“Oh, I want to go. But nothin’ was said when Bryce and Nicole left, so I thought nobody else did.”
“Instead, everyone’s on board except the grandparents.” They reached her truck. “Climb in. It’s not locked.”
“Rory told us that nobody locks things around here.” He stepped over to the driver’s side and opened her door. “And he filled me in on cowboy manners.”
“I see.” She gave him a smile and slid behind the wheel. “Thanks.”
“Need to make a good impression since we’re representin’ our branch of the family.”
“You’re doing a fabulous job.”
“Good to hear, lass.” He closed the door and moments later joined her in the compact cab. “Now this is cozy.” He put his hat in his lap.
It was more like a pressure cooker with his t-shirt covered pecs within easy touching distance. “As opposed to what?” She backed out of the parking space and moved into line behind Rory’s truck.
“Wild Creek Ranch. Damaris thinks the layout is cozy, but I beg to differ.”
“She’s been coming out there since she was a kid. She sees it differently.”
“Aye, she told me that. Grew up ridin’ horses and cleanin’ out stalls for Aunt Kendra. Those barns are huge, though. How many horses live here?”
His questions sounded casual even though awareness crackled in the air. But if he could pretend to be oblivious, so could she. “The number changes since some are boarders, but I’d estimate between thirty-five and forty.”
“See? That’s not a few animals. That’s a herd.”
“I agree, but without that many, Kendra wouldn’t make enough to sustain the ranch operation. She needs a certain number of boarders and enough of her own horses to make up the weekend trail rides.”
“How many people does it take to run the operation?”
Maybe asking questions was his way of diffusing the heat of their attraction. “Well, let’s see. Kendra and Zane are the head honchos. Cody and Faith contribute a lot, too, although they’ve cut back some since Noel was born. Faith’s dad, Jim Underwood, is the foreman.”
“He wasn’t there today, was he?”
“No. Might have had the day off.”
“I saw the horses out in the pasture when Rory and I drove in. Can they live on whatever grass they find?”
“That’s not enough for them. They get fed hay every morning and evening, plus grain now and then.”
“Who did it today?”
“Good question.” And he sure was full of them. “I guarantee someone went down there, likely two somebodies. My money’s on Trevor and Brendan.”
“Why?”
“Trevor’s in construction these days and a volunteer firefighter, but he grew up on the ranch. He could do the feeding routine blindfolded. Brendan’s good with any kind of animal, wild or domestic. You could ask Trevor how the horses got fed.”
“I just might do that.”
“I can’t help noticing that you have a lot of questions about this way of life.”
He flashed her a grin. “Askin’ questions is second nature to me. It’s how I make my livin’.”
“Yes, but—”
“It’s also my knee-jerk response to somethin’ that’s completely foreign to me. When I’m out of my depth, I Hoover up everythin’ I can.”
“Fair enough.”
“I’m happy so many are goin’ tonight. Gives me a chance to buy a round. I’m very good at orderin’ beer.”
“Good luck with that. You might have to arm-wrestle a couple of McGavins first.”
“That could be interestin’. I used to do quite a bit of that. Haven’t lately. I think I could take Cody, possibly Trevor, but if they put me up against Ryker, chances are I’m goin’ down.”
“It’s his military bearing.”
“Nay, it’s his muscles. He’s built for the caber toss.”
“I don’t know what that is, but if it involves brute strength, Ryker’s up to it.”
“The caber toss is one of the main events in the Highland games.”
“And a caber is…”
“A log the size of a telephone pole.”
“Wow. Have you ever done it?”
“Oh, yeah. Rory and I had to prove ourselves to be manly men.” He chuckled. “Can’t say we did it well, but we did it. Caber toss, hammer throw, shot put. We gave them all a go.”
“Wearing kilts?”
“Aye. That’s how it’s done.”
“Any videos?” Surely someone had recorded that for posterity.
“God, I hope not.”
Damn. “Listen, if you’ve managed to toss a telephone pole without injuring yourself, you shouldn’t take a back seat to any of these cowboys.”
