He smirks like he has all the answers. “Doesn’t take a genius to know that ranch is on its last legs. Old Man Walker never diversified his outfit, and his idiot sons are following in his footsteps.”
“What do you mean by diversify?”
“Darlin’, just ’cause you’re gorgeous doesn’t mean I’m gonna cough up all my secrets.”
Frustrated, I turn and look at his sprawling property, where I notice little white clouds of cuteness grazing along the pasture. “Do you mean raising sheep?”
He stares at me a long minute. “Sure. That’s one way to do it.”
Huh. There’s so much I don’t know about how to run a successful ranch. “Why sheep?”
Cash rubs his chin and glances at his property. “In a nutshell? Because their peaks offset cattle’s low prices.” Hechuckles. “Now don’t go saving the Walker Ranch. Those dumbasses probably won’t listen to a pretty little thing like you. And when they don’t, maybe then you’ll consider my offer.”
I hold up my middle finger. “You can choke on that offer, Cash McAllister!” I can’t believe he’s related to Honey. Angry, I take off running.
He laughs, which only makes me fume more. The nerve of that guy. I’m so pissed, I run hard and fast. My ankle is holding up well, though. I have it wrapped. I’m allowed to work out as long as I avoid side-to-side cutting motions and hard landings.
Can we raise sheep? Do we have the pasture to do that? Who can I ask about diversifying?
By the time I reach the Walker Ranch, I’m so hot, I’m queasy. I head for the kitchen and chug some water.
The back door slams shut, and Jace strolls in. He stops short when he sees me. “You don’t look so good.”
“Just got a little overheated when I was running. I’ll be fine.” I consider mentioning my run-in with Cash, but figure that’s probably a bad idea.
“You were running in this humidity?”
“It wasn’t that humid when I started running.”
He scratches his cheek. “You can always call one of us if you get in trouble out there.”
“I’m far too reliant on you and your brothers as it is.”
Jace frowns. “What does that mean? We like helping you.”
“I’m done letting you drive me around. I have a car. I should use it.”
“These roads are gonna ruin your shocks. I’m sure Rhett explained that to you. That’s why we’re always offering to take you wherever you need in our trucks.”
I don’t know why I’m arguing with Jace. I have no problem with him, so I nod. “I know you mean well. Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”
My vision starts to spot for some reason, and I lean against the counter.
Jace stomps closer. “You dizzy?”
I nod and close my eyes.
“Have you eaten today?”
“No. I wanted to get my workout in first.”
“Okay, hold tight. Let’s get you a snack.”
He hands me some potato salad and juice. I eat everything under his watchful eye. “I’m fine. Really. Just got light-headed for a minute. I’m going to take a shower. Thanks for your help.”
Jace hugs me. “We love you, Little Lewis. You know that?”
My eyes tear up because Jace isn’t who I want to hear those words from. I blink quickly. “Love you too, bro.”
