Page 27

“They’re more comfortable staying indoors when it’s cold. We work hard to keep them as comfortable as possible.”

“That’s cool.”

I open the gate and walk into the area where the cows are hanging out. Some of them are socializing while others have chosen to rest. When I turn around, Cade isn’t following me.

“Um, Cade?”

“I’m not going in there. You must be crazy,” he says, looking fearful.

“According to your dad you’re a badass enforcer. You shouldn’t be scared of some friendly cows.”

“My father doesn’t know anything about me. He trained me to be an enforcer but it’s not who I am,” he counters. I realize I may have touched on a nerve with my comment.

“Wanna explain?” I ask. “I don’t know much about hockey. Your dad said something about being the fighter. . .”

He nods.

“It’s a role he wanted me to play. I prefer a clean game.”

“I can see that about you. I mean, wanting to play by the rules,” I tell him.

“I’m going to take that as a compliment.”

“Good. It was meant as one. Now, I need you to move your legs and follow me,” I urge him.

“But there are so many cows,” he howls.

I chuckle. “Live on the edge.” I extend my hand to him because he really does seem terrified.

He gives me his hand and takes small steps.

“Yes, baby steps, that’s good,” I encourage. “For a big hunk of a guy,” I add, muttering.

“I heard that,” he notes dryly.

“You are, in fact, a big guy,” I bring to his attention.

“I know, but the cows are so much bigger,” he cries.

“Dude, they eat grass not humans,” I retort because he is acting like he’s walked into a tiger’s den.

He huffs, “You’re a pain in the ass.”

“I heard that.” I laugh.

“You were supposed to.”

“Oh, there’s Sally.” I drop his hand and walk quickly toward her. She’s chilling with Stella.

“Hey, wait, get back here,” he calls after me.

“That’s what you get for calling me a pain in the ass,” I sass him. I pat Sally’s head and she licks my hand.

Cade makes his way over to us slowly as I pat Sally’s head. “Sally, this is my friend Cade. He just told me I’m a pain in the ass.”

“Are you trying to get me killed?” Cade asks.

I pull Cade a little closer. I take his hand and pat Sally’s head with it. She moves her head into his touch. I’ll be damned.