Page 29 of Blindsided By the Enforcer

She blinks. “You want to hold a goat?”

I nod. “They seem so cute.”

“Well, I didn’t see that one coming.” She lifts one of the goats and passes him to me.

“Aw, he’s so soft,” I say, patting his fur.

“You’re just a softy, aren’t you?”

“What do you mean?” I chuckle.

“I don’t know. I feel like the hockey guys all come across as macho and assertive but you, Cade Price. You’re sweet,” she says.

“Oh, hell no, I am not sweet,” I assure her. “I’m also not a softy.”

“If you say so.” She cocks her brow conspiratorially.

“What is that supposed to mean?” I ask.

“Nothing,” she sings.

“Something feels warm,” I say wide-eyed.

“What?” Annie asks, her eyes turning to saucers. I move the little goat away from my body to see he shat all over me. “Oh dear.”

Annie moves to take him from me.

“Shit, I’m covered in goat crap.”

“Shit is right.” Annie places the little guy on the ground and bursts into laughter.

“Damn, it’s watery and gross. Which way is it back to the house?” I ask with urgency.

“That way.” She points. “Follow me.”

She starts to walk fast. I try to keep up but the goat shat down my pocket, and the faster I walk, it leaks down my leg and is making me want to heave.

“It’s running down my leg, Annie,” I cry out.

“Don’t be a big baby. It’s only goat shit. I’ve had my share on me. You can give me your clothes. I’ll launder them for you,” she offers.

“You don’t have to,” I say, trying to keep my one leg straight to prevent the shit from moving down.

“Aw, it’s the least I can do after my goat soiled your clothes.”

We walk down a path and come across an older guy. “Hi, Walter.” She waves.

“Annie girl, welcome home,” he says. “We got some problems around here.”

“I know, Walter.” She frowns and blinks. “Walter, this is my friend Cade.”

“I would shake your hand but a goat pooped on me,” Cade says.

Walter howls with laughter.

“That’s all right, son. You go get yourself cleaned up. That’s an occupational hazard,” Walter says to Cade, still laughing.

We make it back to the house. I help Cade with his coat. “At least you didn’t get this expensive coat dirty.”

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