CHAPTER FIVE
M y shrill whistle alerts the dogs to go after a lone calf skipping away from the herd. Almost immediately, another one trails off in the opposite direction. Frustration bubbles to the surface as I steer my horse toward the straggler. What a clusterfuck. This interruption puts me behind schedule, and I can’t afford to waste a second.
My glare whips across the pasture as the cattle finally begin backtracking on their escape attempt. Somebody forgot to close the south gate. All signs point to Paisley. I wouldn’t put it past her after I deleted her access code for the driveway entrance. It didn’t delay her for more than a minute. That flashy cowgirl rang the bell incessantly until Dad came to her rescue. But this hassle is next level.
I’d love nothing more than to send her packing. Too bad Bianca refuses to consider the idea, or my opinion on the matter. My sister only makes the situation worse—insisting I stay out of Paisley’s path. As if it’s that simple .
The twinkly bundle of sunshine appears everywhere I go, whether she’s directly in front of me or plaguing my memories. Bianca has been friends with Paisley for years but suddenly I can’t escape her. If I didn’t know better, I’d assume the universe was conspiring against me and shoving us together. That nonsense gets my blood boiling hotter.
“C’mon,” I beckon to the livestock version of a traffic jam. “Hurry up.”
“I’m coming, I’m coming. Keep your chaps on.”
My ass swivels in the saddle to watch Paisley’s uninvited entrance. Her blonde hair is mostly hidden under a baseball cap, but she still manages to glow. She smiles at me like we’re friends. That couldn’t be further from the truth. We’ve been flinging shit at each other since she started her job a week ago. Although, her insults tend to be dipped in sugar and sprinkles, which is even more aggravating. She makes me feel like the bad guy.
If I’m being honest, she makes me feel a lot more than that. I’ve managed to keep a lid on my bottled emotions until she showed up to shatter my composure. I’m not capable of smothering my temper when she’s nearby. There’s something deeply unsettling about that woman. She rattles me to the core.
And right now is no different. She rides my mother’s favorite buckskin mare like the horse now belongs to her. The pair moves fluidly as one, approaching at a leisurely lope. Paisley’s tits sway to the beat of the smooth gait. Whoever designed her sports bra should be fired. That gentle jiggle is obscene, and I can’t quit looking.
I tip the brim of my hat at her. “Twinkles. ”
“Boss.” She flutters her lashes.
My jaw ticks but I swallow the barbed retort ready to spank her. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”
“Your dad sent me. He figured you could use a hand corralling the cows.”
“Did he now?” I almost smile.
What can I say? The notion is comical. Last I saw, my father was holed up in his den and having an intimate chat with Johnny Walker. He shouldn’t know about the cattle getting loose. I didn’t want to burden him, which means he found out from someone else or this debacle is a different sort of mess entirely. Maybe Paisley deserves more credit. Not that I’ll willingly give it to her.
Paisley is staring at me like I’ve sprouted horns. “Is that funny?”
“Hilarious,” I rasp. The start of a headache throbs at my temples. “Thanks for the offer, but I don’t need your help.”
“Ohh-kayyyy,” she exhales. “Well, I’m already out here.”
“Good for you. Feel free to show yourself back to the barn.”
“After I’m done securing the herd.” She nudges her horse forward, easing into a trot that bounces her breasts again.
I gnaw on a curse and follow after her. “Do you ever listen?”
“When someone says something worth hearing.”
That sassy mouth could be put to better use. Paisley’s posture stiffens as if I voiced that suggestion aloud. When she glances over at me, her blue eyes gleam in warning. An ache spreads through my chest. The pain and suffering are just waiting to be purged. If I’m not careful, she’ll conquer my darkest secrets. Talk about a trap.
Instead of creating more trouble for myself, I decide to stew in silence. We round up the cows easily enough and push them ahead where they belong. I’ll never admit it but the task is completed much faster thanks to her.
Once the gate is locked, Paisley rides off without a backward glance. Fine by me… except I’m stuck watching her go. She sits deep in the saddle but I still get a decent view. That curvy ass hugged in denim and bling does wild things to my imagination. Fuck.
I scrub a palm down my face. “Enough of that.”
My horse snorts to call bullshit. The sound of his betrayal echoes across the lush acres surrounding us. Responsibility rests heavy on my shoulders as I signal for him to move us along. There’s a fresh pile of contracts demanding my attention in the office.
But those demands will have to wait a bit longer when I catch sight of Dad at the chicken coop. He kicks at the door, which is hanging crooked from one hinge. Paisley is standing right there beside him as if her sparkling personality will solve this issue.
I tug on the reins, pulling my horse to a stop next to them. “How did that happen?”