“Aye, but I’ve never ridden a horse, now, have I?”
“You’d be fine.”
“That’s what Rory says.”
“It’s no different from the caber toss and that other stuff you mentioned. You do it so you can say you did.”
“Are you throwin’ down a gauntlet, lass?” He sounded amused.
“I might be. I’m on the evening shift for the next few days so my days are free. How about going for a ride with me?”
“Well…”
“I dare you.”
He started laughing.
“I double-dog dare you.”
Now he was laughing so hard he could barely talk. “Never heard that one.” He gulped for air. “Sounds…very…serious.”
“Oh, it is. You don’t back down from a double-dog dare unless you want to lose your manly man standing.”
Clearing his throat, he glanced over at her. “You win. I’ll go ridin’.”
Victory.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Several fat drops of rain fell on the asphalt as Aleck walked across the Guzzling Grizzly parking lot with Tansy. The wind had picked up enough that he had to hold his hat to keep it from flying off.
A streak of lightning preceded an ear-splitting boom and the crisp scent of ozone. Instinct took over. Wrapping a protective arm around Tansy, he hustled her toward the entrance. They hurtled through the door as another flash lit up the night and thunder crackled overhead.
The pending storm gave way to a happy babble of voices. Canned country music was on the sound system, which meant they’d made it before Bryce and Nicole’s first number.
“Yikes.” Tansy gave him a smile. “Thanks for protecting me.”
“You’re welcome.” He let her go, but the warmth from that brief contact lingered. He wanted more of that. The ride in her wee cab, breathing in her scent, had nearly undone him. Firing questions had been his only defense.
But he might as well raise the white flag and get it over with. Involvement with Tansy made no sense whatsoever, and he lived his life by logic. Or he had before walking into the Guzzling Grizzly and gazing into those warm brown eyes.
When other guys had told him about a similar reaction to a woman, he’d scoffed. Yeah, sure, made a terrific story, but it wasn’t based in any kind of reality. The joke was on him.
“Hey, there, Tansy!” The blonde woman’s nametag identified her as Ellen. “Can’t remember the last time you came through the front door.”
“I can. When I applied for a job here. Ellen, meet Aleck, Rory’s big brother.”
“Aleck! I should have guessed. It’s so good to meet you at last.”
“Nice to meet you, too, Ellen.” He soaked in the cheerful ambiance of the nighttime crowd. The venue was larger and brighter than most Scottish pubs, but the mood was the same. No wonder Rory loved it. A pub suited him much better than a lab.
“The GG shirt looks great on you, by the way.”
“Thank you.” He’d never worn a t-shirt this snug. It had a curious effect on him, especially when he caught Tansy looking at his chest with obvious appreciation. Her admiration ignited a sensuality he hadn’t acknowledged before. He wanted to explore it.
“Follow me,” Ellen said. “The table i
s as close to the stage as we could manage. It’s an eight-top, but we’ve squeezed in two extra chairs.”
“Good work.” Tansy followed her over to a round table set for ten.
Ryker, April, Trevor, Olivia, Rory and Damaris were already there. The men stood at their approach but the women stayed seated. Evidently that was protocol for this venue. Rory had advised him that when in doubt, stand up. A man couldn’t commit too many social errors in Eagles Nest if he got to his feet anytime something new transpired.
“You beat the storm!” Rory gave them a broad smile. “I hate to say it, Tansy, but you might need to take this crazy brother of mine home, after all. I’d rather not have him get struck by lightnin’ while hunkered down in the back of my pickup.”
“I’m opposed to that idea, myself.” A ride home in her truck would be a bonnie solution to the transportation issue and might give him a chance to kiss her goodnight.
After he and Tansy grabbed a seat, he glanced around the table. “Have you ordered?”
“We have,” Rory said. “We got a round of McGavin’s Pale Ale for everyone. Figured that was a safe bet.”
“Much obliged. The next round’s on me.”
“Appreciate the offer, but you’re a guest.” Ryker said it as if that took care of the matter.
