Page 158

Moosley was patient and leaned on me while I cried, even though I caught her side-eyeing me a few more times. I was calming down, but was still wiping my eyes when I heard footsteps.
“What are you doing crying on a cow, princess?” Cain’s deep voice washed over me. Normally, I would hate that anyone had caught me, but he always had a way of finding me when I needed him.
“My mom called. She cut me off. She doesn’t wanna talk to me anymore.”
“Son of a bitch,” he muttered. “I was hoping she was smarter than that.”
“She’s obviously not,” I replied.
His footsteps got closer. Moosley huffed protectively. “I’m gonna make her feel better,” he said to the glaring cow.
“It’s okay,” I told her. “He will.”
If I thought I was getting side-eye, it was nothing compared to the one Cain got. Thankfully, she walked off, but still watched us warily.
“She’s protective of you.”
“You have Hennifer. I have Moosley.” I tried to smile, but it didn’t reach my eyes.
Cain was now in front of me and I leaned into him, hoping he could work his magic on me and make me feel better.
“I still feelsodumb.”
“People fall for manipulation sometimes, princess. It’s way too easy to do.”
“But I didn’t want to lose them.”
“He’ll show his true colors eventually.”
“And if he doesn’t?”
“Remember what I said when I came to Nashville?”
“I have you,” I repeated.
“And Jackie. And Eric.”
“And Moosley.”
“For some reason, yes. You also have a cow.”
She must have heard her name, as she was making a return. She slowly trotted over, and I thought she was coming to check on me.
Then she got to the fence and turned around.
Both of us jumped away, but the spray was powerful.
“Moosley!” Cain yelled. “Dammit, cow!”
I felt shock for all of one second before I burst into laughter. I didn’t know who it had been aimed at since it had gotten us both, but Moosley glared at Cain before she walked away.
“Yeah, yeah,” Cain said. “Laugh it up. Now I need a damn shower.”
“Hey, I need one too,” I replied. “At least the farmhouse has two bathrooms.”
“It’s an old house, princess. We can’t run two at the same time.”
“We could share,” I offered.