His smirk echoed off the walls. He dropped the teddy on the chair, grabbed his hat from the table and smashed it on his head. “Going through your things? I was just taking you up on the offer that if Poppy’s place got to be too much I could come here and take the couch. Yet, I guess when you’re keeping secrets you’d see it as me going through your things.” His voice scraped her every concern and fear.
“Damn, Brody. I can explain.” Boone had stepped forward.
A quick stride brought Brody within a foot of Boone. “Really?”
“It’s not what you’re thinking.”
Brody’s jaw tightened and his gaze narrowed dangerously. “You mean you can explain how you’re screwing my sister?”
“Brody! Stop.” Daisy refused to let this happen. “You have no clue what’s going on between us and it’s none of your business.”
He brought his gaze to her and like embers of fire they burned her. “None of my business? I’m afraid it is. Do you think you’re special, sis? You think you’re different than all the others he’s bedded?”
“That shows how well you know me,” Boone gritted out.
Without warning, Brody punched Boone in the jaw. He bounced back a few steps but remained standing.
Daisy stood frozen in shock.
“I’ll let you have that one, my friend.” Boone seethed. He swiped off a drop of blood from his lip.
“You’re a bastard, buddy.” Brody swiveled on his heels and looked at Daisy. “While you’re with him pretend you don’t know me.” With those last words, he stormed out of the house.
“Let me see,” she said, trying to examine Boone’s face.
“I’m fine,” he growled. He took a step back and his eyes were fueled with anger.
Realizing he didn’t want to be touched, she folded her arms over her waist. The warmth and joy she’d felt moments ago had faded. “I’m sorry. If I had any clue—”
“It was bound to happen,” he said lowly. He wiped the back of his hand across his mouth.
“He’ll get over this. Once he realizes the truth, he’ll see that he has no right to say anything.”
“Get over it? We both know him. Brody doesn’t get over anything.”
“He doesn’t dictate my life.” She saw something flicker in his gaze that made her stomach turn. “Right?”
His shoulders drooped. “If he only hated me, I could take it, but I can’t be the source of an issue between you and Brody. I’d never forgive myself.”
She blinked, trying to understand exactly what he was saying. “So you’re saying you’re going to let him tear us apart?”
“I’m saying that he’s right. I have used women.”
“People change.”
“You’d say that because that’s you, Daisy. You’re a saint compared to me. Don’t you see? Brody cares for you and is only looking out for your best interest. Eventually you’d find that out for yourself.” He took a step toward the door.
Feeling the floor come out from underneath her, pain and anger washed over her. “Maybe you’re right because I need someone who believes I’m worth fighting for.”
He stared at her a good three seconds before he left, closing the door with a soft click.
Sinking to the floor, she tucked her knees up to her chest and let the sobs come until sometime during the night she’d fallen asleep.
“What the hell?”
Daisy blinked her swollen eyes against the brightness of the sunlight flowing in. At some point she’d crawled off the floor and onto the couch and stayed there. “What time is it?” she muttered. Her throat ached from all the crying.
“It’s well past time for you to stop wallowing in self-pity,” Chynna said.
“Did you speak to Brody?” She pushed herself up to a sitting position. Her temples hurt.
“I went over to Poppy’s earlier and he was there. He didn’t say a lot, but if it helps, he looks as shitty as you do.” Chynna went into the kitchen and came back with a glass of water and a pain killer. “Take this.”
Without argument, she did. After drinking the water down, she felt somewhat more alive. “I never want to speak to Brody again.” She set her empty glass down on the table.
“Don’t be ridiculous. He loves you. He loves all of us.”
“Yeah, he showed exactly how much last night.” Anger coursed through her blood, right alongside sadness.
“Can I play devil’s advocate a moment?”
“If I say no, will it stop you?”
She laughed. “Of course not. I’m not defending his actions, but he knows a lot more about Boone than you do. What if his concerns hold water? I mean, if Boone had changed and he wanted a relationship with you why hasn’t he made that clear? Why hasn’t he gone to Brody and confessed?”
