Page 38 of Red Hot Rancher

“Your cousin sells mineral at the vet clinic?”

“You can order it through them. I think once my dear friend Teddy realizes what a good product it is, and what a good fit it’ll be, he’ll start carrying it. Bunny doesn’t want to compete with them, but you know how hard it is for old-time ranchers to change their ways.”

He did. The Walkers had some of the best expertise in the area, but since they weren’t at the bar like they used to be, he didn’t have a chance to talk to them as often. Only since Justin’s return had he been able to get updated advice on supplements, decreasing open rates, and the overall longevity of his cows. A healthy cow was a calving cow.

“Vet clinic it is.” As they walked out of the store, another question popped into his head. Teddy might not take her seriously, but he did. “You know anything about using sorghum for silage instead of corn?”

She gave him a sidelong look. “Have you asked Teddy?” Her lips twitched. Good. Teddy might not have known what a gold mine of information Brigit was, but Caleb did. “The answer is yes. I wrote a paper on it in college. My professor even asked for my references for a review he was writing for an ag journal.”

As he drove across town, Brigit covered the pros and cons of switching the way he fed his cows during the winter months when grass wasn’t available. He’d heard a few comments here and there about the type of silage making a difference but to have Brigit cover the topic so thoroughly? A guy couldn’t Google that shit and not get lost for hours in conflicting information.

It was often how he spent the evenings of his shifts at the fire department.

He put an order in through the clinic, and once they were done, he took her out to eat.

“I didn’t think the Brown House Café would be this busy today.” Brigit looked around at the booths filled with diners. The tapping of silverware on glass plates made a background chorus that drowned out the twangy old country music playing from the speakers.

Caleb liked the food here, but he’d smell like grease and coffee all day. “I don’t recognize anyone.”

Brigit’s gaze turned solemn as she studied him. “I’m not afraid of being seen out with you. I’ve just had enough of others in my business, and I know what people will assume when they see us together.”

“We are together. For now.”

Her mouth twisted in a half frown. “I feel like the bad guy.”

He reached across the table and grabbed her hand. “I didn’t mean to sound like a dick. It was mostly a reminder for myself.”

She gave his hand a squeeze and went back to her menu. “What are we going to do after this? After dinner, I mean.”

Subtle change of topic. One that was welcome given the nebulous terms of their not-quite relationship. “I’m going to run back out to the ranch before I turn in for the night. I can give you a ride home when I do. I’m sure your mom would like some time with you before she heads back.”

“Right.” She lifted her gaze above the menu. “Maybe we can make a pit stop before that? Maybe back to your room?”

A swirl of awareness gathered, a small funnel of anticipation. After lunch, Brigit would be his dessert. “Whatever the lady wants.”

Chapter 11

Brigit tightened the wire stretcher along the portion of fence line getting sealed together. Her breath puffed in front of her like she’d taken a long drag off a cigar. The wind whipped at her coat and hood, the fabric crackling like paper from the frigid temps. So much different than waking up in Caleb’s warm embrace this morning. It was their third night together since he’d returned to the house Sunday.

Mom had asked if she was going to spend more time with Caleb, and Brigit had said that he was working Saturday and she’d see him later. She also slipped in that Caleb hadn’t wanted to interfere with their time together. The rest of which had been spent pretending Thursday and Friday had never happened.

After the long weekend, she and Caleb had started sleeping in the same bedroom. Justin acted like it was business as usual and didn’t comment on the new sleeping arrangement.

Justin crouched next to her. The section of fence they were repairing was almost done. “I’m glad we found this before the snow starts flying.”

“You don’t want to tromp through a foot of snow to chase down sheep?”

Justin grunted. “I hope it’s only a foot.”

“We’ve almost made it to December without snow.”

“Snow this time of year is better than in the spring, when lambs are coming.”

He finished attaching the new piece of wire and she took off the wire stretcher.

He piled the tools in his arms and stood. “You might want to get to Minneapolis sooner than later.”

Yeah. That. She rose and turned her back to the wind. “I know. Brock said he’d lend me a car and Josie would take care of the insurance.”

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