Kickin' Up Dust: Operation Cowboy, Book 1 Read Online Free Page A

and added water. When she turned, he gave a small, nervous smile that quickly vanished.
    “I have an idea.”
    “Just the one?”
    “Hold your tongue, girl.” His teasing lilt was returning—the one she’d missed so much when Matt and his friends had gone away. He leaned against the counter beside her. With only a foot separating them, she could feel heat radiating from the man.
    “I’ve been thinkin’ these past few days. Not much else to do with all the rain and my momma coddling me. Anyway, our ranch isn’t doing too well, and from what I gather from your father, yours isn’t either.”
    She gave a simple nod. “That’s true.” She’d seen the books herself. Lots of red ink there.
    “The way I see it, we’re neighbors and neighbors help each other out. Between us, we’ve got three hundred head of cattle. I’ve got a lot of cows that need calved. Our ranch was always a cow/calf enterprise, and we don’t have a way to keep that going without bulls.”
    A thread of excitement wove through her. “And we’ve got bulls.”
    He nodded.
    “I don’t know why our fathers haven’t done this before.”
    “Shell shock,” he said as if it were obvious. “The storm, having cattle wiped out, the town gone. They’ve been just surviving.” Their other loss hung between them, but he didn’t voice it.
    “I think you’re right.”
    “I’m finished with just surviving, though. I’m ready to start living, and that means fixing our ranch first. And yours in the process. After we’ve got them up and running, I think we can hire some hands, bring blood back into Los Vista.”
    She blinked. It was a good idea. Better than good, actually. Exciting. “What do you want me to do?”
    “Come with me to talk to your pa. If he’s even up for talking.”
    “I don’t know. He hasn’t spoken a word since you were here the other day, Brodie.”
    His throat worked. “I’m sorry I had to do that, Danica.”
    “It was necessary. My parents have been different since… Well, c’mon. Let’s go talk to Pa anyway.”
    An hour later, with a plan hammered out and another pot of coffee drunk between the three of them, she walked Brodie to the door. He fingered the brim of his hat in farewell. “Rain’s supposed to clear tomorrow. I’ll be up to work.”
    “We can start on that fence.” The east side of her family’s ranch had been touched by the high winds, and the fence was broken or falling over.
    With a smile teasing the corner of his lips, he reached out and tweaked her ear. She yowled for show, but her body reacted to the touch as if it were a caress.
    “Do you need anything before I go, Danica?” His warm eyes wore concern along with the usual strain she saw there.
    “Got it covered, but thanks. Tomorrow bring your sledgehammer, Pup.”
    “Will do.” His smile flashed far too briefly. He walked out the door, crossed the porch, and then walked across the field back to his ranch. She folded her arms over her chest, too aware of how he affected her. Wondering if Matt might forgive her if she accidentally slipped and landed right on Brodie Bell’s cock.
    She gave a small giggle. Before Brodie dropped out of sight, he turned and waved. She waved back. And started praying for the rain to let up so she could spend the next day with him.
    * * * * *
    For five years, Brodie had barely been separated from his buddies. It seemed a few days was enough for them too, because he looked up to see the old blue Ford buzzing up the driveway, churning mud. Garrett stuck his head out the rear window and hooted.
    Brodie couldn’t help but laugh at the dumb shit.
    By the time they hit the front porch, Momma was there with a smile and hugs for all. Then she bustled them inside for fresh cinnamon rolls and copious pots of coffee. Sitting in his kitchen with his friends was like old times.
    Well, almost.
    He scuffed his knuckles over his jaw and leaned back in his chair. “I’ve got something to tell you guys.”
    “We do too.