Taming His Brat

by Piper Stone

  “A business proposition?” he asked, a smile crossing his face.

  “Yes. One that I think is right up your alley.” Cooper took a deep breath before pulling out her inch-thick file. “I’m working on saving a ranch in town and before you say anything, I already know it’s an uphill battle. I’m not certain what financial shape you’re in, but I think it could be a good investment for you.”

  “Well, I’m always up for a good investment. Let’s hear it.”

  “Imagine a dude ranch where parents and children can come, enjoying the beautiful countryside, able to ride horses and learn about cattle and other livestock.” She pulled out a couple of photos, ones of Whitehorse she’d doctored with Photoshop. Laying them out carefully one by one, she waited as he looked them over.

  “They’re lovely. What’s the catch?”

  “This particular dude ranch is very special. It’s a safe haven where children with cancer can come to heal with their parents and where parents can stay when their children are receiving treatment at the cancer center in Lubbock.”

  William’s eyes opened wide. “This is different. Go on.”

  Excited, she continued her presentation, providing as many numbers as she’d been able to put together in such a short period of time. When she was finished, she sat back nervously, trying not to fidget as her father looked over the two graphs as well as the Excel spreadsheet.

  “Impressive. What is the name of this dude ranch?”

  “The Whitehorse Children’s Haven.”

  “Whitehorse?” Rubbing his jaw, he got to his feet, still holding several papers in his hand. “As in Garland’s place? The one that’s in utter disrepair?”

  “Yes, sir but I have a plan for that, including soliciting the help of contractors and even having certain businesses provide donations for the kids. I think with an investment of one million dollars, we could really move this forward quickly.”

  “One million dollars?” William looked her directly in the eye.

  That’s when she knew there was no chance in hell. “Yes. That will go a long way in updating the existing buildings as well as building the cabins that are needed. And of course there’s livestock that must be purchased.” She loathed the fact perspiration was running down the back of her neck.

  “You know that Garland and I aren’t that close?”

  “I’m well aware, but that shouldn’t matter. This is for a good cause and it’ll allow Garland and his family to keep the ranch.”

  “You really care about that boy, don’t you?” He narrowed his eyes as he gazed at her.

  Cooper allowed her mind to drift to the sexy cowboy, wishing she could right every wrong, find a way to ease his pain. “I do, but I don’t think love is enough.”

  “Love is always enough, sunshine, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have to work on your relationship. I know that very well, but if you love someone enough, you’re willing to do what it takes, no matter the consequences. Does that make sense to you?”

  “Yes, but what about you and Mom? You don’t seem to get along very well.” She cringed the moment she said the words.

  Sighing, William gave a short laugh. “I adore your mother and I know she adores me, even though she’d like to kick me at times. We’ve had some amazing times together, just laughing and talking. The simple things. We’ve also had difficult years and had to face certain facts. I’ve come to respect that she needs her space as I need mine. That doesn’t mean we don’t love each other. She is the only woman for me and I honestly don’t think I could live without her. The very first time I met your mother, I think I knew she was the only one for me. Granted, it took some time to convince her of that.” He shook his head. “She’s stubborn, just like her daughter.”

  Hearing the words, she couldn’t help but blush. “I’m not certain I’m the woman Rex needs.”

  “Only you can answer that in your heart. If the answer is yes, then follow your gut every time. It will never steer you wrong.”

  “Good advice, Daddy. Very good advice.”

  “Every once in a while I know what I’m talking about. Just don’t tell your mother.” He shook his head several times as he walked around his desk, placing the papers in the center. “You’ve done some damn good work here.”

  “Thank you. I know the plan isn’t complete, but there’s very little time. Is this something you can do? Of course, I’ll be here to help supervise, I mean if you’d like. Or not. I would like to really help with the project though.” Groaning, she slumped back in her seat. “And I’m babbling.”

