Page 73 of Shattered Melodies

I just grinned, throwing an arm around his shoulders and steering him towards the cow pasture. “Relax, city boy. I’ve got you. What’s the worst that could happen?”

Famous last words.

“This,” I said, spreading my arms wide as we reached the fence, “is where the magic happens. The heart and soul of the ranch, if you will.”

Liam peered over the top rail, his nose wrinkling as he took in the sight of the cows milling about in the field. “It smells like shit,” he said, his tone flat.

I laughed, clapping him on the back. “Well, yeah. That’s kind of par for the course when you’re dealing with livestock. But trust me, you get used to it.”

He shot me a dubious look, but I just grabbed his arm and tugged him towards the gate. “Come on, let’s go say hi to the ladies.”

We made our way out into the pasture, the cows eyeing us with a sort of placid curiosity as we approached. I could feel Liam tensing up beside me, his steps slowing as we got closer.

“Uh, Caleb?” he said, his voice tight with nerves. “Are you sure this is a good idea? I mean, don’t cows like charge at people or something?”

I bit back a grin, schooling my features into a look of grave concern. “Oh, absolutely. These girls can be real firecrackers when they want to be. But don’t worry, I know how to handle them.”

I reached out and grabbed a handful of grass, holding it out towards the nearest cow. “Here, girl,” I cooed, my voice low and soothing. “Come on, come get a taste of this sweet, sweet greenery.”

The cow ambled over, her big brown eyes fixed on the grass in my hand. And just as she started to reach for it, I yanked my hand back, letting out a shout of alarm.

“Whoa, watch out!” I yelled, stumbling backwards like I’d been pushed. “She’s coming for us, Liam! Run for your life!”

Liam’s eyes went wide with panic, his face draining of color as he scrambled to get away. He tripped over his own feet in his haste, landing on his ass in the dirt with a thud.

I couldn’t help it. I burst out laughing, doubling over and clutching my stomach as tears streamed down my face. The look of sheer terror on Liam’s face, the way he’d flailed and fallen it was too much.

“Oh my god,” I gasped, struggling to catch my breath. “You should have seen your face, city boy. I didn’t know a grown man could move that fast.”

Liam glared at me from his spot on the ground, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment and anger. “You asshole,” he gritted out, pushing himself to his feet and brushing the dirt from his jeans. “That wasn’t funny.”

I held up my hands, still chuckling. “Hey, I beg to differ. That was hilarious. And educational, too. Now you know that cows are basically just big, dumb puppy dogs. Harmless as kittens.”

Liam huffed, crossing his arms over his chest. “Yeah, well. You could have just told me that, instead of giving me a fucking heart attack.”

I shrugged, unapologetic. “Where’s the fun in that? Besides, sometimes the best way to learn is by doing. Or in your case, by falling on your ass.”

He flipped me off, but I could see the hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “You’re the worst, you know that?”

“Oh, I know,” I said, grinning. “But you love me anyway.”

The words slipped out before I could stop them, hanging in the air between us like a challenge. Like a question, a possibility.

And for a moment, just a split second, I saw something flicker in Liam’s eyes. Something raw and real, something that made my heart skip a beat in my chest.

But then he blinked, and it was gone. Shuttered away behind that mask of his, that wall that I was starting to wonder if I’d ever be able to breach.

“Come on,” he said, his voice gruff as he turned away. “Let’s go see these pigs of yours. I’m sure they’re just as charming as the cows.”

I chuckled, falling into step beside him. “Oh, you have no idea. Pigs are the court jesters of the animal kingdom. Always up for a good time.”

We reached the pig pen, the sound of snuffling and grunting rising up to greet us. Liam peered over the fence, his brow furrowed as he watched the pigs rooting around in the mud.

“They’re kind of cute, in a weird way,” he said, tilting his head to the side. “Like little pink bulldozers.”

I nodded, leaning my arms on the top rail. “Yep, that’s pretty much what they are. Bulldozers with a serious love for slop and belly rubs.”

Liam glanced at me, one eyebrow raised. “Belly rubs? Seriously?”

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