Cowgirls Don't Cry(56)

Landon said, “Goggie,” and Lexie rose from her spot by the door and headed toward him, tail wagging.

Jessie kissed the top of Landon’s head. “See? She’ll come to you if you ask nice.”


He reached for the dog with the hand holding the cup and almost clunked Lexie on the head with it.

Lexie slunk away.

“And…that lasted thirty seconds.”


The door opened and Brandt stepped in. Landon squirmed off her lap and ran to him. “Up!”


“Hey. Whoa. Watch the cup, buddy.” He lifted Landon and his gaze traveled between Jessie and Keely.

Jessie knew Brandt wanted to march over and lay a big wet kiss on her like he always did after a day on the ranch. But he refrained. “Keely. You’re lookin’ tan. Glad to be home?”


“No. We could’ve used another two weeks. I told Jack next time we get married, we’re taking an entire month for our honeymoon.”


“Funny.” Brandt stayed on the rug in his work clothes. “Jess, have you fed the animals yet?”


“No. Landon was sleeping and Keely stopped by so I haven’t had a chance.”


“Looks like you’n me got chores to finish, boy. Come on let’s getcha suited up.”


Keely didn’t say anything until after Brandt and Landon were out the door. “This feels bigger than you guys just playing house. It sure as hell feels bigger than temporary.”


It does to me sometimes too. “We’ll see.”


“Be careful.”


“You afraid Brandt will break my heart?”


“No. I’m afraid you’ll break his.”


Jessie froze. She wasn’t expecting that.

“I probably better get back.” Keely leapt out of the chair and wrapped her scarf around her neck.

“Anytime you need to talk, Jess, just call. I mean it. There are things…” She smiled. “Never mind. Ignore me.”


“Oh, hell no. You can’t just drop that into conversation and leave. What kind of things?”


“Casper… People want to believe he’s just a grumpy old man, but we both know he’s not. People want to believe it’s not as bad as it looks in his household, but I’m telling you, it is. He wields a heavy hand with his wife and his sons, full and total control. I know Luke shielded you from a lot of what went on.”


“You think Brandt will too?”


“No. But I’m telling you it won’t be pretty if he ever decides to let go of the anger and resentment he’s been carrying around for years. Back to that annoyingly perfect comment, you are just the type of woman he needs. You’re the only woman I know who can handle anything that’s thrown at you and keep standing. But that means if Brandt actually opens up to you, and you leave him, you’ll do more than just break his heart. You might just break him.”


Jessie stared after Keely, shocked, but not really. Brandt had a hard edge he tried very hard to hide, not only from her but from everyone. Part of her wanted him to open up that side of himself, while part of her feared it if he did.

She wondered how long before he trusted her enough to even admit it was there.

Chapter Twelve


Mark my words; Jessie is using you as much as you’re using her. You’ll always be a pale imitation of Luke in her eyes and everyone else’s.

His father was such a jackass Brandt threw his truck in reverse and his tires spit gravel as he sped away from the machine shed.