  William kept his eyes pinned on the information before removing his glasses and leaning over. “Cooper, I truly love the idea and I need to be very frank with you. Unfortunately, I don’t have this kind of money. Business has taken a dramatic turn over the last few years. I even took a loss last year. The entire cattle and horse ranch business has taken a direct hit with the economy. I’ve extended months’ worth of credit to a good dozen ranchers in order to try to help them keep their businesses afloat. These are tough times, dear girl.”

  She’d known all along this was a long shot, but at least she had given it a try. Hearing about her father’s downturn confirmed her fears, as well as the rumors. “Are you going to be all right?”

  “I’m a fighter and I’m not giving up on this business or on this town. Tourists are flocking more to the area and the dude ranch could really add some interest as well as potential business. It all depends on what kind of marketing you do and I know my girl, you have a knack for creating spicy advertising.”

  Hearing this kind of praise from her father was perhaps the best compliment he could ever give her. “I like to think I know what I’m doing.”

  “I’m caught some of your work, which is one reason that Jeb gave me a call. You’re brilliant, Cooper. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.” His eyes twinkled when he said the words. “But I know that doesn’t help you any.”

  “Don’t worry, Dad. Maybe you can help in some small way.”

  “I do think this is not only a worthwhile cause, but something that can make money. I also have no doubt you could receive various grants for this as well. I’ll definitely help all I can.”

  “I appreciate your support and I have lots of volunteers, even certain building materials donated, but I need one large investor or this isn’t going to work.” Feeling defeated, she began to gather her papers, trying her best not to fall into depression. She thought about her father’s words of love and she wasn’t going to let Rex, or his ranch go without a fight.

  Standing at his full height, he cocked his head. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately and I believe now is the right time to make some changes.”

  “Changes?” She wasn’t entirely certain she liked what she was hearing.

  Nodding, he removed keys from his pocket, sliding a key into a lock on one of the drawers. Pulling out a folder, he fingered it before handing it to her. “You may not know this, but I really have kept up with your career, especially how you bounced back after the attack. I know you still have difficulty dealing with everything that occurred, but you fought and clawed your way to keep going. You’ve grown a lot, especially in the last few months. I’m very proud of you, especially for coming home to regroup. That says a lot about your character. I think it’s time you realized how important you are.”

  “What are you talking about?” She slowly stood, trying to detect anything in his expression. He was the consummate poker player.

  “Just take a few minutes to read this over.”

  Her hand shaking, Cooper accepted the file, blinking in order to focus as she opened to the first page. A lightheaded feeling washed over her, creating spots in front of her eyes. “What does this mean?”

  “Keep reading.”

  She flipped to another page. And another. After reading for a few seconds, she had difficulty breathing. “Oh. My. God.” What was she going to tell Rex? This could change their relationship forever. Tears sprang to her
eyes and she was unable to stop them. He would never understand.

  Chapter Twelve

  “Damn it!” Rex tossed his phone onto the counter, smacking his hand hard against the Formica. He’d called Cooper no less than four times and every time it had gone straight to voice mail, which meant her phone was turned off. He’d been a complete idiot the night before. All the talk about being alone, as if his words meant without her. She certainly seemed to take it that way and he couldn’t blame her. He dropped his head, trying to think about what to do. Maybe he could try to track her down. And say what exactly? Snorting, he jerked back from the island and began to pace, thinking of different scenarios. He concentrated on the sound of his boots thumping against the floor, the same damn rhythm as his ragged heartbeat.

  “Do you love her?” A deep chuckle rumbled up from his chest asking the question to himself. Maybe he was flat out losing his mind, but he had the answer without second guessing. “Hell, yes.”

  “Do you want her like nobody’s business, cowboy?”

  His aching cock was the answer to that question. Convincing his feisty brat just might take some doing. Flowers? Maybe. Candy? Uh, no. Boring. Diamonds? Well, he sure as shit couldn’t afford that. Grousing under his breath, he drummed his fingers on the island. Okay, so he wasn’t a big romantic. Maybe he could make her a nice dinner.

