Page 56 of Strung Along

Again, her mouth falls open. “That’s massive.”

“We don’t use all of it.” Nearly all of it, but still.

“So, you just leave some of it barren?”

I nod, turning the truck through the open gate. The drive up to the house is short, the original Steele generation of ranchers having built it closer to the road to try and help the land not appear so overwhelming to newcomers. Nobody knows if it actually has that effect, but I’d guess not. It doesn’t take more than a glance past the house to see the true size of the ranch.

“Most of it is just roaming space for the cattle. I’m not the best person to ask regarding the ins and outs of anything outside of the equipment, stables, and simple chores. I never took an interest in learning much about the cows once they grow from calves.”

Much to my grandfather’s disappointment. My lack of involvement was the first sign that he was going to need to find someone else to take over for him. For as long as I can remember, as soon as someone started talking about calving season, my attention drifted elsewhere.

“My grandfather would be a better teacher if you chose to learn more. My knowledge is limited to the basics,” I add.

Anna’s stare is inquisitive enough that I can’t help but wonder what she’s thinking. “How did your lack of interest go over with your grandfather?”

I blow out a long breath. “About as well as you’d think.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. We make it work. I’m still hopin’ that my time home will help start to mend our relationship.”

“How’s it going so far?”

I chuff a laugh. “Not great.”

“Will he care that I’m here today?”

“No. He’ll probably be too surprised that I’ve brought anyone here in the first place to worry about who.”

Even if he did have a problem with it, it wouldn’t change anything. I want her here. That’s all that does matter.

I glance across the cab and catch her smile before she looks out the window. Movement on the left has me tearing my eyes away from her. An onyx horse trots alongside the truck, its rider sitting atop him wearing a matching hat and a heavy winter jacket. My grandfather leans forward on his saddle, looking into the truck and quirking a brow at me before I park in front of the house.

“Is that him?” Anna asks.

“Yep,” I mutter. “Seems like you’ll get a sooner introduction than I planned.”

She doesn’t appear put off by that. No, her excited grin is anything but put off.

“Let’s go,” she urges, clapping her hands on her thighs.

I bite back a smile and do as she says. Once I step out of the truck, I face my grandfather, expecting to find annoyance on his worn features but instead find curiosity.

“Your grandma was right” is all he says before taking another look into the truck and adding, “Go on, then. Don’t leave her waitin’.”

It’s only then that I realize Anna’s waited for me to come open her door. Pride swims in my chest at that, even if it’s more likely that she simply waited for me to open the door to avoid another one of my scoldings. It still fills me with a strong sense of male satisfaction.

It’s been weeks since I’ve heard my grandfather laugh in my presence, and as I round the hood of the truck, the rough sound of it takes me aback.

“What?” I call out.

He shrugs a shoulder and readjusts his grip on Kip’s reins. “Nothin’. There’s a list of jobs for you on the kitchen counter. It shouldn’t take you long with a second set of hands.”

“Alright. Grandma inside?”

“Yup. She’ll be excited to see your new friend again.”

The way he says it has me shaking my head despite the buzz beneath my skin. “Don’t get started. I’ll have to hear enough of it inside.”