Page 35 of Brands

I could move far enough away that Dad wouldn’t check on me every day. Then I could see Blue without having to worry about what my father would say.

Is that what I want?

I hate that I waver on that decision.

The more Ican’thave Blue, the more I want him.

And after what I felt when he held my palm against his zipper…he’s in the same boat.

This is bullshit.

If I had the balls, I’d tell Dad when I hand him the check. “This will buy me the freedom to fuck who I want.”

Well.

He’d probably have a heart attack on the spot.

Letting out a long sigh, I zip up my coat and climb into our old Chevy pickup.

I’m positive I’ll get this.

But the loan officer isn’t.

“I’m sorry, Libby. You just don’t have enough documentation showing the income needed.” Mrs. Turner slides my application across her shiny black desk to me.

“Most of my money is in herd shares. So I get a percentage of what we sell.” I push the paper back towards her. “If I ownedallof them, I’d get all the profits.”

Her bright red lips thin. “Perhaps if your father co-signed?” One penciled eyebrow raises as she looks at me.

With a groan, I lean back, drooping in the stiff cushioned chair. “That won’t work.”

Resolutely, I pick up my application and drop it into the garbage before leaving.

I need another tactic, but I’m not giving up.

Char picks up on the first ring.

Fuck, I love her.

“Hey, Lib. What’s up?” She always sounds happy to hear me.

“If I bring smoothies, can we have a brainstorm session? I need a plan pronto, like yesterday.” I have to slam the truck door twice before it catches.

“Always. I’m over at Lori’s with April. We’ll have lots of minds to work on it.” Her laughter is infectious, and makes the pain from the bank lady a little easier to forget.

“Okay, I’ll bring lots of drinks.” I love it when we’re all together.

April fits right in, and now that she’s engaged to Ford, I know she’s gonna be around forever.

Which is awesome because we have the same kind of humor.

Balancing two containers of cups, I kick at the plate on the bottom of the hefty front entrance to the main house of Black Gulch Ranch.

A bright blue pair of eyes under a dark ponytail greets me with a smile.

“Hey, Lib. Need some help?” Sophia reaches out and grabs one of the trays before I can answer.

“You’re the best, doll.” I blow her a kissy-face and follow her through the living room.

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