Wild at Heart (Wild, #2)

by K.A. Tucker

“Thanks to Calla.” Roy grunts. Toby sets the bottle of Coors in front of Roy, and a fresh Corona in front of me, winking. “You look like you’re ready for another one.” I’m guessing I’ll need twenty more before the night is through, if this conversation goes much longer. “Here.” Roy slaps a twenty-dollar bill onto the counter. His weathered hands are a mess—his cuticles torn, his skin wrinkled, his knuckles cracked. “For mine and hers.” “Uh … Thanks.” I steal a quick glance at Toby, who flashes a surprised look before heading to the till. I thought Roy didn’t give or do anything out of kindness? Roy stares hard at the bottle in his hand. “How’s that old goat doin’?” Are we attempting small talk? “Still alive.” Roy smirks. “Have you trimmed his hooves yet?” “We’re supposed to do that?” I cringe as I imagine touching those dirty things. He rolls the bottle in his grip but doesn’t take a drink. “You need to keep goats’ hooves trimmed, otherwise they could end up infected. Bacteria and all that.” “Oh. Great. I’ll let Jonah know.” I may tolerate Zeke following me around, but I draw the line at goat grooming. Roy’s gaze wanders over all the pictures pinned to the back wall with thumbtacks, seemingly engrossed.