His lips pressed into a firm line but he allowed her to guide him back.
“Besides, I’m more than capable of caring for these horses for a few hours. I was almost done with these and was about to head over to the next stable where you’re boarding.”
“That isn’t your job.”
She shook her head. “Haven’t you ever just done something because it needed to be taken care of?”
“Well, yes, but—”
“Then let me take care of a few things.”
Brady opened his mouth, probably to argue, but then closed it. “If you need anything, you come get me.”
Dakota fought the urge to laugh at him. How could he possibly help in his condition? Instead she nodded. “Fine. And you go rest and drink lots of fluids. You’re looking worse for wear.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
They traipsed up the steps. “It means your body couldn’t even handle walking a few yards through the mud and you need to treat it better if you want it to last.” She left him at the door. “I mean it, get some water and maybe take a nap. If you were really up at six this morning, you need it. I will come check your arm when I’m done.”
She hurried back down the stairs and got about halfway to the stable when she heard the door slam closed. Tempted to look back and make sure he was actually inside, she paused but then resumed her brisk walk. She wouldn’t be gone long and Brady seemed to realize she had a point.
Over the next couple of hours, she fed, brushed, and checked on almost two dozen horses. They were all fine despite the storm and the late breakfast. She would have let them out to pasture to allow them some exercise, but the thought of rounding them all up stopped her. Brady had a point too. This wasn’t her job, and the men would be back to take care of the horses soon. One afternoon of staying cooped up wouldn’t hurt.
Her thoughts continued to return to Brady. That stubborn, gorgeous cowboy who would have been quite the catch if he wasn’t such a ladies’ man. The first time she’d caught a glance of him, her heart somersaulted. He had looked like he’d stepped right out of a fancy cowboy magazine. Then she’d heard he was a vet and she was hooked. Who wouldn’t want a man like that?
But goodness gracious, the moment he spoke, he ruined the fantasy for her. Not only was he overconfident, he practically oozed commitment issues. He’d flash that smile of his, hit on all her friends, and even drop a one-liner at her.
But now he was helpless. Sure, it was endearing to watch him attempt to fulfill the duties he’d had before the storm, but if he wasn’t careful, he’d make things worse. Brady was going to learn humility through this ordeal.
Dakota smiled. It would be nice to see him knocked down a peg or two. Someone or something needed to put him in his place—wipe the goofy grin off his face and humanize him. She would be sad to miss the transformation.
She shook her head to clear it of the thought. She needed to get off the ranch and soon. Before this weekend, she couldn’t have cared less what happened to Brady. Now, in less than a day, she’d gone from worrying about him to developing a small degree of respect, to wishing she could spend more time with him if only to watch him grow. What was wrong with her?
Stopping on the front steps to the big house, she pulled out her phone and sat down. She searched for the number of a local company who had helped remove debris from surrounding ranches. Once she found a reputable company, she pressed the call button.
The phone rang four times before someone picked up. “Yeah,” the brisk voice on the other end ground out.
“Hello. I’m over at Hickory Hollow and we have a large tree blocking the road.”
“…over there! No, you need to cut this one right here or you’re not going to get to the larger one… I’m sorry, miss. What were you saying?”
“We need a large tree removed or no one will be able to get in or out of the property.”
“You said Hickory Hollow?”
“Yes.” Hope filled her. Someone would be able to help them out.
“I’m sorry, but that’s the least of your problems.”
Her stomach dropped. “What do you mean?”
The man sighed. “Technically there’s one main road that leads out that way and it’s completely inaccessible. Not only is it blocked by debris, it’s flooded. It might be washed out, I don’t know.”
“Surely there are other roads leading to Hickory Hollow.”
“Well, there are… but there’s only one that leads to town. If I were to try to get my men out there, we’d have to drive all the way around Hickory Hollow and through the town to the north of you to get there.”
“And why can’t you do that?”
“Jonny! Not like that. Get over there and help Tom. I’m sorry, miss, but if I did that, it would take eight hours of my day just to get back. There’s half a dozen ranches in your same situation. We will get to you, don’t you worry. I just can’t say if we will get there within the next day or if it will take a week.”
It could take a week? “There has to be someone who can get out here. I have places I have to be.”
“I don’t know what to tell you. That storm hit us hard over here. We’ll do the best we can. Stay safe.” The man hung up and Dakota was left staring at her black screen. She could be here a week with Brady. A week filled with working horses and taking care of a man whose stubborn nature could give a mule a run for his money.
She placed the phone on the porch beside her and placed her head in her hands, digging her fingers into her hair. This was going to be harder than she thought.
Chapter Eleven
The front door opened and shut quietly. No matter how hard he tried, Brady couldn’t force himself to relax. There was too much to do and Dakota shouldn’t have to shoulder any of it. This wasn’t her ranch, and she wasn’t being paid to work here.
Brady’s arm was beginning to hurt a little more than it had last night, the achiness sharpening. Maybe Dakota had a point. If he wore himself out, then he could get worse. He placed a hand over his eyes and scrubbed it down his face. Nope, he didn’t like this at all.
Dakota’s quiet steps padded through the house. Tinkling sounds in the kitchen alerted him that she was likely getting a drink or something to eat. If she thought he was asleep, she might not even come in to check on him.
Wait, he wanted her to come check on him. He longed for her attention. But this longing was different than the reasons he sought the attention of other women. Companionship was something he was good at finding. There was no shortage of interest. Girls flocked to him, and he soaked it all in. But Dakota’s attention was different. She was caring for him. Nothing was superficial about the way she interacted with him.
He was dumbfounded. The change was foreign to him, yet it wasn’t completely unpleasant.
“Dakota,” his voice cracked. Clearing it, he called louder. “Dakota?”
She appeared in the doorway. “You’re up. Do you need a drink or anything?”
“A drink would be nice.”
Nodding, Dakota slipped from sight. She clinked around in the kitchen and returned with a glass of ice water.