Page 4 of Brands

Besides, I want to make it to the shower before he does.

And see if Dad is home yet. He’s supposed to take Devon to the Duggars.

I’m not sure why he insisted we accept the invitations to other houses this year, but he’s been acting strange the last few weeks.

I hope it’s because he has a girlfriend. It might help dig him out of the funk he’s been in since Mom died.

I miss her something fierce, but she’d want him to be happy.

Coming out of the heat of the milking parlor, the cold blowing snow is a slap in the face. I heard there was supposed to be a storm coming in, but thought it wouldn’t hit here until later.

Great. I hate driving on icy roads.

“Hey, Lib. Got a minute?” Dad is leaning over the kitchen counter with a cup of coffee between his palms.

“Um, I was gonna get the bathroom before Devon. He’s in the body spray age, and I left my gas mask in my other coat if he goes first.” Peeling my boots off at the door, I try not to drip cow shit across the floor as I shed my coveralls next.

“I was hoping to talk before he came in.” Dad’s lips thin, and he glances into the living room.

Blue startles me when he leans forward.

I’ve only met him a couple of times, but he’s hard to look away from.

Must be the dimple over the mustache.

Or those damn blue eyes that feel like they’re burning through me.

“Is this about the cows? Can we talk about work another time? It’s Thanksgiving, Dad.” I’m trying to work my way towards the hall as I talk.

I swear Devon is going to burst in at any moment, and then I’m screwed.

“No, this isn’t about work. Well, maybe a little. Hell, I don’t know.” Dad runs his palm over his face and sets down his mug.

That’s strange, it’s full. He never lets coffee just sit.

“Your dad suggested I could give you a ride to the Black Gulch tonight since it’s gonna snow.” Blue tilts his dark cowboy hat back. “If you wanted?”

“What? This is about the weather? Sure, fine.” I catch a glimpse of Devon outside of the window. “I’ll be back.”

Tugging my hoodie over my head, my t-shirt tags along.

Fuck it, I have on a sports bra.

I manage to lock the bathroom just as I hear the front door open.

The scalding water washes away the grime, but it doesn’t reveal why Dad looked like he was constipated.

And why would he ask Blue to give me a ride? They’re buddies, but I barely know him.

Being in a truck alone with him is a little unnerving.

My own blue eyes stare back in the mirror, but they’re darker, almost like the deep ocean.

His are like ice. Pale and piercing.

It makes goosebumps come out on my arms thinking about them.

Damn it, I forgot to grab clean clothes. I grab my dirty ones and hold them in a bundle in front of me, then dart a quick look when I crack the door open.

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