CHAPTER THREE
M y measured stride kicks up dust on the trail that leads to the north pasture gate. “Good to see you out and about for a change.”
Dad doesn’t turn as I approach, continuing to stare at the grassy field straight ahead. “Shouldn’t you be working?”
I chuckle and scrub over the stubble on my jaw. “Could ask you the same question.”
“You’ve got it under control.”
The confidence he’s dumped on me isn’t misplaced, but some active involvement in the company would be appreciated. Especially with certain conflicts.
“Uncle Jimmy is breathing down my neck,” I mutter.
My father’s posture goes rigid at the mention of his brother. He straightens off the fence post, turning slightly to meet my stare. “About what?”
“He wants to sit at the head of the table. Believes he’s more fit for the leadership role considering your current… la ck of interest.” I won’t go into specifics about our most recent conversation, but it gave me an idea.
Which might pay off if the steely glint in my father’s gaze is any indication. “Don’t let that greedy bastard bully you. He should be grateful I let him run the auction barn. Maybe I’ll demote him to trailer sales. That’ll give him something to complain about.”
A dry chuckle escapes me. “I wouldn’t be opposed.”
Dad’s hand clenches into a fist as if he’s aiming for his brother’s inflated ego. “We’re mourning and he tries to take ownership of the whole company? Nope. But good on him for trying.”
“And this isn’t his first attempt to restructure,” I remind.
“That asshole better back off or we’ll remind him of his place.”
“How might we do that?” I’m practically salivating at the possibilities.
Dad goes quiet, his glare softening at the edges. “Just tell him to stay in his lane.”
“Call him yourself then, and pass along the message.” I brought up my uncle’s treachery in an attempt to light a fire under Dad’s ass. The momentary spark is already dwindling, but it’s not snuffed yet.
At least until the fight bleeds from him and he slumps against the fence again. “Nah, Jimmy’s a little shit, but he’s right about me. I’m not in a state to be calling the shots. My mind isn’t sound.”
I appraise Dad’s disheveled appearance from under the straw brim of my cowboy hat. This man lost the better half of his soul. There’s no real recovery after such a devastating hit. That doesn’t mean I’ll quit trying to drag him out of the fog.
“But you can’t let him keep pushing us like this,” I urge.
“No, you can’t.” He tosses me an empty look that squeezes my lungs. “That’s why I’ve put you in charge, Brody.”
I scoff. “Just until you get back on your feet.”
Dad waves at the summer air. “Consider the promotion permanent.”
My brows fling to the clouds. “Are you going to make an official announcement?”
“When you’re ready,” he evades. “It’s just a title. You’re already the boss where it counts.”
“Depends who you ask.” A certain pain in my ass would disagree. Uncle Jimmy’s nose is shoved so far into my business that he might as well be giving me a prostate exam. If he’s not careful, I’ll let one rip and forever taint his sense of smell.
Dad’s vacant stare roams over me like icy fingers probing at personal territory. “Am I putting too much pressure on you?”
“No.”
His haunted focus doesn’t relent. “Would it be easier to share more of the responsibilities with your uncle?”
Frustration bubbles to the surface and I swallow a bellow. I’ve poured myself into this job. Our legacy. The nonstop demands keep me occupied, not allowing me to dwell on pain and sorrow. Business is easier to manage than emotions.
“I’ve got us covered, Dad. You can count on me. ”
“That’s my boy. You’re the one meant to continue our success. Don’t let anyone assume otherwise.”
“I won’t.” My spine straightens into a titanium rod. “You have nothing to worry about.”
“Other than miss my wife with every beat of my broken heart. I can mourn her in peace knowing you’re at the helm of our company,” he mumbles.
Air whistles between my teeth from that sucker punch. “Fuck.”
“Make me proud. For your mom’s sake.” Dad grips my shoulder, stronger than I would’ve given him credit for. “And if you don’t mind, I’d like to be left alone now.”
A retort is perched on my tongue like a sharpened blade, ready to annihilate his despondence. But then a car door slams and our attention swivels toward the sound. Paisley struts across our property as if she owns the place. Sunlight bathes her hair, spinning the strands into pure gold. Her athletic tank top is fit for the August heat, but the snug style molds to her breasts very unprofessionally . Especially for her first day on the job.
Not that it matters what she wears. I couldn’t care less, which reminds me where my concentration belongs.
