Page 51 of This Time Around
Seventeen
Cooper
She had a problem.A really big fucking problem, and I suspected that problem began with a Gavin and ended with Jefferson.
The lines on the fence weren’t snapped from the storm.They’d been snapped by wire cutters.I was still pretty green in ranching and fence fixing but even my idiot eyes could see it.To make matters worse, two of the calves were acting sick, and I had no idea what to do.The sun was bright and warm and most of the cows were up and moving around, those that were laying down got up when I drove close to them, but the two calves I was worried about, stayed down, barely glancing at me.
By the time I fixed the fence, not surprised at all it happened on the side of her land facing Jefferson’s by any means, checked on the rest of the land that bordered theirs and was on my way back to the house, forcing the truck over muddy trails, I wasn’t just pissed.
I was fuming with the need to shove my fist into Gavin’s face.It was doubtful that would help anything except make me feel a hell of a lot better in the moment.
I was dripping in sweat and caked in mud when I returned to the barn, pulling up the same time a silver pick-up and a white sedan were heading down the driveway.
I jumped out of the truck and headed in the direction of the girls climbing out of their vehicles.Brooke was first, sliding out of the Camry.
“Hi, Cooper!You’re looking like a big old fat mess today.”She grinned and headed in my direction instead of the house.“What’s going on?Rough night?Hard to sleep?”
She winked saucily telling me she knew exactly how my night went.
“It was a great night,” I said, scowling at her even though I wanted to smile.Brooke was nutty in the best way.“Rebecca has some calves that might need her attention.I don’t know what in the hell is wrong with them, but they weren’t acting right.”
“Oh.”She lost her grin but turned and gestured for the other woman to join us.“Kelly.This is Cooper.Cooper, this is a friend of mine and Rebecca’s, Kelly.”
I waved my hand.“Nice to meet you.I’d shake your hand but I’m a disaster.”
“I’m taking it anyway.”She reached for me and wrapped both her hands around mine.“Cooper Hawke.Holy crap.I’m a huge fan.”
Brooke popped her hip into Kelly’s, shoving her off me.“Down, girl.”
Shit.I hadn’t even thought.
“Don’t worry, Coop,” Brooke said.“Jordan told Ryan.Ryan told Kelly.Kelly called me to talk about Friday and it all snowballed but we won’t say anything.Promise.”
“You’re taller in real life than I thought you’d be.”
Teasing I could take.Fangirling I could handle.I gave her my best smile and replied, “You’re prettier in the Midwest than I thought you’d be.”
“Now Cooper, I just learned how to calm down around you.Don’t get me started again.”
I grinned at Brooke.“This is you calm?”
“Calm as I get.Now, where’s our girl who’sfinallycleaning out her closets.Something I’ve been telling her for months to get a move on.”
Right.The reminder of why they were there evaporated my smile.“Inside.Said she had paperwork to do.I’ll get the boxes though.”
“I’ll help you,” Kelly said and turned to Brooke.“You go in and let her know we’re here.”
“I’ll get her, but it’s not like she probably didn’t hear you scream when we got here,” Brooke mumbled.“And keep your hands off him.”
“I’ll do my very best.I promise.”Kelly’s blue eyes sparkled as she held up both her hands, middle fingers crossed over her index ones.
“Let’s just get the boxes,” I said, moving toward the truck she’d climbed out of.“I have to tell her about the calves anyway, so I’ll carry these up to the porch.”
“That’s nice of you.”Kelly went to the back of her truck and lowered the tailgate.
My eyes widened.There were dozens of boxes in the bed, all flattened, all brand new.It was at least three times the amount Rebecca needed to clean out the mess she made in her room last night.“You buy out the store?”
“Yep,” Kelly said, unashamed.“Brooke and I are hoping if she’s ready to pack up some things, she’ll keep moving.”
