“No one asked you,” Ray snapped at him. “You mind your own business, Lockhart.”
Reese moved over next to Shay, keeping her somewhat behind and to the side of him, becoming a human shield of sorts against her angry father. “Accounting ledgers tell a story, Mr. Crawford,” he told the man. “Your daughter has kept the ranch in the black since the day she stepped foot back on the Bar C. You should be proud of her. She’s worked hard to keep it solvent.”
“Never liked bean counters,” Ray muttered irritably, waving them away with his hand. His scowl was dark and he refused to look at Shay. “I’m tired. Leave me alone.”
Shay gulped and quickly left, Reese on her heels. She slowed her pace once she was in the hall, her heart pounding. Placing her hand against her chest, she waited until they were up near the front doors before she spoke to Reese in a low tone that couldn’t be overheard by the personnel who worked at the home. “That went better than I ever expected. I don’t believe it.”
Reese opened the door for her. The sun was bright and warm as they emerged from the building. “You okay?” he asked, slowing his stride for her sake. Shay’s face was pale, her eyes darting, like an animal that had been cornered. Her hand was pressed against her heart and he could only imagine how she was feeling.
“I am now. I thought he was going to start in on you like he does me. But he didn’t, thank God.”
Reese couldn’t stop himself from cupping her elbow, guiding her off the walk and into the large parking lot. He needed to touch her, and instantly, he saw the effect of his contact. Shay’s tense shoulders dropped and relaxed. There was even a hint of flush to her cheeks as he walked her to the truck. “Can’t say he’s the most politically correct person I’ve met,” he said, teasing her. He saw her lips soften. Maybe their kiss was working a subtle magic that he’d not realized. In his heart, Reese desperately wanted time with Shay, just to talk with her.
“Being PC isn’t his style,” Shay said wearily. “I’m just glad he went along with it and didn’t ask where you worked. He may have forgotten I told him who you are the other day. Maybe the stroke has some benefits.”
“I would have handled it.”
“Well, he was respectful to you. I was amazed. I thought for sure he’d light into you like he does me.”
His heart ached for her. “Maybe in time, that will change,” Reese said soothingly, opening the passenger-side door for her. “He knew what I was talking about in there. That he’d put the ranch into foreclosure. He knew the truth.”
Shay sat down and gave him a warm smile. “I haven’t seen my father so nice with anyone.”
Reese nodded and shut the door. Ray Crawford was a son of a bitch, in his estimation. He had a lifetime of alcoholism, so Reese doubted he got much nicer than he was today. Besides, they were there on his behalf, protecting his money. So why wouldn’t he be less cranky than usual? Right?
Climbing into the truck, Reese drove them over to Becker’s Hay and Feed because Shay needed some supplies for the ranch. Charlie greeting them warmly, invited them to the back, where Pixie had just brought her latest goodies for their customers. She’d made donuts.
Shay grinned after hugging Charlie. “Oh, I love them!” she told him. “But I’ll be good. I’ll take only one.”
Charlie patted her shoulder. “Miss Shay, you take as many as you want.”
“Would you mind if I took one for each of the guys back at the ranch?”
“Heck no! Go right ahead.” Charlie opened the door beneath the table and pulled out a sack for her to use.
Reese felt a fierce emotion move through him as he watched Shay come alive beneath Charlie’s fatherlike care. It was obvious he doted on Shay, and she needed this kind of love from someone. He just wished it was him, but tucked his desire deep down inside himself. The fact that she’d thought of the vets spoke volumes.
“I’ll get the list of stuff ready for you,” Reese told her. “You stay here, eat your donut, drink some coffee, and keep Charlie company.”
“But—”
Reese held up his hand. “Relax. You’ve earned a break. I can take care of this.” There was such a difference in Shay now versus being with her father. The paleness had left her face. Her blue eyes sparkled as Charlie teased her and told her a couple of jokes as they stood at the food table munching donuts.