“Aye, but that doesn’t mean I can’t—”
“Yes, it does, big brother.” Rory glanced at him. “I bought my first round of drinks for these folks after I came to live here and lost my guest privileges.”
“I can vouch for that,” Tansy said. “I’ve been observing this bunch for a while, now. When they come here en masse, which happens a lot, they have a mysterious rotating system for who gets the bill. But it’s never the guest.”
“I see. So that thing you said about arm wrestlin’ one of the McGavins for the bill was—”
“I was just kidding. They don’t really do that.”
Ryker’s eyebrows lifted. “Unless you want to give that a shot. I’d be glad to accommodate you.”
“Maybe not tonight. Bein’ jet-lagged and all.”
“Bet you could take him.” Rory’s quiet comment was filled with brotherly pride.
Aleck winced. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I—”
“You arm wrestle?” Ryker sat up straighter.
“I have, yes.”
“Are you any good?”
“Well, I—”
“He’s very good.” Rory pretended not to notice that Damaris was gently elbowing him in the ribs. “Never lost a match that I remember. Uses psychology.”
“Is that right?” Ryker’s eyes lit with interest.
“Psychology is a fine thing,” Trevor said, “but my money would still be on Ryker. No offense, Aleck, but you don’t have quite the…”
“Muscle mass?” Aleck smiled. “I’m aware of that. Besides, I spend my days sitting in a courtroom while Ryker…”
“I sit in a cockpit, which isn’t any better.” Ryker shrugged. “I work out some, though. How about you?”
“Some. Probably not at your level. I’m not planning to challenge you.”
“Okay. But if you change your mind, let me know. I’m always up for a match.”
“That’s the truth.” Trevor looked over at Aleck. “He has trouble finding opponents.”
“I’m not surprised.”
“Are we talking about Ryker’s domination of the arm-wrestling scene?” Cody arrived with Faith and they took the remaining two chairs at the table.
“I hope not for much longer.” Ryker grimaced. “I can’t imagine a more boring subject.”
“It’s monotonous, for sure,” Trevor said. “I can’t remember the last time someone beat you, either.”
“I’m trying to think if anyone ever has.” Cody glanced up as Ellen and another server approached with mugs of beer. “McGavin’s Pale Ale, incoming. Thanks for ordering, guys.”
“Yeah, thanks,” Faith said. “I’m glad we’re doing this. Nicole and Bryce worked so hard on this show. I can’t wait to see it.” She turned to Aleck. “They’ll blow you away.”
“Aye, I’m sure of it.”
“I propose a toast,” April said.
Ryker chuckled. “Somebody’s got the toasting bug.”
“I do! I can’t imagine why I haven’t been more assertive about claiming toasting privileges.” She lifted her mug. “Here’s to Bryce and Nicole’s new show and to Aleck for paying us a visit. May it be the first of many.”
Rory lifted his mug in Aleck’s direction. “The first of many. All in favor, give me an aye.”
“Aye!” Their raised voices caused several customers to turn in their direction.
“Oh, darn, we’re attracting attention.” Cody grinned. “I hate it when that happens.”
“It’s good to make some noise,” April said. “We want Bryce and Nicole to know we’re out here. When they left the house, we didn’t say we’d be coming.”
“And we wouldn’t have if Tansy hadn’t spoken up.” Faith turned to her. “Thanks for that.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I was afraid Cody and I would be late, but we got here faster than usual. They won’t be out for another fifteen minutes.”
“I guess we could dance.” Olivia swiveled in her chair to check out the situation. “Forget that. The floor’s packed. I’ll just sit and enjoy my wonderful pale ale.”
“It’s great, all right,” Trevor said. “I can’t decide which I like better, this or McGavin’s Baby Brew.” He hoisted his mug in Rory’s direction. “Good job, buddy.”
More similar comments followed from everyone else at the table.
“Thanks.” Rory looked pleased with the compliments and Aleck was pleased for him. Good vibes.
Trevor took a deep swallow, set down his mug and gazed at Rory. “Now I can’t get the idea out of my head.”
Rory looked puzzled. “What idea?”
