Page 20 of The Unbuttoned Ranger
He scraped his fingers down his whiskered jaw.“I’ll take care of the fence. That’ll keep the cattle from meandering where they got no business. I’ll also stop over and ask Skeeter to tend to her car.” He pushed off the truck and headed to the driver’s door.
“You’re a good man, Sharp. How are you feeling? Your pa said you were coming along.”
“As chirpy as a newborn bird.”
“Do me a favor?”
“What do you need?”
“You still remember how to milk the goats?”
“I believe so.”
“Come over bright and early in the morning and show her around. I have an appointment and I’ll need her to do the chores for me.”
His first instinct was to make up an excuse why he couldn’t come over, but he’d already told Piper he’d build afence.“Make sure your guest is ready, and wearing something else besides those fancy shoes. We wouldn’t want her losing a toe.”
Piper’s laughter followed him into the truck.
He drove away from the farm and watched through the rearview mirror until he pulled onto the road.
Instead of going right toward home, he took a left back toward town. He had a good idea…
Chapter Nine
The farmhouse wore its history through the aged clapboard siding, bearing visible marks from years of exposure to sun and rain, much like Piper Loveland herself. The two-story structure seemed a bit more significant against the backdrop of the vast blue sky and overgrown fields. There was a lot of love in the lush flowerbeds, vegetable garden, and overflowing potted plants hanging from the porch rail. The scent of growing crops hung in the air laced with the stinging aroma of farm animals. The cattle were stretching their necks over the fence to get a peek of the company as if they sensed CaDee and her son didn’t belong.
As she sipped her second glass of lemonade, the first one she’d gulped down, she noticed her new boss and the cowboy talking—almost certainly about her. Sharp’s glance in her direction confirmed her suspicion. Years of being on edge had sharpened her instincts, and she sensed he was just as curious about her as she was about him.
While she watched the exchange, she felt her temperature rise. It had nothing to do with the man’s broad shoulders, tapered waist, or long legs encased in worn jeans. Or his powerful expression that left her wondering what his thoughts were.
No, what had her concerned was that he could be dangerous. A woman knew when a man was curious by nature and she had an inkling he watched everything that happenedaround him with a keen eye. She wanted to keep her business private, didn’t want her and Carsen’s life disrupted here.
When he hauled himself back into the truck, he waved at Piper, gave CaDee one last glance and he pulled down the lane disappearing in a cloud of dust.
“I think I’ll take one of those myself. It sure is a firecracker of a hot day.” Piper poured herself some lemonade and drank thirstily, before she said,“Welcome to Loveland Farm.” Piper turned her attention to Carsen.“Albert didn’t tell me…everything.” Her perceptive grey eyes landed back on CaDee.“Kid, how about you go visit the goats? They enjoy company. Your ma and I need a moment.”
Carsen, who had a stick drawing shapes into the dirt, looked at CaDee for permission.“Sure, but be careful.”
“Okay, mommy.”
The dog, she’d named Milo while under pressure, got up from his resting spot on the step and followed Carsen to the goat pen. They’d all gathered to get a good look at the new person.
“He will be okay with them, right?” CaDee asked.
Piper chuckled.“They’re goats. About the only trouble they’ll give the kid is a nibble.”
“They bite?”
“They’re goats, honey.” Piper’s gaze narrowed.“Like I said, Albert didn’t tell me that you had a kid, or a dog.”
“He’s a great kid. He won’t keep me from doing my work.”
She snorted.“So now I have three more mouths to feed.”
This rubbed CaDee the wrong way. Lack of sleep, stress and emotional havoc twisted her insides. She set her glass on the table and jumped up.“I might need the job but if you can’t accept my son then we’ve already overstayed our welcome.”
“Have a seat.” Piper made a gesture with her knotted hand.“I don’t mind the kid. I just need to know…are you running from something? Albert was unusually vague. Normallyhe’d talk the peel right off a cucumber. Always been a talker, that one.” When CaDee hesitated, Piper sighed.“I figure we’re all running from something. I guess what I’m asking, is there anything I need to know? If trouble comes a knocking, I’d like to be prepared. I have a friend who helps me keep things…organized.”
