Cowboy All Night

Three years ago Aria’s mom and dad had sold their small ranch and moved to Texas, which had meant boarding Lucy. Aria had vowed that someday she’d buy horse property and have both Lucy and her cooking school on site. Maybe Linus, too.

“I hear Cade’s truck,” Lexi murmured.

Male laughter drifted in through the open barn door, but once inside, the guys toned it down. They even managed to walk quietly on the wooden floor, which had to take skill since they were wearing boots.

As they drew closer, Aria and Lexi moved away from the stall door and motioned them forward. Aria was blessed with a tantalizing view of Brant’s wide shoulders and tight buns. He had the slight bow-legged stance of most cowboys who spent time on horseback, and Aria found that endearing.

Lexi was right—he was pretty to look at. Feelings she hadn’t entertained for quite a while warmed her. Even if nothing could come of those feelings, she was glad to know they weren’t hopelessly buried.

The men stepped back from the stall door and gestured for Aria and Lexi to walk out ahead of them. Aria held up her hand so she could go over for one last look.

“Lexi and I will just head out, then,” Cade murmured.

She wondered if Brant would go with them, but instead he joined her at the stall door. They stood very still, not quite touching, but she inhaled his earthy, masculine scent with pleasure. No designer fragrance for this guy.

Desire uncurled and stretched within her, creating a sweet ache that made her shift her position. She accidentally brushed against him. “Sorry.”

“No worries.” His low voice worked as effectively as a caress.

As heat shot through her body, she shivered.

“Cold?”

“A little,” she lied.

“Let’s go.”

She nodded and walked beside him down the wooden aisle. The air seemed to crackle between them, but maybe she was the only one who could feel it. She wished he would take her hand. No, she really didn’t. That would be the beginning of something she shouldn’t want.

He chuckled softly.

“What?”

“I thought they’d be gone by now, but apparently they’re having a little tiff.”

She’d been concentrating so hard on Brant that she’d missed the sound of voices. The argument didn’t sound serious, though. Lexi and Cade were both laughing.

“Okay, here’s the guy who can settle this,” Cade said when they walked outside.

“Settle what?” Brant closed the door and slid the bar across.

“Lexi seems to think washing her truck includes detailing it. I don’t recall a word about detailing, do you?”

Brant gazed at him with a smile. “I was planning to detail Aria’s van. Otherwise it’s not a complete job, and I know how you hate doing something half-assed.”

“Ah, I see how things are.” Cade clapped him on the shoulder. “Okay. I guess keeping the women happy is worth it.”

Lexi glanced at Aria. “Like that remark, for instance.”

“Oh.” She pressed her lips together to keep from laughing.

“What remark? I was only—”

“Quit while you’re ahead, bro,” Brant said. “Although I think you might be behind. In any event, you need to shut the hell up.”

“Listen to your brother.” Lexi linked her arm through Cade’s. “Let’s call it a night, shall we?”

“All righty.” Cade touched the brim of his hat. “Good night, all. See you in the mornin’.”

As they drove away, Brant started laughing. “I swear to God, if he doesn’t quit making those bonehead comments, Lexi’s never gonna propose. ‘Keeping the women happy.’ What a moronic thing to say.”

“Lexi’s supposed to propose to him?”

“Yep. Last summer he popped the question a few days after he’d come back to town. It was way too soon. After she turned him down, he decided she’d better choose the timing. At this rate they might tie the knot in their golden years.”

“She’s an independent woman.”

“Which is the best kind, in my opinion.” Brant nudged back his Stetson. “Speaking of that, on the way over to the cabin Cade told me you plan to open a cooking school.”

“Eventually.” The glow of the barn’s dusk-to-dawn light gave her a better chance to admire his handsome self. Coming upon Cade and Lexi had momentarily interrupted the buzz she’d had going on, but once she looked at him she got it back.

“So that’s why you’re working so hard.”

“It is, although I’ve become sidetracked with Josh’s accident.”

“I’m sure.” His gaze warmed. “It’s a generous thing you’re doing for him.”

She shrugged. “He’s my brother. Anyone would do the same.”

“Not necessarily.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “I’m trying to say I admire you, and making a poor job of it.”

Her heartbeat sped up. “Thank you.”

“Let me make it a little plainer.” He looked into her eyes. “I like you.”

“I like you, too.” She swallowed. “Quite a bit.”

“I had a hunch. So...?”

“We should probably leave it at that.” Damn it.

“Why?”

“I’m really busy.”

“Okay.” He sounded skeptical.

“I don’t blame you for questioning that tired old excuse. Plenty of busy people find the time to indulge in...stuff.” Her cheeks grew warm.