Page 74 of Nanny for the Cowboy

TWENTY-SIX

Clover

A couple days later, the bond between Brooks and I has grown. We’ve been working the ranch, taking care of Darby, and enjoying our time like we really are some type of unit.

I know it hasn’t been that long, but I have to admit that I am utterly thrilled that things took a turn in this direction.

And not only because the sex is fantastic.

“You forget you’re out here to feed sheep? Or…?”

Brooks looks over at me as I stand in the middle of the pen like an idiot. But the truth is, when he bends over like that in those jeans, it’s not my fault.

He’s also really cute with the sheep. They even all have names.

“Oh, shut up. I’m on it.”

I get back to circling around the pen, a trail of little sheep following after me, and pour some feed into the next trough.

That’s when, of all things, my phone starts vibrating in my pocket. I switch the bag to my other arm and pull out my phone.

It’s not an unknown number, thank God. But it’s also one of my clients from New York. My stomach clenches, and I swipe over to answer.

“Hey, Shelly.”

“Clover! Ugh, where have you been.” Shelly is a very expressive woman, and I smile in a tight line as she continues. “You’ve been out of the office for too long, and I want more than emails.”

“I’m sorry, Shelly. It’s just that…” I sigh, my shoulders drooping. “The situation with Kyle has not improved. I am working on coming back as soon as I can, but it’s going to take time, and I don’t want to risk anything.”

There’s a pause, and I can’t help but think about how I knew that this was coming. My most loyal clients speak to me nearly every day, and being away like this has been taking a big chance.

Going back to NYC was going to be a thing eventually, but I have to admit that I’m not ready to think about it.

“No, no. I don’t want you to, either. This is just getting ridiculous. Is there anything we can do, or one of your other clients, that might help get him out of the way quicker?”

“Not that I can think of, Shelly. I’m sorry.” I know it’s not the answer she wants, and I have to do some schmoozing to keep her faith in me. “But I’ve reported everything to the authorities. I won’t let him bully me around. I’m sure it’ll be taken care of in no time.”

“That’s the Clover I know and love. Alright, well, call me soon, not just an email, and when all this blows over, you get your ass back here. We miss you. Hell, weneedyou.”

“I will, Shelly. As soon as I know something, you’ll know something.”

We say a quick goodbye, and then I hang up. Stuffing the phone back in my pocket, I turn around to finish filling the trough when I see Brooks standing in front of me.

“What are you going to do about him?” Brooks eyes me, that classic “tact” of his on full display.

“I don’t know. Kyle’s been escalating. The text and phone calls. I have told the NYPD about them, but there hasn’t been much they can do.”

The silence stretches between us, and I hate it. So, like always, I fill it. “I don’t feel comfortable going back right now, that’s for sure. And…and I have to admit that…”

Oh, boy, for “going with the flow,” this conversation took a turn. Jesus, should I even say this?

Still, the words just come out, the weight of Brooks’s stare pulling them from me.

“…I like it here. It’s been nice living out in the country. With you.”

The pinch of Brooks’s brows softens, and I watch a slow smile spread across his face. It’s a different type of smile, one that he doesn’t use as often.

Sure, the ones he gives Darby are close, but this one? It belongs to me, and I won’t deny how much I love that.

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