Page 26 of The Unbuttoned Ranger
“Oh, Mom.” Carsen’s shoulders slumped as he did as she asked.
“Just so you know, he wasn’t any bother.” Sharp could see the uneasiness in CaDee’s expression. He journeyed his gaze down the slope of the faded denim bibs that swam on her.“You’re becoming a country girl in no time at all.”
“Thanks to Piper. The fence…I see it’s almost done. I’ve noticed you’ve been working hard.”
“This should keep you from chasing cows.” He tried to pull his gaze off her face, but the sunlight caught the color of her eyes, making them almost transparent. The bruising was gone, and she wore a short-sleeved shirt.
“Skeeter brought my car back, but he said you repaired it.”
“Can’t trust him to keep his mouth shut for nothing.” Sharp hadn’t wanted recognition.
“It was supposed to be a secret?”
“It doesn’t matter who fixed it. The important part is that the work is done.”
“Thank you for your help. What do I owe you?”
He chuckled.“Not a damn thing.”
“How about dinner tomorrow night? In fact, why don’t you invite your father to come too? Piper speaks very highly of him.”
This was a turnaround from the last conversation they had together. Maybe she remembered the adage,keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Not that he was her enemy. Sometimes the way she looked at him though…
Sharp started to reject the invitation but stopped himself. Why would he not go? This was an opportunity to get to know CaDee and her situation better. Hell, he didn’t mind spending time with her. He liked a challenge.
He wondered if he could get past the guarded wall in her eyes what he would see there?
“I’ll take you up on it, and Pa is always available for a home cooked meal.”
“I should be getting back to my chores.” She took several backward steps.“See you around six tomorrow?”
“Sounds perfect.” He reached down and picked up his hammer, then paused. He saw one of the pigs wandering in the yard. ” Closed gates stay closed. Open gates stay open.”
“Huh?”
“The pig pen gate wasn’t latched. You have a fugitive.”
“Oh no!” she groaned. She ran after the escaped pig that was munching on Piper’s marigolds.
CaDee’s movement toward the pig causing it to retreat. They did a little dance as CaDee slowly stepped closer. The pig oinked loudly in protest, and when CaDee lunged to catch the escapee it didn’t go so well for her. Unfortunately, the grass was slick and muddy, and CaDee fell into a puddle, face first.
“Ah, shit.” Sharp dropped his hammer and jogged over to make sure she was okay. She lifted her head, looking up at him. Mud covered her face. Tendrils of wet hair stuck to her rosy cheeks. Using the back of her hand, she scrubbed the wetness off her skin.
He laid out his hand and, after an initial hesitation, she allowed him to help her to her feet.
“What just happened?” she muttered.
“I should have warned you. Never rush a pig. They usually go right back into the pen after they test the waters.”
She rolled her eyes.“He’s back in the pen.”
Sharp had to force his laughter down. She looked like a mess—a cute mess. Water dripped from the ends of her hair and chin. Mud was smeared all over her.
“You want to laugh, don’t you?” She looked like she wanted to start a mutiny.
“Of course not. There’s nothing funny about your situation. Could be worse.”
“You think? How?”
