Page 13 of Dust and Desire
“So Alex,” Dakota said as we were finishing up, “Caroline tells me you found some fence damage on the north side today.”
“Nothing too serious,” I replied. “Few posts that need replacing, some wire that’s come loose. Should be able to get it fixed up tomorrow if the weather holds.”
“I can help with that,” Logan offered. “Been meaning to get out and check those sections myself.”
“Appreciate it, but I can handle it. Don’t want to take you away from more important work.”
Caroline snorted. “Trust me, fixing fence is about as important as it gets around here. Cattle get out, and we’re all in a world of trouble.”
“I do the books mostly,” Logan sighed. “But I like to get out and dosomething physical now and then. I don’t want to end up looking like a pot-bellied pig from sitting in an office chair all day.” He glanced down at the empty plate in front of him. “That and I like to eat.”
Dakota reached over, putting a hand on Logan’s stomach. “Don’t worry, darlin’,” he smiled. “I’ll love you no matter how man love handles you have.”
Logan pushed him away, grinning. “Let’s keep it at just the two, huh?”
“I’m done with both of you,” Caroline groaned, tossing a napkin at her brother. “Some of us are trying to eat.”
“You’re just jealous,” Dakota teased, sliding his arm around Logan’s shoulders.
“Of what?” she shot back. “Having to listen to you two make googly eyes at each other all day?”
“Of having someone to make googly eyes at,” Beau chimed in with a wink, which earned him a death glare from Caroline.
I couldn’t help but laugh, enjoying the easy banter. It reminded me of my own family before... well, before everything went sideways.
As the meal wound down, Mrs. Baker began packing a generous plate for Dustin, carefully wrapping it in foil. “Make sure he gets all this cornbread,” she instructed, handing me the container. “That boy’s far too skinny.”
“Yes ma’am,” I nodded, taking the plate. It was heavier than I expected, loaded with enough food for three people.
“And tell him we miss him,” she added, her eyes softening. “Let him know he’s always welcome, anytime.”
“I will,” I promised, feeling the weight of her concern.
As I made my way back toward my apartment to grab my jacket before heading to Dustin’s, Caroline fell into step beside me.
“Remember what I said,” she warned quietly, her voice just for my ears. “That man’s been through enough.”
“I’m just taking him dinner,” I replied, trying to sound innocent.
She fixed me with a hard stare. “You know exactly what you’re doing, Reyes. I’ve seen that look before.”
“What look?” I asked, genuinely confused.
“Like you’ve spotted something you want to chase.” She sighed, her expression softening slightly. “Just... be gentle with him, okay? He’s not tough like the folks out here pretend to be. We’re ranchers, we know what it means to build a thick skin. Dustin’s… well, he’s not like that. He wears everything on his sleeve.” She paused again. “Just be nice.”
Before I could respond that of course I’d be nice, she turned and headed back to the gathering, leaving me with her warning echoing in my ears.
Once I had my denim jacket, I followed the path to Dustin’s tiny house as it wound through a small grove of trees. The evening light filtered through the leaves, pinpricks of stars poking through in the sky above now and then. As I approached, I could see the compact structure nestled against the backdrop of rolling hills. It was modern and sleek, with large windows and a small deck out front. Solar panels glinted on the roof, catching the first beams of moonlight.
I paused at the edge of the clearing, suddenly nervous. What if he didn’t want company? What if he slammed the door in my face? Or worse, what if he thought I was still trying to come onto him after that disaster at the diner?
“Get it together, Reyes,” I muttered to myself. “You’re just being neighborly.”
Taking a deep breath, I approached the front door and knocked firmly. For a long moment, there was only silence, and I wondered if he was even home. Maybe he’d seen me out the window and decided not to answer. But then I heard movement and the telltale sound of footsteps. I took a deep breath, putting on a warm smile as the doorknob began to turn.
Chapter 6
Dustin
