Page 20 of Nanny for the Cowboy

My jaw drops and it takes a moment before I can manage to speak. Even when I do eke out a few words, they’re a bit jumbled.

“I’m…what? I couldn’t. A community event?”

Rosie laughs lightly, the sound as pleasant as the sunny day. “Haha, yes. I have it on good authority that they need performers, especially singers. That authority is me. I help to run the events, and we are in short supply of good acts.”

“Oh, well. I?—”

“Do it, Clover!” Darby interjects, jumping up onto the balls of his feet and pulling on my arm, which nearly has me tipping over and spilling our bag out onto the grass.

“Darby,” I gently get him back down while I feel utterly pinned down by the two of them, “I’m not sure about that. It’s been ages since I performed. This was just a silly little tune for you.”

“Look,” Rosie steps forward, taking my hand and holding it between hers, “I know talent when I see it. Just promise me you’ll think about it.”

I’m surrounded by puppy dog eyes and pleading gestures. They yank at my heartstrings, and even for only knowing Darby for a week, I can’t stand the idea of letting him down.

“Okay, okay. I’ll think about it.”

“Excellent.”

Rosie claps her hands together before digging in her oversized day bag. She pulls out a card, her information displayed on it as the town’s “events coordinator.”

“Take my card and text me. That way, we’ll have each other’s numbers. There’s not just singing, after all. I’d love to just get a coffee or something. Lord knows I need more friends my age ‘round these parts.”

Even though I feel put on the spot, I can’t help but smile. I think I’ve just made an actual friend in town, and who knows, maybe the singing will give me something to do when Brooks doesn’t need me on the ranch.

“Well, I need to get going. But I’ll talk to you soon, okay?” She smiles at me, then offers one to Darby. “I’ll see you on Monday, kiddo.”

He steps forward a hair and nods. “See you Monday, Ms. Jackson.”

As Rosie walks off, my spirit is undeniably lighter, and Darby sees no issue poking fun at my grin as we finish packing up. We’ve still got to carry all this stuff to the car, so I take the heavier bag and swing it over my shoulder.

When I do, the momentum swings me around slightly, and something glints from behind the bush directly across from me. I’m not sure what it is, but it’s almost like…glasses? Or sunglasses?

Something about seeing the two circular points of reflection doesn’t sit well with me. Neither does the way the bushes rustle for a moment, but as I study them to see what’s going on, Darby yanks on my sleeve.

“Huh? Sorry. I was,” I look over at the bush, seeing nothing else, “distracted. Let’s go.”

“And you say I’m the space cadet.” Darby chortles to himself, heading off toward where we parked the car.

Shrugging, I try to shake off the feeling of being watched, but my spine is still tight, the hairs on the back of my neck still standing on end.

“I said that once, Darby.” I make myself laugh, focusing on how much of a goon he is. “You remember everything.”

“That’s right!” He calls out, and I follow behind him, attempting to subtly track our surroundings.

Everyone is going about their business, and I don’t notice anyone paying too much attention to us. Still, that throw-down with Kyle is fresh in my mind, never far from my surface thoughts, and I can’t help but wonder.

Did Kyle somehow follow me all the way out to Red Lodge? No, no. That’s fucking ridiculous, Clover. Get it together.

EIGHT

Brooks

Brooks

The shed is back to being quiet no longer than five seconds before I see the truck pull into the driveway. Clover and Darby are back from town, and the gravel crunches beneath the tires, kicking up a small cloud of dust.

“Well, so much for finishing this damned leg.”

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