“I wanted to keep things a secret between us. It wasn’t just him.”
Chynna shrugged. “But I just can’t see why he didn’t speak to Brody. They’re best friends.”
Pushing off the blanket, she scanned the room. “Where are Liger and Bruno?”
“I left them at Poppy’s with the kids until I knew what kind of shape you’re in.”
“I’m fine.” She got up and took her glass into the kitchen. “I’ll drive over and get them.”
“How about I drive, but first you should change. Have you looked at yourself?”
Daisy guessed she did look a bit frazzled. “Good. You can run in and get them because I don’t want to risk running into Brody.”
“My God, is this what things are going to be like? The sooner you two verbally duke it out the better.” Chynna came over and leaned her elbows on the edge of the bar.
“I’m not up for it.”
“Fine.”
“And you know what. You and Brody are completely wrong about Boone. He’s been nothing but kind and respectful to me. He could have any woman he wants, and you know what, he chose to be with me. Sure, maybe it’s not in the cards for us but I can’t say one bad word about him, so you don’t either.”
Chynna pushed off the counter and lifted her hands in surrender. “I won’t. I promise.”
“I’m going to take a shower.”
*****
“What the hell happened to you?”
Boone dropped his shirts into the duffel bag and looked up at Hank. “Not a damn thing.”
“Yeah, that busted lip must be my overactive imagination.” Hank dropped down onto the chair in the guest house. “Is there anything I can do?”
“Don’t you have enough on your plate with Helena getting ready to have the baby?” Boone grumbled and concentrated on packing the last of his things in the bag.
“Running away and pushing away those who care. Yup, two sure signs that you’ve fallen.”
His brother’s laughter rubbed Boone the wrong way. “I’m glad you can laugh about this. Things are royally fucked up.”
“You know, life is as we make it. Secrets unravel. So do friendships. But the one thing that’s forever is love.”
“Pfft. Love isn’t in my vocabulary. Just ask Brody.” He zipped his bag and dropped it onto the floor.
“Brody’s hurt. He feels betrayed, I’m sure. Remember, we Hawke’s would defend each other tooth and nail. So would the Blooms. He’s looking out for his sister.” Hank leaned forward, propping his elbows on his knees. “Where you headed anyway?”
“The cattle auction in Lloyd. I’ll stay there a few days. I’ve already told Creed.” He shoved his boots on. He needed to get away and clear his head.
“I guess it’s a good thing you realized this before it got much messier,” Hank said then stood.
“What are you talking about?”
“Whatever it was between you and Daisy. It’s a good thing you figured out that she isn’t worth fighting for sooner rather than later.” He readjusted his Stetson. “Be careful. Don’t stay gone too long.” He pushed up and started for the door.
“Hank?”
“Yeah?”
“Thanks. Sorr
y I was so grumpy. Call me if that baby comes.”
“Will do, bro.”
Boone grabbed his bag, made sure the window was shut and everything was turned off then he headed for his truck, tossing the duffel into the bed. He stretched his gaze across the land as far as he could see. Once upon a time he would have handled a situation like this with a shrug. Now, well, he’d lost two people he cared about. His buddy and the woman he…what?
Did he care for her? Yes.
Did he love her?
He swallowed hard.
Climbing into his truck, he started the engine and backed out of the driveway with a squalling of tires. A few days away would get his head back on track.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Three weeks had passed since she saw Boone. The last she heard he’d come back from wherever he’d gone, but she’d kept to herself.
“You know I’m okay. You two don’t have to babysit me.” Daisy swiped her gaze from Poppy to Chynna. They’d brought her dinner, which she’d promptly thrown up. Now she laid on the couch with a wet cloth across her forehead. “I’ve probably caught a bug.”
“The love bug,” Chynna teased.
“I told you. I’m over Boone.”
“You don’t have to pretend with us, honey,” Poppy said. “I know what heartbreak looks like.”
