2. Clover
TWO
Clover
“I’m just surprised, is all. We’re going straight to your friend’s house?”
The car bumps along the dirt drive that leads down into the ranch. Dad drove us straight here after the longest day of traveling in my life, and all I want to do is take a damn nap.
Getting acquainted with the new boss could’ve waited until I wasn’t horrendously jetlagged.
The sweeping sky over the hill behind the ranch house is like something out of an early Americana painting. It’s swirled with orange and pink and yellow, bits of blue still hanging over the low clouds as the sun goes down.
It’s fucking gorgeous, no way around it. I can see why people want to escape to the country. If every sunset is as beautiful as this one, that’s a hell of a way to end the day.
The ranch’s sprawling land reaches out in every direction, with the house in the center by a massive oak tree. Red Lodge is beautiful, and this particular little slice of heaven looks well-loved and homey.
There’s even a tire swing on the tree.
“You’re going to be the nanny for the family, hun. I want you acquainted with it.”
I’m hardly listening to my father’s response, my eyes eating up the impeccable scenery until we pull up to the house and Dad shuts off the engine.
Immediately, the sound of countless insects blares all around us. As we step out, I’m hit by the oppressive heat I noticed earlier.
It’s windy, too, like a hair dryer blowing across your skin, and the dust of the dirt driveway swirls around me. Ugh, it’s in my mouth.
“Alright, hun. Brooks should be out to greet us any second now.”
Again, I’m not paying much attention, but this time, it’s because I’m swatting away flies like one of the cows in the pasture to my right. They won’t stay away, and I’m already sweating again as the fading sunlight beats down on me.
How the fuck do they do it when that shiny asshole is blaring down at high noon?
A squeaking sound pulls my attention as I swat another bug away. I see an exceedingly tall figure coming down from the house steps as the screen door swings shut again.
Undoubtedly Brooks, he crosses the massive lawn quickly, and my mouth goes dry. He’s…really tall and pretty damn attractive.
This is my dad’s friend? He’s definitely not in his fifties.
I silently kick myself for thinking that Brooks would be my father’s age. Of course, he’s not. He has a son that I’m needed to help take care of.
That doesn’t track with being older. His son would be older, too, and wouldn’t need me.
“There ya are!” My dad calls out, and Brooks goes right up to him for a hug, clapping each other on the back. “And here’s Clover, as promised. I just know she’ll be able to help you while you’re dealing with that arm.”
I offer a smile as Brooks turns to face me, but it dies in seconds. The guy practically glares at me, cocking a brow as I shoo away another fucking bug.
“Hi. Nice to meet you.”
Attempting to hold out my hand, I’m left hanging as Brooks sizes me up. He reminds me of the stuffy boardroom assholes I’m used to dealing with—except for the pristine attire.
“Mmm, Ms. Joy.”
That’s it? That’s all you’re going to say? Jesus.
I put the smile right back in place, unwilling to let him see how annoyed I am. “Mr. Lowe. My father has told me a lot about you, and I’m happy to help while you’re recovering from your injury.”
I nod to his arm, and Brooks narrows his eyes, clenching his jaw before nodding back at me.
“Hopefully, not too much. I’d hate to have Leo scare you away before I get the chance.”
A burst of laughter leaves me, completely taken aback by the joke. Brooks grins, facing my dad again and knocking him on the arm with his good elbow.
There’s this flicker of connection between the two of them, and I can’t help but smile. My dad needs a good friend. He’s all on his own, and I know how much he needs company.
Leo Joy does not do solitude.
“Eh, she’s not likely to be put off by little old you, Brooks.” Dad grins at me, the pride in his face obvious. “Clover deals with the big-wigs in New York City. Some stubborn rancher will be a walk in the park.”
Grinning back, I squint my eyes slightly at my dad. I know he’s sticking up for me, making me look good. And I love him to death for it.
“Always making the hard sell. And you wonder where I got it from.” I look from my dad to Brooks. “And I promise you that I’m not here to step on your toes or anything like that. Just lend a hand.”
As I watch Brooks’s expression, I can’t help but note just how tightly he’s holding his body. He’s as rigid as one of the fence posts at his back. If he straightened any further, he’d crack his damn spine.
“Seeing as I only have the one good one right now, I suppose I could use it.”
Again I find myself laughing at the joke, surprised the guy has so much sarcasm hiding under that stoic expression.
What is your deal?
Still, am I that surprised? He’s a “cowboy” for Christ’s sake. I’m sure he only sees one thing when he looks at me—a city girl.
As much as I hate to lean into a cliché, look at the guy. He’s rough and short with me. Brooks is probably no different than all the movies and bullshit I’ve heard from friends over the years.
Gruff cowboy isn’t going to gladly accept help from a city-slicker. Well, Brooks can look down on me from his high horse while I provide the help he so clearly needs.
Probably broke his arm doing something stupid too.
“You can definitely use it, Brooks. And Clover is excellent with children. She’ll just need a little time to get used to the ranch, right?”
Dad looks at me, and I snap myself out of my thoughts and give a nod. “It shouldn’t be bad at all. I love kids, and once I figure out his routine, I’m sure it’ll be great.”
Brooks eyes me, seemingly unmoved by either my dad’s or my own words of encouragement.
“Guess we’ll have to see, now won’t we.” Those soft hazel eyes of his burn into me. “It ain’t easy.”
We hold each other’s stare, and I only break it to roam my eyes across the guy’s face. He’s sporting a five o’clock shadow that I have a feeling never goes away, and sure enough, Brooks is wearing a dark brown cowboy hat.
