Page 20 of Dusk's Devotion (Blue Ice Ranch 3)

“You don’t have to ruin your family ties over me. I won’t be here long enough to sacrifice a good relationship with your brother,” Shep stated before stalking off.

I watched him go and knew I was at a crossroads. Did I go talk to Will or did I follow Shep? Nate returned and made up my mind for me. He stepped right into my line of vision. I met his irate gaze.

“I’m not sure what that was all about, but it ends here. Fucking Christ, you’re supposed to be the man I turn to when I need someone mature and dependable. If having McCrary here is going to upset a slew of apple carts, I will ask him to leave.”

“I’ll handle it.”

He glowered at me, his eyes sparking with anger. “See that you do. I have sent Will home for the day without pay for striking my irrigator. I’d let him calm down before you went to see him.” My sight strayed to the end of the stables where Shep had disappeared into the hayloft. “I’d let him be too, Kyle.” I looked back at my friend. “Whatever is going on with you two is bound to end badly. Just let it die out.”

I was starting to think letting “it” die out was going to be way easier said than done. How could I let something that I yearned for simply fizzle out? Nate clapped me on the shoulder before taking his leave. Spinning around, I noticed Dundee studying me, his ears flicking, his nostrils flared.

“I think I’m falling in lust with your owner.” Dundee whickered softly. “If I give you the knife, would you consider gelding me?” I asked the stallion. He snorted and threw his head up and down.

See now that was a true friend.

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