  And maybe she could die of food poisoning.

  Okay, this wasn’t doing any good. He’d never had a nagging voice before, but he certainly did now.

  Tell her the truth about the ranch. Be honest with her. That’s all she needs.

  Well, that and his big, fat cock. At least he grinned but sharing every aspect of his future was all he wanted to do.

  He had so many things to tell her, all the good news about reconnecting with his father and his thoughts about the ranch. Dozens of ideas had popped into his head, ways to keep everything going, if only for a few months. The few calls had been fruitful, although no promises had been made. Still, there was a chance to move in the right direction—forward. No more looking at the past. No more sweltering in guilt and depression. He had a life to live and damn it, he wanted Cooper to be a part of it.

  “Get moving, dumbass cowboy.” With a smirk on his face, he grabbed his keys and headed for the door. He would track her down no matter what he had to do. Whistling, he threw open the door, running smack into Cooper.

  “Oh!” she exclaimed as she stumbled backward.

  “Cooper. I tried calling you.”

  “I’m sorry. I... I had some things to do.” Cooper smiled as she brushed her hand through her hair. “Did I come at a bad time? Were you leaving?”

  He was able to tell she had something on her mind. “Just to try to find you. Can you stay?”

  “Sure, at least for a little while.” She had her phone in her hand, her grip like it was a lifeline.

  Backing in, he studied her facial expressions as she came through the door. Everything about her seemed stilted. “Would you like a drink?”

  “Maybe a little later.” She stood swaying, darting her eyes around the cabin as if she’d never seen the inside before.

  “O-kay.” He dropped his keys on the end table and shoved his hands into his pockets, keeping his distance. Get on with it, dumbass. “Cooper, I missed you and what I said about wanting to be alone didn’t apply to you. I was frustrated and angry, even confused, but not about you.”

  “I wasn’t certain. I know how difficult everything has been lately and all I wanted to do was help. Seems like I put my foot into my mouth every time.”

  He chuckled and took a calculated step closer. “I’m a big boy and I need to start acting like life matters because it does. You do have a caustic mouth, but you also have a passion, caring in a way I’ve never experienced before. I let my guard down and it terrified me. I’m not a perfect man and I’m telling you that what happened won’t affect me again. What I can promise is to work through my fear and not take it out on you.”

  “You didn’t take anything out on me.”

  “I also found out that Trent is alive. The master sergeant made a few inquiries for me.”

  “What?” Squealing, she clapped her hands. “That’s wonderful. I just knew he was alive. Why hasn’t he gotten in contact with you? All this time that you’ve been suffering.”

  “Because he no doubt hates me for fucking up his military career. Isn’t that great?” Rex laughed, seeing her expression. “I’m just happy he’s alive. I can handle that he hates me. I’m cool with that. I’m not going to interfere in his life, but in a sense, he gave me back mine. Along with your encouragement that is.”

  She cocked her head, frown lines appearing on her forehead. “Then I’m glad. I think anyway.”

  He adored the nervous tics, especially when she chewed on her rosy bottom lip. Tugging at the phone in her hand, he had never been so happy in his entire life and he refused to waste any more time. “I don’t think you need this. Do you?”

  Cooper eyed her phone, hesitating before she shook her head. “No, I don’t.”

  “Good, because I plan on keeping you occupied.” Very gingerly he took her phone and the second their fingers connected, the same searing heat sparked, catching them both off guard. The way his body and mind reacted around her was combustible, driving him into a frenzied state. Taking a deep breath, he turned to drop the phone on the counter when he couldn’t help but notice a text.

  I need you.

  And the sender? Zeke Keeler.

  Rex blinked twice, his hand shaking as he tamped back asking her any questions. They certainly weren’t exclusive. Maybe the man couldn’t take no for an answer. Maybe. He let out a long breath as he eased the phone onto the counter, swallowing twice before shifting in order to face her. This time, he wanted a straight answer and when he asked the question, he had a complete dominating tone, one he knew she not only responded to but craved.