“A battle of the undefeated. Your brother and mine. We have enough time before the show starts. I’d love to see it.”
“Ah. So would I, but—”
“Aleck isn’t up to it, Trev.” Ryker sent him a warning glance. “He’s tired from his trip. Don’t push it.”
Rory sighed. “Aye, you have the right of it. Now’s not the time.”
“I agree,” Tansy said. “The poor guy got off a plane only a few hours ago. He had a long flight, and despite that, he summoned the energy to give us a wonderful bagpipe concert. That had to be taxing. I’ll bet he’s exhausted.”
“Not that exhausted.” Aleck had heard enough. He didn’t want any of them, least of all Tansy, viewing him as a poor guy who couldn’t handle an overseas flight and a few tunes on the bagpipe without turning into a limp dishrag of a man. He glanced across the table. “Ryker, it’s on.”
Ryker’s expression changed from relaxed to alert. “Now?”
“Aye. Tansy, if you’d please trade places with Ryker, we can—”
“Seriously, Aleck?” She looked at him as if he’d lost his mind.
“Might as well.”
She gazed at him with a mixture of concern and admiration. “Boys.” Then she picked up her mug and walked over to the chair Ryker had just vacated.
Her concern was nice, but it was her admiration he was going for. Chances were good he’d lose to Ryker, who had biceps the size of watermelons. But he wouldn’t go down easy. Laying his hat on the table, he moved his beer mug and repositioned his chair.
Ryker left his hat with April and came over to sit in Tansy’s chair. “I almost hate to accept this challenge, Aleck. Doesn’t seem fair.”
“Don’t worry about me.” Adrenaline pumped through his system as he met Ryker’s gaze. “I can take care of myself.” He positioned his elbow on the table.
A gleam of respect flashed in Ryker’s eyes. “You have guts, buddy.” He mirrored Aleck’s position and flexed his fingers.
“Runs in the family.”
“So it does. Who wants to referee?�
�
“I’ll start you off.” Cody got up and came around to their side of the table. “But you guys know the rules. We don’t need no stinkin’ referee.”
“Aye, right,” Rory said. “This is just a friendly match.”
Ryker clasped Aleck’s hand. “Exactly. A little diversion to pass the time.”
Like hell. Ryker’s body language projected laser-like focus. A decent showing against the guy would take everything he had and it still might not be enough. He drew in a deep breath and tightened his grip.
“Okay.” Cody put his hand over their joined ones. “On three. One, two, three.” He let go.
Dear God. Aleck sucked in a breath as Ryker attacked with a vengeance, dragging his wrist almost to the table’s surface.
Almost. Aleck’s neck and shoulder muscles screamed in protest as he abruptly halted the downward trajectory. And began to reverse it.
His opponent’s grin of satisfaction faded and his mighty chest heaved as he bore down again. Aleck held his ground and gained another millimeter. Ryker’s eyes widened.
Surprise! I’m not dead yet! Ryker’s astonishment spurred him on as he began the Herculean task of regaining the territory he’d lost, millimeter by agonizing millimeter.
Jaw clenched and breathing hard, he blinked away the sweat blurring his vision. Maintaining eye contact was half the battle. Beads of sweat popped out on Ryker’s brow, too. Gratifying.
A wee bit more. Almost there...ahh. Back in control. Time to play offense. Aye, right. Easier said than done. He’d have better luck shoving the Guzzling Grizzly off its foundation than budging that massive fist.
Ryker spoke through clenched teeth. “Thought you didn’t work out much.” He increased the pressure.
Aleck dug deep and held him off. “I don’t.” His lungs burned as he struggled for enough oxygen to maintain his position.
“Then how the hell…”
He managed a grim smile. “Bagpipes.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
By changing places with Ryker, Tansy ended up staring at his broad back but looking straight at Aleck as the match began. Other than startled exclamations from the group at the table after Ryker’s first move and a few gasps as Aleck fought his way back, everyone stayed quiet.
A Cowboy’s Destiny: The McGavin Brothers Page 5