Remembering how torn up her sister had been when she found out her ex had been sleeping with someone else, made Daisy reach over and take her sister’s hand. “Look at you now. Better off.”
“For sure.” The smile reached her eyes.
“How about I make us a cocktail? I sure could use one.” Chynna went into the kitchen and started gathering ingredients from the refrigerator and dumping them into the blender.
“Have you been to the doctor?” Poppy asked Daisy.
“Why? There isn’t a pill for sadness.” The blender made a loud grinding sound.
“I’m referring to you throwing up and feeling tired.” Poppy‘s brows scrunched.
“It’s a bug. I’ve heard several people have it. Last Monday Mrs. Gaines stopped at the shop to place an order and hacked all over the lobby. I’m sure I caught whatever she had.”
“Mrs. Gaines has emphysema. Good try though. I don’t think it’d hurt to get a professional opinion.”
Chynna brought in a pitcher of margaritas. She poured three mason jars full. Daisy went to take a sip of hers and felt her stomach rumble. “I don’t think I can drink this.”
“Did I mix it wrong?” Chynna sniffed the liquid in her glass then took a long guzzle. “Tastes fine to me.”
“I don’t think it’s the drink.” Poppy pulled on her jacket and grabbed her purse.
“Where are you going?” Daisy asked.
“I’ll be back in ten minutes. Don’t drink any more of that.”
“Am I missing something?”
“We’ll see.” Poppy offered Daisy a weak smile.
“What was that all about?” Chynna rolled her eyes and took a seat on the couch next to Daisy’s feet. “Have you noticed that she’s become all cryptic since she’s now Mayor?”
“I think she has a lot on her plate with the job duties, the kids, and balancing everything.” Daisy sat up and the damp cloth fell to her lap. She set it aside.
“Have you seen Boone?” Chynna asked over the rim of her glass.
“Nope. Don’t plan to.”
“Now that’s realistic, considering we live in Cooper’s Hawk.”
“At least for a while. I’m sure in a few weeks it’ll all be a thing of the past.”
“If you say so,” Chynna snorted.
“You know what, you’re like a broken record. One minute you’re on Boone’s side and the next you’re being mean. Make up your mind.” Realizing she’d snapped, she rubbed her temple. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s going on with me. It’s not right to be this grouchy.”
“You’re going through withdrawal. I know the symptoms.” Chynna set her empty glass down.
“Withdrawal?”
“Sex withdrawal. It comes when the wild sex comes to an end. It’s like reading a best seller. You’re all wrapped up in the book and the characters and then bam.” She snapped her fingers. “It’s the end and what the hell do you do with yourself then?”
Daisy laughed. “I do miss the sex, but…” She hesitated. “I’ve always had my heart set on Boone. I know it’s foolish and crazy, but it’s the truth. Even when he was seeing yet another woman, I still believed that one day he’d look at me and something would happen, a meteor shower perhaps. Fireworks. I don’t know, but something would click, and he’d feel the same. It’s not easy being wrong. I’m not only giving him up, but I’m giving up my planned future.” Tears streamed down her face. Chynna came over and hugged her. “I’m so stupid.”
“Sweetie, you’re anything but stupid. You’re romantic and full of dreams. That’s what makes you who you are.”
“Eventually I have to cut out that dream from my heart and move on.”
Poppy swept in, shaking the pharmacy bag. “I’m back with goodies.” She emptied “the goodies” onto the couch.
Daisy stared down at the boxes expecting to see her favorite candy. Picking one up, she read the label. “Pregnancy tests? Do you think you are pregnant?”
“No, silly. I’m going through a dry spell, but you on the other hand…you’ve been pretty busy.” Poppy wagged her brows.
“We used contraception.” Daisy laughed.
“Each and every time?”
Feeling her sister’s glare burrow into her, she started to answer “Yes” when she clamped her mouth shut. Her chest tightened. Her stomach turned. “Oh no. There was once. Or twice.” Now she really felt foolish.