“Better get back to the office,” I grumble while backing away from this disaster waiting to happen.
My father’s eyes are narrowed in the blonde’s direction. “Is that the oldest Keaton kid?”
My retreat halts and I snort. “More commonly known as Bianca’s best friend.”
“What’s she doing here?”
I rip my gaze off our new employee to gape at the man who rules this roost. “Your daughter didn’t tell you before she left?”
“Why, yes. Of course. This is the expected response from somebody in the loop.” His sarcastic retort almost makes me smile.
“Bianca hired her to manage the barn while she’s gone. We also gained two more horses in the process.”
“Interesting,” Dad muses.
“Not really. I tried to talk her out of it.”
“And why would you do that?” There’s no missing the conniving lift in his tone.
My eyes stray to where Paisley is petting my sister’s favorite gelding. I become captivated by her even strokes along the palomino’s neck. She doesn’t notice us or chooses to ignore our presence. Most likely the latter.
“We don’t need her help,” I grind out.
“Are you planning to keep those horses in shape? How about mucking out the stalls?”
I grunt at the suggestion that my sister does dirty work. “Bianca hasn’t touched a pitchfork since she dressed as a devil for Halloween in third grade.”
“No matter. It gets done on her watch.” Dad’s attention slides toward the corral. “Decent stock.”
I send him a curious look. “Bianca won’t settle for less than the best bloodlines.”
“Not talking about the horse.” If I didn’t know better, I’d think amusement colors his tone.
“She’s not a broodmare.”
“Could’ve fooled me with the way you’re ogling her hindquarters. ”
I cut my gaze off Paisley, taking a sudden interest in the dirt. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Holy shit,” my father hoots. “Are you blushing?”
My eyes snap to his laughing face. This is what it takes to get a rise out of him? Fuck, I’ll sacrifice my dignity to prolong his boost in mood. It’s not like anyone else is around to witness my unconventional methods. A sideways glance proves that Paisley is still ignoring our existence.
“She’s a walking distraction,” I mutter. “A liability waiting to happen.”
He pats me on the back. “Might as well be a marriage proposal.”
“Fuck that.” And forget putting on a show for his benefit.
Dad’s chuckle threatens to thaw my frozen heart. “Happens before you realize you’re too far gone. You’re completely in control one minute, living your best bachelor life. The next, a pretty filly prances across your path to rearrange your priorities.”
“Not gonna happen to me.”
A disturbing twinkle flashes in his stare. “Don’t act like it’s a hobble on your freedom. Couldn’t be further from the truth. The day I convinced your mother to spend her life at my side was the best thing that ever happened to me.”
“That was different.”
But for some inexplicable reason, my focus strays to where the blonde is bent over to give me a peek at her cleavage. I tug at the collar of my western shirt that’s suddenly too suffocating. Unlike Paisley’s casual outfit, the straw hat on my head is the only proof that I relent to the heat. From the neck down, I’m dressed in my standard button-down and Wranglers combo. I wouldn’t be caught in fiery hell wearing less. That’s when I notice my jaw is clenched hard enough to slice through wire. A long exhale loosens the strain but it’s too late.
My dad’s attention is taking a leisurely loop from the hired help to me. His thoughts are loud enough to be audible, but he still voices them. “She’ll be good for morale.”
“Maybe where you’re concerned.” I’m willing to admit that woman has scared off Dad’s demons for a few precious moments.Meanwhile, mine remain securely locked away and heavily guarded.
“Mhmm, already chasing off the gloom.” He flicks his fingers to where Paisley has her face tipped to the sky. “We can use a dose of sunshine. You especially.”
I don’t appreciate the direction of his scheming. “That’s my cue to get gone.”
“Not so fast.” His hand on my arm stills my retreat. “Go welcome Ms. Keaton to our farmstead. I’m gonna call my brother and silence his complaints or I’ll give him something to actually bitch about.”
That gives me pause. My mouth works silently for a moment. I’d rather get fucked by a thistle than confront Paisley, but my father is willing to do something other than drown his sorrows in whiskey. My earlier conviction resurfaces. Dad’s revival is worth the annoyance of introducing myself to our new barn manager.
I’ll give Paisley the treatment she deserves, just like every other weed that dares to pollute my path. She’ll have her head bowed and spirit broken before lunch.