The Last Good Cowboy

by Kate Pearce

  “I didn’t. I swear it.”

  “Then somebody did. I don’t care if you want your face on TV, but I don’t want mine on there or anyone judging me, get it?”

  “Calm down, Ry. I’ll talk to Francesca and Tom. I’m sure they’ll edit out anything you don’t like.”

  “Tell them to edit me out completely. What the hell were you thinking, HW?”

  Avery stumbled over the pebbled drain gully and Ry’s head whipped around.

  “Avery?”

  “Hey.” She tried to smile at him. “Ruth says dinner’s ready, and don’t be late.”

  HW was staring at her, his brow furrowed. “Avery Hayes?”

  Ry moved over and took her hand. “Yeah. Shall we go up to the house? We can talk on the way.”

  His grasp was little short of brutal and his stride way too long. After a couple of steps, Avery dug in her heels and attempted to slow him down.

  “You’re going too fast.”

  “Sorry.” He immediately eased up and muttered a curse under his breath. “I just needed to get away from my brother.”

  She pushed gently on his chest until he took two reluctant steps backward and hit the outside wall of the barn, deep in the shadows.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “HW’s here.”

  “So I saw. Is he doing some kind of documentary or something?”

  “He says it’s for a local news channel that wants to follow a hometown hero through to the national finals in Vegas.”

  “And he decided to turn up here and get some family time in.”

  “Exactly.”

  “Typical HW.”

  He let out a breath and leaned back against the wall, looking up at the sky. “How much did you hear?”

  “Just the interviewer suggesting you were consumed with sour grapes and green with envy over your brother’s success.”

  He groaned.

  She cupped his cheek. “You handled it really well.”

  “Didn’t feel like it. It felt like a sucker punch.”

  “I wonder who told that story out of class.”

  “HW has plenty of people around him who want him to look like the golden boy. The more fans are invested in him as a personality, the more sponsors he’ll attract and the better his chances of success at the finals.”

  She went up on tiptoe and kissed his mouth. “It still sucks.”

  “Only for me.”

  She kissed him again, and this time he rested his hands on her hips and held her close.

  “You’re worth a dozen of him, Ry. Why do you let him get away with crap like this?”

  “Because I’m stupid? And he’s not all bad.” He sighed. “I was born first. I’m supposed to look out for him.”

  “Says who?”

  “My mom, my dad, everyone. That’s all I heard when I was a kid.”

  “I know what that’s like, but these days my siblings are all adults. So is HW. You can’t save him from the consequences of his own choices.”

  “You sound like Blue’s Jenna. She’s always trying to psychoanalyze me.” He dropped a quick kiss on her nose. “Come on, let’s go eat.”

  “Are you sure you don’t mind that I just turned up?”

  He smiled for the first time and took her hand. “You’re kidding, right? You’re the best thing that’s happened to me all day.”

  Avery was still grinning as he drew her into the kitchen, which was already filled with people. There was no sign of Blue and his family, but Ruth, Roy, and HW were present as well as all the film crew.

  HW pulled out the chair next to him. “Room for two more up this end.”

  “Figures,” Ry murmured as they moved down the room.

  Avery took the seat right next to HW and Ry slipped in beside her. On the table already was a huge pan of lasagna, a dish of gnocchi, and one of garlic bread. Avery’s mouth watered as the scent of melted butter and roasted garlic reached her.

  “Make some space, Ry. There’s green salad.” Ruth leaned between them and Avery took the bowl from her and placed it on the table. “Anyone want more iced tea or a beer?”

  There was a chorus of no’s and everyone settled in to eat, sharing the dishes between them. The TV crew were soon exclaiming over Ruth’s cooking—all except Francesca, who looked like she wanted to cry.

  “Are you okay?” HW called out to her.

  “I’m not supposed to eat carbs.” Francesca sighed.

  Ruth looked up. “This is pasta and potatoes. No carbs in there.”

  Francesca tasted the lasagna and moaned. “You’re right, Mrs. Morgan. I don’t see a single carb among all that protein and fat.”