“I know how it is to get caught up in the storm and forget to wear a raincoat. That’s how I got pregnant,” Poppy admitted. “When was your last period?”
Daisy rubbed her temples as she thought back. She’d been so wrapped up in Boone that she’d forgotten to track it. “How do these things work?” She tapped one of the boxes.
“Simple. You pee on the stick and it gives you a reading. I’m sure it’ll be negative but it’s best to be sure.” Poppy grabbed Daisy’s arm and lifted her to her feet, shoving a box in her chest. “Go now. We’ll wait.”
Chynna looked like she’d eaten something bad. “Oh shit, Daiz.”
Like she was walking the last mile, Daisy went into the bathroom with her box and did her business.
A few minutes later, she opened the door and without any surprise her sisters were standing right outside. “Anything yet?” Chynna asked.
Daisy peeked at the stick. “No.”
“You know, having a baby wouldn’t be the worst thing. Imagine how cute she or he would be,” Chynna said.
Daisy and Poppy looked at her like they could cut her off at the knees.
“Sorry, I’m only trying to be positive.” Chynna sat down on the closed toilet seat.
Poppy hugged Daisy. “It’ll be okay. No matter what. You have us.”
“Y’all are acting like the rabbit has died. We don’t know—”
“What does two lines mean?” Chynna said, holding the stick.
“You do know I peed on that, right?”
Wrinkling her nose, Chynna dropped the stick on the sink and washed her hands. Daisy picked it up. “What do two lines mean?”
Poppy paled. “It means you’re pregnant.”
*****
Boone walked into Pelican, glanced through the crowd and found who he’d come to speak to. Strolling up to the bar, he pecked on Brody’s shoulder. His smile was lost in exchange for a frown.
“What the hell do you want?” Brody snarled.
“I came to speak to you.” Boone stared down his nose. He clenched his hands into fists, ready for whatever punches Brody would come at him with.
“I have nothing to say.”
Boone lifted his gaze, seeing Hank behind the bar. Something in his brother’s gaze reminded Boone
that he needed to stand up for what he wanted. “I don’t care what you want. I won’t leave until you hear what I have to say.”
Brody ignored him.
“I see. You’re brave enough to throw surprise punches, but you’re too coward to hear me out.” Boone knew exactly what would get Brody riled up and the words struck a chord.
He stood and jutted his chin toward the door. “Let’s take this outside. I wouldn’t want to mess Hank’s place up.”
They marched outside and the rain had picked up, almost instantly soaking their shirts. Neither seemed to care.
“You’re wrong about me and you’re wrong about Daisy being with me.” Boone had his teeth clenched and heard something pop in his jaw.
“Really? You know how I feel? A buddy doesn’t screw with a best friend’s sister. You know that and know better,” he seethed.
“If I were only screwing with her, I’d agree. But I care for her. More than care for her. She’s the sun. The moon. The stars. My entire universe. She’s as beautiful as the flowers she works with. I know I sound sappy and pathetic, but I don’t give a damn.”
Brody narrowed his steely gaze. “Did you read that out of a book?”
“Maybe, but it explains how I feel about her. I have no clue if she’ll forgive me for not doing this sooner, but she’s worth fighting for. I’d fight everyone for her honor. You want to hate me? Fine. But don’t hate her and don’t you dare mistreat her. I get that you’re looking out for her but disrespecting her is not anywhere close to watching her back. She’s the kindest, sweetest, most loving woman I’ve ever met. For her to even take a second look at me tells me she sees through the past and the flaws and looks at my heart. So I’m going to defend her honor now, tomorrow, and every day no matter if she speaks to me again.”
Brody blinked then swiped a hand down his whiskered jaw. “Damn, bro. You’ve gone and fallen in love.”
“Love? I didn’t say that.”
“You don’t have to. Get the hell out of here.” Brody started for the door. “I have a beer to finish.”
“I told you, I’m not leaving until you hear everything I had to say.”
Cowboy Boone (Cooper's Hawke Landing Book 4) Page 16