His loose button-down shirt and jeans are straight out of a movie or something, the only hang-up being that broken limb he’s sporting.
Still, I can’t help but admit that the guy is stunning. I’m guessing he’s in his forties, and Brooks is keeping it tight. His muscular physique speaks to the work he must do on the ranch, and he’s been gifted a jawline that could cut glass.
And silver at the temples of shaggy brown locks. Could you be more of a commercial?
But I’m not that easy. I can see the disdain in Brooks’s eyes, and I’m not about to let him judge me. I came here to help, and if he doesn’t want it…
“I wouldn’t recommend Clover if I didn’t think she could do the job, Brooks. And you’re well aware of that.”
The guy turns to my father, and some of that tension in his spine relaxes. He smiles at him like they’ve known each other all their lives, not just the short few years my dad has lived in Red Lodge.
“I hear you, Leo. Meant no offense.” My dad smiles, clapping Brooks on the shoulder again. “You know I’m just… protective of the ranch.”
There’s a flicker of something in Brooks’s eyes, and I get the feeling that he’s not talking about the ranch at all. What’s that about?
“I understand your concern, truly.” I put my hand on my chest, emphasizing my point. “I promise to take good care of it.”
Brooks eyes me, an unreadable expression trapped beneath the hard layer of his stoic cowboy exterior.
Jesus. Did Dad force him to give me the job or something?
“Okay, Dad,” I put my hand on his shoulder, tilting my head toward the car, “we should probably head out now. How far away is your place?”
He rubs the back of his neck. “See, love, the thing about that is…”
But he doesn’t finish, and my own tension ratchets up another notch.
“Out with it, Dad.”
“It’s just that,” he’s still rubbing his neck, a tell of his that suggests he’s been keeping something locked up behind that bearded mouth of his, “I think you should stay here with Brooks. This’ll be where you’re needed, and I…I’ve not got the space for you.”
My jaw drops open, and I step forward, leaning toward my dad as my heartbeat rings in my ear. Another fly wafts past me, and I slap my arm where it lands as I snap my mouth shut.
“What? Why didn’t you say anything?” I can’t hide the irritation in my voice, keeping my voice low but still managing the intention of a yell. “How do you not have the room? A farmhouse would?—”
“I didn’t get one yet. I’ve…I’ve been searching for the right place. The one that would’ve made your Momma proud. I…I just have the apartment right now, and it’s only got the one bedroom.”
My chest aches, that echoing pang that’s never really done flaring. “Dad, why didn’t you say anything? I thought you were living comfortably, and now I hear this?”
He’s never been good at taking care of himself, and it’s worse now that Mom is gone.
“I’m just fine, Clover. You needn’t worry over it. But it’s still your best option to stay with Brooks.”
“I’ve got the room. Your dad mentioned?—”
“He told you about this?” I cut Brooks off, my hands going to my hips as I send a glare at both of them.
I swear I’ve been in the damn country for two minutes, and men are already making my decisions for me. Absolutely not .
Brooks sucks in a breath, his jaw clenching before he nods and mirrors my posture. “He did.”
I throw my hands up. “Fantastic! How am I supposed to find a place to stay? I don’t have the means or time to go house-hunting for a rental.”
“Clover, I know it’s not precisely what we talked about?—”
“It’s nothing of what we talked about.”
I sigh, hanging my head as I pinch the bridge of my nose. Right at that moment, the breeze picks up, and dust clings to my skin, which is way too sweaty for my liking. Brooks’s cologne wafts right on over with that wind, and of course, a damned bug sees fit to nearly fly up my nose.
“Ugh! Fine.” I meet my dad’s concerned stare, shaking my head. “Sorry. It’s fine. I just wasn’t prepared. It’ll be fine.”
You said ‘fine’ way too much, Clover.
My dad walks over and wraps an arm around my shoulder. I have no idea how he’s managing in that long-sleeve button-down of his, but I’m grateful for it because the fabric absorbs some of the moisture clinging to my skin.
“Thank you, honey. It’ll all be for the best. You’ll be right here where you’re needed.”
I nod. Of course, he has a point. “Yup. I will. And again…”
Turning to Brooks, I offer an apologetic smile. “I apologize for the way I spoke. I was just surprised.”
The guy just nods.
“Well, I’ll see you soon, honey bee. I need to get back home. It’s quite a drive into town from here.”
Again, my father is choosing very specific things to be right about, and I’m very ready to find whatever room I’ll be staying in and lock myself in for the evening.
“I love you. Text me once you’re settled.” Dad hugs me, and I soak in the gesture even though I’m beyond irritated with him. “And if y’all need anything from town, I can bring it on by tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Leo.” Brooks’s voice is quiet, deep.
Dad pulls away, and I watch his back as he heads off to the car. He grabs my bag from the trunk and brings it to me before heading back. He hops into the driver’s seat, offering a little wave, and then the car is just cruising down the long drive like it’s nothing.
Like this entire situation was nothing much.
When my stare swivels back to Brooks, I’m met with a clenched jaw and that damned cowboy hat pulled low over his eyes. I want to smack that damned look off his face, but that’s not exactly civil.
And I’m supposed to be his nanny, for Christ’s sake. Ugh .
“Let’s get you settled then.”
I’m pretty sure he could sound more excited about getting a fucking colonoscopy. This is going to be so not fun.
As I follow the towering rancher, I force myself to take calming breaths. I still haven’t met his son, and maybe that’ll make all the difference.
Either that, or I’m heading back to NYC. Kyle be damned.