  “Good organic Morgan beef, as well.”

  “Really?” Francesca took another bite. “Well, I can’t be rude and not eat that. I love organic produce.”

  Avery nudged Ry, who had filled his plate and was now adding a second layer to the arrangement.

  “You must be starving.”

  “I was out all day. Roy packed us some lunch, but it was hours ago.”

  “You look good, bro.” HW broke into their conversation.

  “You look worn out,” Ry replied.

  “I’ve been busy getting those qualifying points. No time to sleep.”

  Avery caught his gaze. “It’s awesome that you qualified. Congratulations.”

  “Thanks.” HW’s vivid golden gaze swept over her. “You live at the hotel, right?”

  “Live there, work there.” Avery spread her napkin over her knees. “It’s the family business.”

  “So we must’ve gone to school together.”

  “I was in the class below yours. We mostly saw each other on the rodeo circuit on the weekends.”

  Ry leaned forward, one hand on her shoulder. “Avery used to be a barrel racer.”

  “That’s a crazy occupation for any female.” HW shook his head. “I wouldn’t do it if you paid me.” He paused to drink some beer. “Do you still compete?”

  “I don’t.”

  “Wise woman.” His gaze flicked toward Ry. “Are you two dating?”

  Ry’s hand slid down her arm, and he drew her close against his side.

  “Yeah.”

  “Quick work, bro. Although I seem to remember you had the hots for one of the Hayes girls back in school.”

  “Yeah. This one.” Ry’s tone was flat and edged with something that almost sounded like a challenge.

  HW held up his hands. “Back off, Ry. I’ve no intention of stealing your woman.”

  “Again?” Avery gave him her sweetest smile. “I don’t suppose you remember pretending to be your brother at the school prom, and spoiling my first kiss?”

  “Did I?”

  Avery nodded, and HW burst out laughing.

  “Dude, I’m sorry. I don’t even remember that.”

  “Remember what?” Francesca asked from the other end of the table.

  “That I pretended to be Ry at our school prom, and got his girl to kiss me.”

  “Oh my God, that’s hilarious!” Francesca said. “Did you call him out on it, Ry?”

  “Nope, but maybe I should’ve.”

  “Lighten up, dude. It was a joke. You got the girl in the end, didn’t you?” HW winked at Avery. “My brother has a really long memory, so don’t go doing anything wrong, because he’ll never let you forget it.”

  Avery refused to smile back, but she did lower her voice. “Glad to see that one of you has a conscience.”

  “Wow, you’re as touchy as he is. I can see why you two get along.”

  Beside her Ry tensed. She reached under the table and grabbed his denim-clad knee before turning as far away from HW as she could.

  “Just ignore him,” she whispered in Ry’s ear. “He’s been drinking a lot more than beer this evening. I can smell it on his breath, and his pupils are seriously dilated.”

  “I noticed that,” Ry murmured back. “Do you want to switch seats? I can shut him up if you like.”

  “No, I’m
good. He’s got a far bigger audience to worry about winning over than me. He’s going to have to be on his best behavior.”

  “You really get him, don’t you?”

  “Doesn’t everyone?” Confused, Avery looked right into Ry’s face.

  “Sometimes I think I’m the one with the problem.”

  “That’s because he’s so charming that most people don’t notice what’s going on underneath. Why is he like that, when you aren’t?”

  “That’s a really good question.”

  Ry’s gaze went to his twin, who was laughing and talking to Tom, the director. Even Avery had to acknowledge that his smile was dazzling, and he was funny as hell. He had everyone in stitches, apart from her and Ry, who sat there like some isolated island in the middle of a sea of hilarity.

  Ruth produced three different kinds of pie for dessert, and ice cream. Despite a lot of groaning, the pies were all eaten up. Eventually, the TV crew went to bed, leaving HW, Ry, Avery, and Ruth in the kitchen. Roy had gone home earlier to tend to his pigs.

  * * *

  Ry still couldn’t get over the fact that HW was sitting in Ruth’s kitchen acting like nothing was wrong and they were all one big happy family. But that was HW all over. He’d never liked to talk about the past, and would rather run than have an honest conversation.

