Page 76 of Nanny for the Cowboy

“Yeah. I know I’ve worked up one hell of an appetite.” I feign happiness now, my mood turning sour.

Brooks smiles back at me, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. He nods several times before he replies.

“Yeah, me too, Lucky. Me too.”

And then we get up. Dinner won’t make itself, after all.

TWENTY-SEVEN

Brooks

The following morning, I swing by Leo’s apartment—invited for a little “guy time.” It had been a while since I hung out with just him, so I decided to go for it.

Plus, Clover encouraged me to go.

Now, sitting at the small card table in his apartment, which is absolutely not a proper table, I smile over at him as he comes back with two beers for us.

“Thanks.”

He clinks the neck of his bottle against mine and takes a seat in the folding chair across from mine.

He’s got the window open, and the wind rustles by, warm and soft, and I close my eyes for a moment, enjoying it.

“I’ll admit, Ace,” Leo starts, and I grin over at him—one of the few people I don’t mind using the nickname, “you seem quite a bit happier nowadays. Something going on I should know about?”

I shake my head, scoffing. “No. I mean, I got that damned cast off, and that has truly been amazing. But same old, same old. It’s been nice having Clover around to help, too.”

He nods, turning down the corners of his mouth before taking a quick swing. “Sure, sure. It’s not that you’re seeing anybody, is it?”

I nearly choke on my beer, coughing as I sit forward in the chair, which was not prepared for my abrupt movement.

Leo pats me on the back. “Christ, man. You alright?”

Breathing through my nose saves me, and I nod until I can finally form words again.

“I’m fine. Sorry, you just…took me by surprise.”

“Is it that surprising to think you’re dating?” Eyeing me, Leo grins like he doesn’t think it’s nearly as impossible a feat as I do.

“Well, come on. I haven’t dated anyone since long before you met me. It’s not on the to-do list.”

Frowning, Leo takes another sip of his beer. It doesn’t feel right to avoid the topic of Clover right now, but I tell myself that since we’re not really “dating,” it doesn’t count as a proper lie.

Just one of omission…which still sucks.

“You ought to think better of yourself, son. Try it out.”

Leo’s grin is nearly too much. He’s always calling me “son,” too—even though I’m only nine years younger than he is.

It feels like this is an attempt to help me out, and that’s exactly what it is. My stomach churns, and I know it’s the guilt.

But what the hell am I supposed to say? “Hey, I’m dating your daughter.” Yeah, that wouldn’t go over well.

Plus, we’re not dating. Not really. And I know that Clover is going to be leaving someday, likely sooner than later.

With a sigh, I just nod at him. “I like my life, Leo, truly. I have the cast off now, which, like I said, is a damned Godsend. I can get back to work, feel useful, and my projects have all sped up now that I can use both arms.”

“You’re more than just your use, bud. You have value by just being you. God,” Leo scoffs into a laugh, “I feel like I’m talking to Clover. She’s the same damn way.”

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