’ll be out of town for two days late next week.”

“Got it. No problem.”

I can tell by his tone that he means that, but it doesn’t quell my guilt that I’m not out here as much as I should be.

“You’re not a one-man show,” he says, obviously reading my mind. “You’re the boss. A good one, by the way. Now, go get some sleep. This is under control.”

“Thanks, Brad.”

Walking toward the house, I pull my phone out of my pocket. I’msotired, and I need a solid six hours of sleep, but I also need to touch base with Skyla.

I haven’t seen her all fucking week. Texts and brief calls just aren’t enough. I want to see her, hold her, lose myself inside her.

It turns out that I’m an impatient man where Skyla’s concerned.

It’s still early, so I type out a quick text to her.

Me: Good morning, Irish. I hope you slept well. I can’t wait to see you tonight. x

My feet feel like lead as I trudge up the back steps and into the house. I should eat, but I’m just too tired.

And that’s when I see it.

On the counter is a brown paper bag with a note beside it. Eagerly, I snatch up the piece of paper and scan the pretty handwriting.

Beck,

I hope you don’t mind that I let myself in. Your back door wasn’t locked. I know that you won’t want to fix yourself something to eat before you sleep this morning, so I’ve grabbed a few pastries from The Sweet Shop for you. A small selection because I’m not sure what you prefer. Please, have a little something before you sleep.

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