  HW patted his flat stomach. “No wonder Ry looks so good, if you feed him like this every day.”

  Ruth took her seat at the table and offered them all more coffee. “He works hard every day. He needs to eat.” She gave HW a speculative look. “You look like you could do with a decent meal or two inside you. Doesn’t Lally cook?”

  “Lally?” HW snorted. “She burns water. Neither of us have time to cook, Ruth, and we’re never home.”

  “You still need to eat.” She turned to Ry. “Blue called. They’ll be back in an hour or so. You can catch up with him in the morning, HW.” Ruth yawned behind her hand. “I think I’ll take myself off to bed.”

  Ry stood up when she did, and kissed her. “Thanks for that amazing food, Ruth.”

  “Yes, thanks so much, Ruth,” Avery said.

  “It was my pleasure. I’ve never fed a TV crew before. Francesca was saying I should have my own cooking show.”

  “She’s right.” Ry hugged her hard. “You rock.” He looked over at HW, who was engrossed in his phone. “HW, Ruth’s going to bed.”

  He briefly looked up and said, “Yeah? Thanks for everything. It was awesome,” before returning to his texting.

  Ruth sighed and gave Ry a telling look before going out the door. She hadn’t given HW much of her time, and he certainly hadn’t made much of an effort to speak to the woman who had basically brought him up.

  Ry sat back beside Avery, who smiled at him.

  “I should be getting along as well. I have to come back up here tomorrow to see January.”

  Ry lowered his voice. “Why don’t you stay over? Ruth won’t mind.”

  She looked up at him, her brown eyes wide. “You sure about that? You have quite a houseful already.”

  “Please?”

  She squeezed his hand. “Sure. I just need to call Mom and let her know what I’m doing. I’ll get the paperwork I have for January out of my truck. I’ll be back in a minute, okay?”

  “Cool.”

  She maneuvered her way around the table and chairs, leaving Ry alone with his brother. The screen door shut behind her, and HW looked up.

  “She’s limping.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “Not my story to tell.”

  “Is it permanent?”

  “Ask Avery.”

  HW abruptly stood. “Maybe I will. I need some fresh air.”

  Ry looked up at him. “What’s up?”

  “Nothing you can fix.” HW’s smile was strained. “By the way, I kicked Lally out last week, and I’m not going to renew the lease on the apartment.”

  “Seems a bit extreme.”

  “The two events were unrelated. She was screwing around with someone and I haven’t decided where I’ll be based after the finals. If I do well I might have to move anyway.”

  “True.” Ry couldn’t help but notice the way HW constantly fidgeted with everything. “Maybe it’s for the best.”

  “It’s not the same without you there.” Ry didn’t say anything and HW sighed. “I miss you. It’s hard not having anyone I can trust around—especially now.” His smile was rueful. “Don’t they always say that you don’t appreciate what you have until it’s gone? Bit like our mom, right?”

  Ry pulled out the chair next to him. “As to that. Maybe you should sit down. There’s something you need to know . . .”

  Chapter Ten

  “Why the hell didn’t you tell me about this before?”

  Avery hesitated outside the kitchen door, her file clutched to her chest as she heard raised voices.

  “Because I only just found out myself. I wanted to tell you in person.”

  That was definitely Ry. HW was the angry one.

  “So you’re all going up to Humboldt to see if this rumor is true? And what are you expecting to find? Mom and Rachel? That’s bullshit, Ry, and you know it!”

  Avery froze and slowly closed her mouth.

  “I’m not expecting anything. I’m as doubtful as you are that this is true, but Chase is determined to follow the trail to the end. You know what he’s like.”

  “But if Mom’s alive, then—” HW left the end of the sentence incomplete.

  “Then what?”

  “Nothing.”

  A chair scraped against the floor. Avery looked around desperately for an escape, and ran back to the mudroom, where she’d just taken off her boots. HW stomped up the stairs, his smile gone, his expression bleached of color in the moonlight streaming through the landing window.

