Page 6 of Nanny for the Cowboy

“Okay, Dad,” I put my hand on his shoulder, tilting my head toward the car, “we should probably head out now. How far away is your place?”

He rubs the back of his neck. “See, love, the thing about that is…”

But he doesn’t finish, and my own tension ratchets up another notch.

“Out with it, Dad.”

“It’s just that,” he’s still rubbing his neck, a tell of his that suggests he’s been keeping something locked up behind that bearded mouth of his, “I think you should stay here with Brooks. This’ll be where you’re needed, and I…I’ve not got the space for you.”

My jaw drops open, and I step forward, leaning toward my dad as my heartbeat rings in my ear. Another fly wafts past me, and I slap my arm where it lands as I snap my mouth shut.

“What? Why didn’t you say anything?” I can’t hide the irritation in my voice, keeping my voice low but still managing the intention of a yell. “How do you not have the room? A farmhouse would?—”

“I didn’t get one yet. I’ve…I’ve been searching for the right place. The one that would’ve made your Momma proud. I…I just have the apartment right now, and it’s only got the one bedroom.”

My chest aches, that echoing pang that’s never really done flaring. “Dad, why didn’t you say anything? I thought you were living comfortably, and now I hear this?”

He’s never been good at taking care of himself, and it’s worse now that Mom is gone.

“I’m just fine, Clover. You needn’t worry over it. But it’s still your best option to stay with Brooks.”

“I’ve got the room. Your dad mentioned?—”

“He told you about this?” I cut Brooks off, my hands going to my hips as I send a glare at both of them.

I swear I’ve been in the damn country for two minutes, and men are already making my decisions for me.Absolutely not.

Brooks sucks in a breath, his jaw clenching before he nods and mirrors my posture. “He did.”

I throw my hands up. “Fantastic! How am I supposed to find a place to stay? I don’t have the means or time to go house-hunting for a rental.”

“Clover, I know it’s not precisely what we talked about?—”

“It’s nothing of what we talked about.”

I sigh, hanging my head as I pinch the bridge of my nose. Right at that moment, the breeze picks up, and dust clings to my skin, which is way too sweaty for my liking. Brooks’s cologne wafts right on over with that wind, and of course, a damned bug sees fit to nearly fly up my nose.

“Ugh! Fine.” I meet my dad’s concerned stare, shaking my head. “Sorry. It’s fine. I just wasn’t prepared. It’ll be fine.”

You said ‘fine’ way too much, Clover.

My dad walks over and wraps an arm around my shoulder. I have no idea how he’s managing in that long-sleeve button-down of his, but I’m grateful for it because the fabric absorbs some of the moisture clinging to my skin.

“Thank you, honey. It’ll all be for the best. You’ll be right here where you’re needed.”

I nod. Of course, he has a point. “Yup. I will. And again…”

Turning to Brooks, I offer an apologetic smile. “I apologize for the way I spoke. I was just surprised.”

The guy just nods.

“Well, I’ll see you soon, honey bee. I need to get back home. It’s quite a drive into town from here.”

Again, my father is choosing very specific things to be right about, and I’m very ready to find whatever room I’ll be staying in and lock myself in for the evening.

“I love you. Text me once you’re settled.” Dad hugs me, and I soak in the gesture even though I’m beyond irritated with him. “And if y’all need anything from town, I can bring it on by tomorrow.”

“Thank you, Leo.” Brooks’s voice is quiet, deep.

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