His back is to me again, but he nods. I’m about to leave him to his mixing when he says, “Heard you hired yourself an assistant.”
I pause and turn back tentatively on my heel—like I’ve done something wrong. “Yeah, well, thought we could use some help around here.”
He meets my eyes for the first time today. Maybe in days. “’Cause of me?”
“Nah. It’s probably long overdue, you know? Someone who can deal with the suppliers better than you or I can. Keep things in order.”
“Someone who doesn’t yell as often as you do? Who knows, she might teach you a thing or two about catching more bees with honey.” He flicks his gaze to me again. A slight smirk. “She cute?”
“It’s Wesley’s kid sister,” I practically snap.
“Ah, yes. Was wondering when he’d cave and relocate Rose.”
“You know about her?”
“Yeah, I hang out in the kitchen occasionally. Might’a heard a thing or two about the untamable little sister. Surprised you agreed to it.”
This is probably the most normal I’ve seen my brother in weeks. Though a shower wouldn’t hurt.
“Not like I’ve got a choice.”
His gaze in response is empty. Like he knows he’s the source of our troubles but can’t help it.
And hell, I don’t blame him for checking out.
I thought I knew heartbreak after Bonnie left me, but this doesn’t compare. Having the love of your life die in a fire that shouldn’t have happened—on your ranch—is a tragedy beyond words.
But there should never be any comparison. Bonnie is and never will behalfthe woman Millie was.
And my dumb ass nearly gave up everything for her.
The sound of a car kicking up a trail of dust from the long driveway breaks our silent standoff.
I rub the back of my neck. “That’s Wes back from the airport .?.?. with Rose.”
Dallas looks uncomfortable for a moment, scanning his concoction like it’s evidence of his grief.
“I’ll uh .?.?. I’ll come out there in a minute. Introduce myself.”
What’sthepoint?She’llprobablyneverseeyoubeyondtheporchsteps.
“Don’t worry about it. You just .?.?.” I glance down at the mess on my counter. “Work on that iced tea. I’m going to need some later.” I offer a small grin, but my brother remains unaffected by my efforts.
“Where she stayin’?” he asks, and there’s an edge to the question. It’s not conversational, it’s almost a demand.
My gut twists. I’d expected this part to be easy. But looking at him now, it’s anything but. “Millie’s cottage.”
Jaw tight and eyes on the counter, he nods. “It’s cool,” he assures, like I’m not an equal owner of everything on the property. “She’ll like it there,” he rasps.
“It’s temporary. I didn’t think a regular cabin would—”
“I said it’s fine,” he barks.
I nod, taking a step backward to the door. “Check in with you later.” What I mean is I’ll check inonyou later, but I’m not in the mood for another defense.
I step outside, cross my arms over my chest, and lean against the post under the overhang.
Wesley hops out of his truck first, already shaking his head, car still idling.