  Avery let out a slow breath, and tiptoed into the kitchen. Ry sat at the table, his head in his hands and his back to her.

  “Ry? she whispered. “You okay?”

  “Just peachy.”

  She came up behind him and rested her hands on his bowed shoulders. She didn’t ask the questions she was dying to, and concentrated instead on the other important thing—the feel of him beneath her hands, the tightness of his muscles. It might even distract him from whatever had just gone down with HW.

  “Are you going to take me to bed? I don’t even know where your room is.”

  He twisted around, picked her up, and dumped her in his lap, burying his face in the curve of her neck. She stroked his hair as he gave a long, shuddering sigh.

  “What a day.”

  “Yeah.” His voice was muffled against her skin.

  “I can go home if you’d like.”

  His arms tightened around her. “Nope. Stay.”

  She kissed the top of his head. “Okay.”

  Closing her eyes, she just relaxed against him, listening as his breathing evened out and the kitchen clock ticked on. After a long while he stirred.

  “We’d better move. Blue’s going to be back soon.”

  “Fine by me.”

  He stood and brought her carefully down to the floor, holding her steady until she took her own weight. She reached up to kiss his unsmiling mouth. He looked older and more like HW than usual.

  “Come on, cowboy. I’m really looking forward to seeing you naked.”

  “You are?” He took her hand and they went up the stairs together, the oak steps creaking and sighing as they passed. The moon was full and bright, and Avery had no problem seeing where she was going.

  Ry stopped at the end of the hallway. “I’m in here.”

  “Sweet. It’s even got your name on the door. I could’ve found it by myself after all.”

  “Ruth left everything pretty much as it was when we left.” He closed the door behind her and locked it. “She had more faith in us all coming back than we did.”

  “Of course she did.” She walked farther into the room, noting the cowb
oy posters on the wall, and one of Sigourney Weaver half out of her spacesuit. The bed wasn’t that large, and was covered with a homemade quilt in shades of blue and brown. “Did she keep all your schoolwork as well?”

  “Yeah. It’s all wrapped up in plastic in the closet.”

  “Just like my parents. I told them they should just scan everything in and save it that way, but they looked at me as if I was crazy.”

  “I can just see Ruth’s face if I suggested that. She doesn’t have time for technology.”

  Avery went over to him and started on the buttons of his shirt. He dealt with the cuffs, and then his hands fell to his sides, letting her do as she wanted. He shivered when she unbuckled his belt, the leather whispering through the loops as she took it off and dropped it to the floor. She eased one finger beneath the waistband of his jeans, and carefully undid the button and zipper.

  “Hey,” he said softly.

  Startled, she looked up, and he kissed her, her fingers stilling over the hot, hard bulge in his boxers.

  “You still okay about this, Avery?”

  She nipped his lip. “No, I’m totally against it. That’s why I’m taking your clothes off.”

  “Just making sure.”

  The smile was back in his voice, and for a moment she was so damn amazed that she had done that to him that she kissed him again. He let her in, and they swayed together, bodies locked as tight as their mouths in an endless kiss that only made her want him even more.

  His callused fingers moved to the small of her back, and the next minute her T-shirt came over her head and he was working on her bra. She didn’t stop kissing him. She couldn’t. With a soft sound he cupped her breast and then bent his head to take it in his mouth. Her knees almost buckled as he drew on her, sending needle-sharp sensations straight to her girl parts.

  “Ry . . .”

  “Hmm?”

  “Can we lie down?”

  In answer he backed her up against his bed and laid her on the quilt, straddling her hips. Before she got much of a chance to appreciate the skin she’d uncovered, he leaned in and licked between her breasts, making her breath catch. Even as he used his mouth his hands were busy stripping her out of her jeans and panties, leaving her naked to his gaze.

  He knelt, his gaze devouring her. She resisted the urge to cover the scars from her many surgeries, and dug her fingers into the fabric of the quilt. If he didn’t like what he saw, he wasn’t who she thought he was. And if he said a single thing she didn’t like, she was in the perfect position to kick him somewhere it would really hurt.