My father shrugs. “Beats me. I was taking a stroll, minding my own business, when I spotted the cock racing outta the henhouse. Assumed he got himself in hot water until I saw the busted door gave him a clean break.”
The exhale that breezes from me is weary. “I don’t have time for this. ”
“Too bad, kid. Gotta take care of this before the chickens become fox food.”
“I’m aware.” My knees creak as I swing off the saddle and squat to check the damage. I find the missing hinge on the ground. “You’ve got to be kidding me. The damn thing is bent in half.”
“Huh.” My father purses his lips. “That’s odd.”
“Sure is,” I drawl. “First the cows and now the coop. What’s next?”
Paisley blanches. “You shouldn’t ask that.”
Dad pats her shoulder. “No need to fret. It’s just a strange coincidence. Might be a sign to take it easy for a change and smell the clover.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “That’s not an option for me.”
My dad scoffs. “You’re the boss. Take the day off and get stuff done around the farm.”
“I have to keep our multiple businesses afloat or we’ll lose the farm,” I grumble. But the door needs to be repaired. “Maybe I have a spare hinge in the shop. If not, I’ll make a trip to town.”
“There’s the solution we need. I can always count on you to get the job done.” Dad begins backing away.
“Where do you think you’re going?”
He huffs and puffs and damn near blows the entire structure down. “What do you want me to do? I sure as shit can’t fix it.”
“Maybe I can,” Paisley chirps.
“Not by yourself,” I growl. “The wood is too heavy.”
My dad nudges her. “Told you he woke up on the wrong side of the stable this morning. ”
She giggles. “He isn’t always this grumpy?”
“Nah, my son is a true delight. Don’t let his recent behavior fool you.”
“I’m beginning to think he doesn’t like me,” Paisley murmurs.
“What’s not to like? You’ve been extremely helpful since Bianca left. I can’t thank you enough for reviving the flowerbeds. My Marion would be giddy at the sight.”
Her grin is sweet enough to rot my teeth. “That’s very kind of you to say, Dennis.”
“Only speaking the truth. I’m happy you’re part of the team. You’ve become like a second daughter to me.”
“Oh, my.” Paisley clutches her chest. “Keep this up and I’ll be crying on your shoulder.”
“Feel free to let it out. I’m a great listener.”
The two continue flapping their chaps like we’re on vacation with nothing better to do. I wasn’t aware that our recent hire had clawed her way into my father’s good graces. Once again, I’m struck by her tenacity. She’s determined to push me to my limits. And by the looks of it, she has Dad’s support. How predictable. It wasn’t enough for her to ruin my reliable routine. This woman is turning my own father against me.
They keep talking while I grab a halter and tie my horse to the nearest hitching post. Paisley tells Dad a cheesy joke. Her lyrical laughter grates on my nerves. She’s too much, which I tell her at every available opportunity. My father doesn’t seem to mind. Their exchange is effortless, a continuous stream that flows evenly between them. I’m the odd fuck out in this scene. Annoyance bubbles in my gut, and I have the sudden urge to intervene .
Dad is in a fragile state. She’s going to drive him to drink more. But the longer I watch them, I recognize a difference about him. He seems… lighter. The gloom that’s been hovering over him since Mom died has lifted slightly. I’m almost jealous that Paisley has this impact on him. Fuck, maybe she is good for morale. At least for everyone but me.
“Brody?” Dad waves a hand in front of my face. “Did we lose you?”
I blink from the fog. “Been here the entire time.”
A telltale gleam flickers in his gaze. “What do you think?”
My mind goes blank. The last thing I want to do is admit weakness or defeat. I glance at Paisley, then refocus on my dad. Silence isn’t an acceptable answer.
“It’s doable,” I mutter.
His expression brightens and he claps. “That’s my boy. Knew you’d see it our way.”
I get the feeling I’ve just stepped into a trap. “Since you two have the coop handled, I’ll unsaddle my horse and get back to the office.”
“Very funny,” he chuckles. “Maybe you didn’t hear me correctly.”
“Message received. You’re doing it your way.” I swat at the conspiring duo. “Have at it. The door won’t fix itself.”
“Oh, I know. Which is why Paisley volunteered to help you.” Dad’s grin is more smug than a pig rolling in mud.
“That’s not necessary,” I counter.
He wags a finger at me. “It’s a two-person job. She’ll take good care of you. And now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m due for a nap.”
My hands curl into tight fists as Dad casually strolls to the house. It feels like every tendon in my body is about to snap. I turn to unleash a snarl on the only available target. “What the hell was that?”
Paisley doesn’t balk, greeting my malicious bite with a blinding smile. “You’re stuck with me, boss.”