Page 41 of Seducing the Sheriff
By the time I reached Dex’s rather impressive ranch, I regretted dumping my crappy cup of coffee. By taking the back road, I’d put off getting my caffeine fix for a lot longer than I preferred. I pulled up the long dirt driveway and parked next to a pick-up that was the same model as mine, but much newer.
I dropped out of the cab, taking a moment to acclimate myself to the surroundings. To my left was a large ranch-style home. Further up was a large barn, and to my right was a horse paddock. Beyond that was nothing but open land for as far as I could see. I didn’t bother checking for cows. I now realized that the herd I’d passed behind the low fence on the back road must belong to Dex.
“Hiya, you must be Greg.”
I turned around and was met with the gaze of a tall, lanky blond man. He had the easy gait of someone comfortable in his skin, and a lopsided smile that gave me the impression he had a good sense of humor.
I smiled back. “Yes, I’m here to see Dex. I guess he must’ve told you I was stopping by.”
His eyebrows shot up, and he tugged on the brim of his cowboy hat. “Actually, I’m Dex.”
“Oh! Sorry, I assumed…” This guy owned and ran this ginormous ranch? He looked barely twenty. Damn, I could be his dad. “I mean, I figured you must be the foreman or…”
So much for being a real boy.
He extended his hand, smile still in place. “That’s all right. I tend to get that reaction a lot. I inherited the ranch from my folks when I was barely out of high school.” He shrugged. “But I was born and raised here, so I know the drill.”
We finished shaking hands, and he gestured to the house. “I have to ride out in a bit to check on the herd, but why don’t I take you up to the stable. There’s an old shed back there that I dump firewood in now, but it was once briefly used for my mom’s goats.”
I didn’t know Dex’s circumstances, but I got the impression his parents had passed. We chatted about his mom’s experience with the goats as we made our way through the barn.
“Yeah,” Dex said when we reached the shed. The remains of a wood fence edged it on two sides. “She eventually decided that making soap wasn’t for her, so she sold the goats to a woman in town who started up a boutique that carries that kind of thing.” He adjusted his hat. “Not really my thing, so I don’t know much about that.
Dex waved his hand at the wooden structure. “Originally, they would sleep or have shelter in there and hang out here during the day. My sister used to take them to the paddock when the horses weren’t in there and run around with them.” He laughed. “Drove my mom crazy.”
I nodded, rubbing my chin. “I’d likely have to have a larger fenced-off area for sheep, though, right? Where the barn used to be is maybe thirty feet off my back deck. I think there’s enough open space to fence off.”
“Yup. And Jim said you have the Jenkins property, right?”
“Yeah. I have a lot of work ahead of me.”
Dex nodded, his brow furrowing. “You’re even further out in the desert than I am. If you’re going to keep sheep out there, you’ll need a dog.”
I’d thought about getting a dog anyway, but hadn’t considered the sheep aspect. “So, like an Australian Shepherd?”
“No.” Dex shook his head. “A Great Pyrenees or other livestock guardian dog is what you want. They don’t herd, they protect. Coyotes and mountain lions will love that free sheep buffet.” He placed his hands on his hips. “You’ll also have lambs, I assume. They’ll be particularly enticing to predators.”
“Lambs. Right.” I dragged my fingers through my hair. “I have a feeling this is a next year project.” I sighed. “Or perhaps the year after that.”
Dex grinned. “It’s a lot. Even a few head of livestock, no matter what kind, are a big commitment. And I’ve never been out there, but I hear the Jenkins place is in need of a lot of renovating.”
I grunted. “You heard right. Don’t get me wrong, I love it. I used to flip houses, but now I’m parking myself in one spot. I think I need to focus on whipping the house into shape first.”
“That’s right. Jim mentioned you plan on being a permanent part of Charming.”
“I do,” I said. “So, I’m not in a huge hurry to become a sheep farmer. I need to get settled in my new life first.”
“Wise move,” Dex responded. “Hey, you and Cash should come by some night for dinner.” He let out a light laugh. “Of course, getting the fire chief and sheriff on the same schedule could be a challenge.” He patted me on the shoulder. “But I’m sure we can work it out.”
“That would be great.”
I smiled, doing my best not to come across too nervous or awkward. The fact that he’d included Cash in the invitation caught me off guard. It seemed as if he was assuming we were a couple. Had Jim said something?
The time had come for Dex to head out to his pasture, so we said our goodbyes. I thanked him for his help, and he repeated his dinner invitation. Once I was back on the road, heading to town to grab my coffee and continue my day, a warmth settled in my chest. Dex was a cool guy, and so was Jim. Already everyone I met was treating me as if I belonged in Charming Butte.
My window was open, and the air was cool and soothing as it ruffled my hair. I let out a contented sigh, unable to stop myself from grinning like a lunatic. If I were being honest, what I wanted more than anything was to belong to Cash Lawson.
I sat back on my heels, wiping away the sweat from my hairline. Even though I was nearing exhaustion, I was filled with a sense of accomplishment. After seeing Dex, I made the journey into town to run my errands. Of course, there was the requisite coffee stop, and I had to pick up what I needed from the hardware store.
