Page 9 of Saddles and Snowstorms
“You’re not wrong,” I said, surprised by his candor. “That new foreman of his is trying, but...”
“Too little, too late,” Brooks finished, takinganother sip of his coffee. His eyes met mine over the rim of the mug, and something warm flickered in their depths before he looked away. “Shame. Good land out there.”
I cut another piece of steak, savoring the rich flavor. “You ever think about expanding? Taking on more land?”
Brooks’ jaw tightened slightly. “Don’t need more than what I got. Bigger ain’t always better.”
“Fair enough,” I said. “Quality over quantity.”
That earned me another almost-smile, this one lingering a second longer. “Exactly.”
The diner had emptied out some, the dinner rush still an hour away. Brooks’ coffee was nearly gone, and I’d demolished most of my steak. The silence between us had shifted from awkward to something almost comfortable.
“You got plans for the rest of the day?” I asked, immediately regretting how it sounded. “I mean, since you’re in town and all.”
Brooks studied me for a moment, those deep brown eyes seeming to look straight through me. “Just some supplies from the feed store. Then back home.” He paused, shifting in his seat. “Got a fence that needs mendin’ on the north pasture.”
“Sounds exciting,” I said, offering a tired smile.
“Ain’t supposed to be exciting. Just needs doin’.” Brooks’ voice was matter-of-fact, but there was something in his expression—a flicker of amusement, maybe—that made my stomach do a little flip.
“Well, I’ve got nothing but sleep on my agenda,” I admitted. “First weekend in a month I haven’t been moving, packing, or working.”
Brooks nodded, then hesitated. He drummed his fingers once against his empty mug before pushing it away. “That cow of mine—the one with the calf—she’s been favorin’ her right front leg since yesterday.”
His eyes met mine briefly before darting away. “Might be nothin’. Probably is nothin’.”
I set my fork down. “Want me to take a look?”
He shrugged those broad shoulders, but the tension in his jaw told me he was more concerned than he let on. “If you ain’t too tired. Wouldn’t ask, but...”
“It’s fine,” I said, surprising myself with how quickly I’d abandoned my plans for sleep. “That’s what I’m here for.”
“You just said you were exhausted,” he pointed out, that Texas drawl making the observation sound almost gentle.
“I am, but...” I gestured to my nearly empty plate. “This steak revived me. Besides, it’s just one cow, not a whole herd.”
Brooks studied me for a long moment, those dark eyes unreadable. “On second thought, you’re right. She’s probably fine.”
“Are you sure?” I asked, surprised by the sudden iciness in his voice. “I don’t mind taking a look.”
“Nah. I know my cow. She’s fine. And you’re tired.” He pushed his empty coffee mug away before standing up. “Plus, I don’t need a vet for every little thing. It’s just a lot of bills for no reason.”
“If you’re worried about money?—”
“I’m not,” he said sharply, cutting me off. “I just don’t need you. That’s all.”
Something about those words cut me to the quick. I didn’t understand why, but a chill filled my chest, vibrating down to the pit of my stomach. I watched wordlessly as Brooks tipped his hat to Dolly and bid her farewell. He glanced back at me for only a moment, nodded, and left without a word. The moment he was gone, Dolly was at my side.
“I’ve never seen him go from friendly to mean that fast before,” she said, giving me a good once over. “What did you say to him?”
“I… I just offered to help him. It was his idea…”
Dolly pursed her lips, a confused expression on her face. Finally, she sighed, shaking her head. “You musta got under his skin somehow. But I don’t know what’s wrong with that man sometimes. He’s nice until he ain’t. Then he’s meaner than a dog shittin’ tacks.”
I couldn’t help the sudden burst of laughter that escaped me. “Jesus Dolly,” I laughed, forgetting all about how icy Brooks had been. “You say some of the damnedest things, you know?”
She just winked. “Practice makes perfect, sugar.”
