Page 8 of Barn Burner
I left Brayden ten minutes ago in one of the three lodges on the edge of the property. They’re only available from May through to September, and we use them for guests who usually do more than a one-day trail ride.
They’re not big by any means. One bed, one bath, with a small kitchenette and open-plan living space. We built them a few years back when we started getting more interest in multi-day trail rides, but it’s not something we openly advertise.
But as soon as my mom arrived to make up the bed and provide clean towels, I couldn’t get out of there fast enough.
The way Brayden looks at me is dangerous.
It’s not something new when it comes to out-of-towners. And that’s not me being an arrogant son of a bitch. It’s more likethey see the hat and the horses, and suddenly, I’m the main star fulfilling all their wildest dreams.
I’m almost certain that the heated expression on Brayden’s handsome face isn’t anything more than misplaced gratitude, and I haven’t got time to be foolish and think otherwise.
Shaking my head, I make my way toward the barn, where I’m hoping my brother will be.
“Cooper,” I snarl. “Where the fuck are you?”
His snicker travels down from above, and I climb the ladder up into the hayloft.
“What’s up with you? Anyone woulda thought those rodents pissed in your food this morning, not the donkeys.” Cooper grins from beneath his hat as he stacks the hay bales that are being passed through the hatch.
I roll my eyes, crossing my arms over my chest as I lean my shoulder against an exposed post. “Why’d you invite him to stay, Coop?”
“I don’t see the problem. The guy needs a place to stay, and we’ve got a free room.” He removes his hat and wipes his forehead with his sleeve before placing the leather back on his head. “And it just so happens he’s just your type.And, based on the way he was eating you up with his eyes, I’m guessin’ he wants to try a bit of… bull riding… this summer.” He wiggles his brows suggestively. Fucking doofus.
“I ain’t got time to be having summer flings, Cooper.” I groan, shoving him hard enough he stumbles backward. “And I’m thirty-six. I’m too old for that shit.”
Truth be told, I haven’t got time for anything. Sex tends to come in the form of a quick hookup in a bathroom stall at a bar on the rare occasion I go out. But even that’s starting to wear thin.
I work eighteen-hour days, pretty much seven days a week. Finding someone who is willing to fit into this lifestyle is like trying to find a needle in this hayloft.
Cooper gives me an exasperated look. “Quit it with the ‘old’ bullshit, Jesse. You are not old. You’re one of the healthiest and fittest guys here, so don’t give me that horse crap.”
I grunt.
“That’s it, Coop! Last one!” one of the ranch workers shouts up from outside. Cooper heaves the last of the bales, then leans back against the stack. There’s something in his expression that I don’t like. It flashes on all of my family’s faces occasionally.
Worry.
My eyes roll. I wish they would stop looking at me like that. “What is it?”
He chews on the inside of his cheek, like he’s deciding whether or not to speak what’s on his mind.
“Spit it out,” I bite.
“It’s just… I’m a li’l worried about you, is all. All you do is this place. Workin’. You never do anything for you.”
“I do plenty,” I argue.
He raises a brow in challenge and mirrors my stance, crossing his arms over his chest. “Such as?” he asks with a jut of his chin.
“I’ll go on a pack trip with Prince sometimes.”
“That doesn’t count, Jesse. I know you love that damn horse, but he isn’t a substitute for human connection.”
I glare at my youngest brother, hating that he’s right.
He sighs, raising his hands in submission. “I dunno what it is about the Brit, but he seems like a good dude. Maybe a little lost, if anything, and I don’t mean geographically.” He shrugs. “Maybe you can have a li’l summer fun of your own for once. It’s gonna take me at least a week or so to fix his car once I have the parts.” His lips tip in a smirk. “A lot can go down in a week.”
I don’t doubt it, but there’s no way I’m going to do anything about it.
