“Far too many people,” Clint said mournfully. “I should make it a blanket rule when people are hired on, no disagreeing with the boss.”
Kent snorted. “Like you’re not arrogant enough as it is. You already think you’re God.”
“All right, so as you’re already here and determined to interrupt me, so what do you mean, what is wrong with Bear?”
Kent sat in the chair across the desk from Clint. “Like you don’t know. You know everything that’s happening on this ranch.”
Clint rubbed his hand over his face. Kent wasn’t wrong. He did have a good idea what was wrong with Bear.
“It’s a woman.”
“A woman? When the hell did he meet a woman? Oh God, tell me he didn’t join Tinder?” Kent gave him a horrified look.
It was Clint’s turn to give him a look of disbelief. “How long have we known Bear? Do you seriously think he would join Tinder? I’m not even sure he knows how to use a computer.”
“For fuck sake, Clint. He is not a damn dinosaur. Of course, he knows how to use a computer. He’s got a phone. It’s just that he never dates.”
“And we both know the reason for that,” Clint muttered.
“Yeah, that bitch, Maria. He’s really found someone? Have you met her? Why is he in such a foul mood?”
“Because for some reason he’s denying that he wants her.”
“Who is it?” Kent asked.
“The woman he rescued nearly two weeks back during that snow storm. Her name is Ellie. She’s a Little.”
“You’re kidding me?”
“I am not.” When had Kent known him to joke around?
“Shit, what are the o
dds he’d meet a Little? Doesn’t she live in Russell? Has he been to visit her?”
“Bear hasn’t been off the ranch since he got back.” Clint knew all the movements on and off the ranch. Yeah, he could be accused of being controlling. But he liked to protect his people. “He cares about her but for some reason he’s keeping away from her. Maybe he needs a little nudge in her direction.”
Kent sighed. “Poor Bear.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You’re about to interfere.”
“Well, isn’t that why you came to me? So, I could fix him?” Clint demanded.
“Don’t try to pretend with me, you were dying to interfere. It’s what you live for. Bear won’t be happy, though.”
Clint shrugged. “God doesn’t worry about whether people get pissed off or not.”
Ken rolled his eyes as he stood. “I suppose it’s pointless of me to point out that you’re not actually God.”
“Around here I am.”
* * *
“So, when are you going after the girl?”
Bear groaned as Clint walked up behind him.