  “I’ll ask you again. Will you stay with me tonight, doing anything and everything I ask?”

  “Anything?” she whispered.

  “Absolutely anything and everything.” Taking confident strides, he took her hand.

  “Yes. Sir.” Cooper was trembling, her hand almost ice cold.

  He had a disturbing feeling he knew what she needed to tell him. The same demons of doubt rushed into his mind. If there was competition, then he was prepared to provide exactly what she needed. A firm hand. A caring man. A protective man. “Good.”

  “God, you have no idea how much I missed you, but I don’t want to hurt you and I’m sorry if I did.”

  “Hurt me?” he asked, issuing a slight growl, more surprised than ever. “I’m the one that should be apologizing over and over again. You were honest with me, more honest than most people have been in my life.”

  The slight tension returned, and Rex wanted nothing more than to kick himself in the ass. Damn it, Zeke wasn’t going to win this. He had to find the right words. He had to find a perfect way of opening up once and for all.

  “I have some things to tell you.”

  “I need to tell you something.”

  The sentences were said at the same time. They both laughed, albeit nervously. Rex kicked his boot against the floor, trying to prepare himself for the truth. “Ladies first. I want to hear everything you have to say.”

  “No! Please, you go ahead.” Twirling a strand of hair around her finger, she wasn’t looking him in the eyes.

  Get on with it. Spill your guts. “Well, I had a long talk with my father, which was long overdue.”

  “You did, huh? I think I mentioned you should.”

  He nodded, giving her a shit-eating grin. “Don’t rub it in. You know, I thought it was going to be the straw that broke the camel’s back with us, but the conversation was surprising. He was much more open than I expected.”

  “Really?” Cooper inched closer. “That’s fantastic. Family is so important.”

  “Yep. Family is everything and to think I could have thrown
it away. We had probably the most honest talk we’ve had in years, if not ever. The man is no dummy. He already realized just how dire everything is, so that took a significant burden off me, but that’s not what was so amazing.”

  She laughed genuinely, closing the distance between them. “Don’t you dare keep me waiting.”

  “He told me he was proud of me. He said that I shouldn’t blame myself for what happened in Afghanistan and you know what? He’s right. He forced me to look inside myself and decide whether I wanted to wallow in self-pity or move on with my life. Just the way you did. Guess I’m hardheaded.”

  “Hmmm... You? Hardheaded?” Winking, she plopped one hand on her hip. “What did you choose, cowboy?”

  Rex wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her against him. When she palmed his chest, he was terrified she’d pull away. “I decided that I want to be happy and try to figure out a way to make this place great again. I’m not certain if I know what I’m getting myself into, but Dad loves this ranch. I’m not out of the woods and I’ll talk to some professionals, but I think I can recover, at least to a point.”

  “That’s great news, Rex. Really great.” She still wouldn’t look him in the eyes.

  “But life won’t mean a damn thing without you. I love you, Cooper Dawson. I love the way your eyes light up when you’re excited about something. I adore the way your mouth turns down when you know you’ve done something wrong. I even adore that caustic mouth of yours. Truth is, I could wake up to your beautiful face every day for the rest of my life because you make me feel something I’ve never experienced before. You are my rock and you rattled the hell out of my world.”

  Her lower lip quivering, she finally lifted her head until their lips were almost touching. “Are you sure about that? I’ve been told I’m a handful, a brat to be exact.”

  “I’ve never been more certain of anything in my entire life and I kinda enjoy taming you. Don’t you dare run away from me ‘cause things are just heating up, darlin’.” This woman was the one, just like his father had said. Refusing to let her go, he captured her mouth, pulling her onto her tiptoes. The taste of her was even sweeter, creating a delicious moment of raw need, yet at the same time a freeing peace, as if they were starting over.