Page 47 of Broken Roads
"Just about," I confirm. "And better than expected, honestly. The ideas are coming together nicely." My eyes drift back to Bradley automatically, watching as he demonstrates something to the boy, his hands moving with that careful precision that seems at odds with their size.
"And the people?" Beckett asks. "We can be a bit... set in our ways out here."
There's something in his tone—a gentle probing beneath the casual question—that pulls my attention fully back to him.
"The people have been..." I search for the right word, my gaze involuntarily sliding back to the corral where Bradley now has his hand on the little girl's shoulder, steadying her as she reaches up to stroke Max's neck. "... surprising."
"Mmm." It's barely a sound, more vibration than word, but somehow it carries volumes of understanding. "Bradley can be particularly surprising once you get past the initial wall of grouchiness."
Heat floods my cheeks. Am I really that transparent? "He's been very helpful with the marketing plans," I say, aiming forprofessional detachment and missing by a mile. "We've made good progress."
"I've noticed." Beckett's voice carries a hint of something that makes me wonder exactly what he's noticed. The shared lunches? The way my eyes follow Bradley across a room? The electricity that seems to charge the air whenever we're close?
Before I can formulate a response that doesn't reveal more than I intend, Bradley looks up from the corral. Our eyes meet, and that now-familiar current runs between us, invisible but undeniable. He says something to the children, then calls out.
"Beckett! Come give me a hand with these future ranchers." His voice carries easily across the distance, deep and commanding. "Annie wants to try brushing Max."
Beckett pushes away from the fence. "Duty calls," he says with a small smile. "You coming in?"
I shake my head. "I'll watch from here."
As Beckett enters the corral, Bradley says something to him that I can't quite hear, then hands over the lead rope. The transition is seamless, Beckett naturally slipping into the role of instructor. Bradley doesn't stay. Instead, he walks to where I stand. With each step he takes, my pulse quickens, a ridiculous reaction I can't seem to control.
He reaches the fence and plants his hands on the top rail, close enough to mine that our fingers are separated by mere inches.
"Didn't expect to see you out here," he says, his voice low enough just for me. "Thought you'd be buried in spreadsheets until dinner."
"Needed some air," I reply, the partial truth easier than admitting I'd been looking for him specifically. "The numbers start to swim after a while."
He nods, his gaze moving to the corral where Beckett now shows proper brushing technique to the fascinated children."Annie's folks own the hardware store in town. Jake's dad works cattle with us sometimes. Great kids."
"You're good with them," I tell him, meaning every word. "They clearly adore you."
Something softens in his expression. "Kids are easy. They don't have agendas or hidden expectations. They just want your time and your honesty."
"And horses?" I ask, nodding toward Max, who stands patiently as tiny hands drag a brush across his massive flank. "Are they easy too?"
"Easier than people, most days." A smile plays at the corner of his mouth. "Definitely easier than financial consultants from Chicago."
There's no bite to the words, just a teasing warmth that would have been unimaginable weeks ago. I match his smile with one of my own. "Are you suggesting I'm difficult, Bradley Walker?"
"I'm suggesting you're complicated," he counters, his eyes holding mine with an intensity that makes my breath catch. "And worth the effort."
The words land like pebbles dropped in still water, sending ripples through me that reach places I've kept carefully guarded. Worth the effort. Three simple words that shouldn't affect me so deeply but somehow cut straight through my defenses.
"Do you ride?" he asks, changing the subject before I can respond to his unexpected compliment.
I shake my head. "City girl, remember? The closest I got to horses growing up was the carousel at Navy Pier."
"I could teach you," he offers. "Max is the gentlest mount we have. Perfect for beginners."
"I'd like that.”
He shifts slightly, turning to face me more directly. The movement brings him closer, close enough that I can see the different shades of brown in his eyes, the faint stubble darkeninghis jaw, the small scar at the corner of his mouth I've never noticed before. My awareness of him intensifies, every sense heightened.
For a moment, we simply look at each other, the conversation falling away as something deeper and more primal takes its place. His gaze briefly drops to my mouth, then back to my eyes, the small movement sending heat spiraling through my core. I wonder if he's thinking about kissing me. I wonder if I'd stop him if he tried.
With a quick clearing of his throat, he finally breaks the spell. "Actually," he says, his voice slightly rougher than before. "I was heading into town tonight. New burger place opened up on Main. Sawyer says their shakes are worth the drive." He pauses, and I can feel the invitation coming before he speaks it. "Thought maybe you'd like to join me."
