Page 17 of Perfect Guy
Madelyn
“What’sthisIread about in The MC Scoop?” Levi questions as soon as I get home from Java Jitters.
“I don’t know. What is it?” I widen my eyes, playing innocent.
”Is there something going on between you and Canaan?” He’s blunt.
“No.” I cross my arms, arching an eyebrow. I don’t mention that might change in the future. “Not that it’s any of your business, and you should be the last one questioning me.” I hold his gaze.
Levi sighs and walks closer to me. “I know it’s not my business, but you’re my little sis, and I care about you. You know I’ll be the last one to judge you.”
Sighing, I relax my shoulders and nod. “I saw the article. They’re making a mountain out of a molehill.”
“Maybe, but their suspicions are usually right. Look at what Tate wrote about Wilder and Hallie.”
“They were are lunch together when she wrote that.” I smile. “And Tate is no longer in charge of The MC Scoop.”
“And you were at the water tower with Canaan,” he lifts a brow.
“I went, and he was already there, no idea he would be.” It’s the truth. I love my brother and trust him, but I’m not ready to tell him Canaan’s been flirting with me.
“Canaan’s a good guy,” Levi shrugs. We both know he is. When you’re from a small town, you either become friends with people or enemies. Canaan always fell under the friend category.
“I bet everyone will be questioning me for the next week,” I roll my eyes.
“Mom and Dad are curious,” Levi smirks.
“Great. Soooo…can I go round cattle for a few hours?” I hook my thumb over my shoulder.
Levi laughs, patting my head as if I were still a little girl. “You may need to get changed.” He points to my work attire.
“I think I have jeans and a t-shirt in my truck.”
“And shoes?”
”As if I don’t have a pair of boots in there, too,” I shake my head at his ridiculous question. I’m always prepared, and you never know when you’ll need a sturdy pair of boots when you’re in a bind.
Levi’s laughter trails me as I check the back seat and grab the bag I tend to leave packed in there. I race to the tack room to change and come back out, ready to do some work. I don’t have anything to hide, but after living away for a few years, being back in my parents’ house has been an adjustment, especially since Levi moved out and left me as the main focus for my parents.
I get on Dakota and start riding along with Levi. We don’t round cattle, but we check the fence line. Riding out here is refreshing. Clearing my mind, I take in the mountains, the greenery that colors the landscape, and the sound of the wind floating around me. Dakota is patient as we dismount and check for any issues not visible to the eye.
”Is Oli with Mom?” I thought I’d see him outside by the barn. He loves watching Levi work and spending time with Juliet, his horse.
“Nope, he’s sick at home. Camille took the day to stay with him.” Levi lifts his hat and wipes his brow.
“What’s wrong with him?” Worry lines my face.
“Seems to be a stomach bug. He should be okay by tomorrow.”
“Poor guy.” I frown.
“Yeah, it wasn’t pretty.” Levi grimaces. “I love that kid, but cleaning puke will never be a favorite thing to do.”
“Eewww…yeah, no,” I laugh. “He is adorable, though. I’d probably do anything for him, and he knows it.”
“Yeah, he’s too smart for his own good,” Levi agrees.
We ride in silence, checking the fence on the west side of our property. With thousands of acres, this is never a task completed in a few days. Levi keeps an eye for any coyote tracks, and thankfully that’s in the clear.