Page 193 of Cowboy Daddies

She didn’t like that look on his face.

Sympathy.

Not. Good. She braced herself.

“It’s the starter motor.”

“Oh god, that sounds really expensive.”

“Unfortunately, that’s not the only problem. This is an import which means that it’s going to take longer to get the parts I need to fix it.”

“How long are you talking about?” she asked.

“Two to four weeks at the earliest. Maybe longer depending on how it’s shipped.”

Shit.

What the hell was she going to do?

Stay here? What other choice did she have? She’d have to let Jordan know she’d be a few weeks late. But that was okay, her best friend wasn’t going anywhere.

Casey was due to start her job in just over two weeks, but maybe she could put that off a bit longer. Jordan had gotten her a job working with her. And she’d said that her boss was a good guy.

Leaving the garage with her two big suitcases, she headed toward the small motel that Bob, the mechanic, had told her would likely give her a good rate for a few weeks’ stay.

After getting a room from the very friendly woman at reception, Casey lay on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. The room was nothing special. But it was clean and tidy.

The real issue was money.

She’d carefully budgeted out her money for the trip and her first few weeks in Santa Barbara. That was now all out the window.

You’re going to have to find a job.

Great. Who the heck was going to hire her for a few weeks?

This had turned into a freaking disaster.

Chapter Six

Grouchy didn’t even come close to describing Jeb’s mood as he headed along the main street of Oddity.

He’d come into town to get some supplies. Normally, he’d send one of the ranch hands, but he’d driven Wyatt to school instead of putting him on the bus today.

He’d thought that might cheer Wyatt up.

Turns out he’d been wrong.

As he crossed the road, he saw a familiar head of hair and move down the street.

Shock filled him. She was still here? Was her car not fixed yet? Why hadn’t Tex called and told him that she was still in town?

And why would he do that? She doesn’t mean anything to you.

And yet he couldn’t help but feel concerned about her.

Walking into the diner, he grabbed himself some coffee and a sandwich to go. He better get back to the ranch. As he stepped out of the diner, someone small barreled straight into him. His coffee went flying, the top opening and hot liquid spilling onto his feet.

Luckily, he was wearing boots and didn’t feel a thing.