Page 36 of Every Promise Broken

Conrad’s eyes soften as they take me in. “Whit, you have nothing to be sorry for.”

Bringing his hand up, he swipes a lock of hair off my forehead with his thumb. I freeze at the gentle touch, lips parted, breath catching in my throat. Time seems to stand still while we both hold our breath. It would be so easy to close the distance, to capture his lips with mine. The thought takes me by surprise, and I have to lay my head back onto his chest in fear that if I keep looking at him, I’ll do just that.

I shouldn’t fall asleep in his arms; it’s going to mess with my mind, but I can’t bring myself to pull away. Just for tonight, I allow myself to soak this in.

Just for tonight.

15

Conrad Strauss

My day has been non-stop since I stepped outside of the house this morning. It’s late afternoon, and I’ve barely had time to eat, let alone catch my breath. The semi-annual production sale is in a couple of weeks, so I’ve been busy checking out all the bulls and making sure they’re ready for that. Thankfully, it’s not something I have to go to myself; one of my guys who works on the ranch goes on my behalf. It’s an auction that happens twice a year; once toward the end of fall and another in the spring.

I’m finishing up some paperwork in the office inside of the barn when my phone buzzes on the desk beside me. Swiping it up, I glance at the screen before accepting the call.

“Yeah?”

“Hello to you, too,” Will drawls, humor in his tone.

“I’m working. What’s up?”

“Well, was hoping to catch you in a good mood because I got something to ask you that you’re probably not going to like.”

Blowing out a breath, I pinch the bridge of my nose. “What?”

“My dad found out your nana was in town, and now he wants you guys to come over for dinner on Saturday. All three of you.”

“What do you mean, all three of us? How does he even know Whit is living here?”

“Blame Colt.” Will huffs out a chuckle.

“Of course. Well, I can’t see Whit being too happy with this idea.”

Although, I can’t deny the thrill it sends through me imagining it. Us having to pretend to be a couple outside of the house. Going out with him, even to a dinner with my nana and our friends, it would feel like old times.

“I know, but my dad really seemed excited about seeing Nora, so can we at least try to make it happen? It’ll be one night.”

My lip tugs into a grin as I imagine the scowl Whit will give me when I bring it up. “I’ll do my best.”

“Thanks, man. How’s it going over there anyway?”

“Not too bad. Auction’s coming up, so I’m slammed with the shit to prepare for that. I’ve gotta cut this chit-chat short if there’s nothing else.”

Will chuckles. “Alright, fair enough. Let me know as soon as you can about Saturday.”

“Will do.”

Hanging up, I get back to my paperwork, getting a decent chunk of it done before I hear footsteps approaching.

“Why don’t you have any chickens or goats?”

Glancing up, I see my nana standing in the doorway. “Because I have no use for them.”

“You eat eggs, don’t you?” she throws back. “Chickens make eggs.”

“Yes, I eat eggs, Nana. But I get my eggs from down the road, and then I don’t have to clean out chicken coops.”

“I think you could use a couple goats. Maybe even a duck or two.”

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