Her Favorite Cowboy (The Watson Brothers #4)

by Ann B. Harrison

  “Salad? You made me a fresh salad?” She looked at the pretty plate he’d presented to her. Thins slivers of cucumber and carrot rested on a bed of shredded lettuce. Tiny tomatoes had been quartered and sprinkled with parsley and black pepper. Curls of hard cheese scattered over the top and she picked at one and popped it into her mouth. She couldn’t have done it any better if she tried.

  Tyson shrugged his shoulders. “You need your vitamins. It was use what you had in the fridge or go out and do some shopping. Not my favorite chore so this was the best option.”

  Layla reached up and drew him down for a kiss. “Cowboy, if this is what you produce, I promise to take over the shopping if you do the cooking. Deal?”

  He pursed his lips, thought for a moment and then gave her a resounding kiss. “Deal.” He sat opposite her. “Now eat.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Layla yawned and snuggled her head deeper into her pillow. Her body ached in the nicest way and she wriggled her butt into the heat pressed against her. This was how she wanted to wake up every morning. Snug beside the man who held her heart in his hands. After all the angst of the rocky start to their relationship, she didn’t want anything to derail them and take away this feeling.

  “You know you’re asking for trouble doing that, right?” Tyson’s sleep filled voice made her smile.

  “Did we do the right thing, Tyson?”

  “Making love to you will always be the right thing as far as I’m concerned.” His hand snaked down from her swollen belly to the spot between her legs already throbbing for him.

  “Maybe we should have discussed things more, made sure this is really going to work for us before we resorted to wild sex.” They still hadn’t talked about money, the one thing she knew would be a deal breaker.

  She rolled over and looked at him. His eyes were closed and a small secretive smiled twitched at the edges of his lips. Layla opened her legs more to give him access to her heat. His fingers slid down and her breath hitched when they entered her.

  “I need to know this is real, Tyson. That I can believe in you to be you to not overthink the whole money and status thing between us. I just need someone I can trust and rely on. A good family person like your brothers who put everyone before them for the good of family without dissecting every bill and bank balance. Can you do that for me and our baby?”

  “You know I can. Didn’t I promise you that last night?”

  “I mean it, Tyson. I don’t want a cowboy who has his own way out agenda and says things just to make me happy while all the time you’re bitter about what I’m bringing to this relationship. Money can wreck things for a marriage, believe me, I’ve seen it plenty of times.” She moaned as his thumb stoked her. “I want stable and normal. I can’t go through the ego thing again. I want plain old boring, toe the line, do things the right way and not go off on a tangent kind of normal. You with me on this?”

  “We can make this work, beautiful lady. I know we can.” He kissed the hollow in her throat, tracing his tongue along her jawline.

  Layla was finding it harder and harder to concentrate on what she wanted to say. “Promising to see things through to the end, leaving things half-baked is a pet hate of mine. If I start something, I like to finish it. I’d drive you nuts if you did stuff like that. Perhaps we should list all our faults up front so we both know what we’re getting into, because you didn’t listen to mine last night.”

  “Sweetheart, your biggest fault is talking during sex. If I can put up with that, our life should be pretty smooth.” He opened his eyes and smiled before covering her mouth with his. “Seems to me a man has to grow up and act like an adult when a child is on the way whether he likes it or not. Me, well I really like the idea of being a father and a husband. Waking up to you every morning is something to look forward to. And I know just the right way to celebrate that.”

  After a bout of wake up sex, Tyson hurried to the shower. Layla lay back on the pillows, watched him walk away and sighed. To think they’d come so close to not having a relationship. They were both too stubborn and there was one more hurdle she had to overcome before she’d be happy. Layla slid out of bed and padded into the bathroom, leaning on the door jam as she watched him standing in the shower. He looked up and smiled then tilted his head.

  “Why do I have the feeling you’re plotting something I won’t like?”

  Layla grinned and walked into the shower to stand under the warm spray with him.

  “I’m going to have my say in this because you haven’t been listening to me, not really. I have money, lots of it and I intend to use it, albeit wisely.” She held up her hand as he opened his mouth. “Last night you promised me you’d act sensibly, like an adult, not going off half-cocked, so please do me the honor of shutting up for a moment while I speak.”

  When he clamped his lips tight, she smiled. His impulsive nature was pretty cute but not when it was heading in the wrong direction. “If you want me to move in, which is the impression you gave me last night, there are some changes I want to make first. Nothing outrageous, mind you.” She paused and watched as he raised one eyebrow. “Well, maybe.”

  Layla lifted her hand and traced his nipple, smiling when his skin puckered under her touch. “I love the ranch house and I’d never try and get you to move but even you have to admit it needs a bit of loving attention. I’d like to hire the builder who did Gina and Rory’s place up. He did an awesome job of it. Not to take away the character or anything, but make it comfortable and easy for us to live there and have plenty of room for the baby.” Layla took a step toward him, her fingers lowering to stop the trickle of water that snaked down his chest to his belly button.

  “You’re busy getting the trail riding business up and going, plowing all of your money into that, I’m busy in town being a lawyer and we have a baby coming. I’m not sure I want to be lighting the fire every time I want a cup of tea. And you enjoyed this kitchen, so why not? We’re a team, aren’t we?” She took the final step and wrapped her arms around his waist.

  He sighed. “I know I’m not going to win with you but I still don’t like the idea of you spending your money on the ranch. Makes me feel like a kept man.” His hands cupped her butt holding her against him.

  “You put money into the ranch, so why can’t I?” She gazed into his eyes. “Tyson, are we going to be a family or not? Because if we are, I have the right to spend my money too.”

  “I get that but I don’t like it.” He held her close, his erection prodding against her belly. “I’ve already got plans to add on a room for the baby.”

  “I want to go further than that. We need another bathroom and a decent kitchen. If you’re worried about what Jethro is saying, don’t. He’s an ignorant brat with an axe to grind. This is a partnership, Tyson, and partners share things including expenses. Let me do the house up. The rest of the ranch can be your concern but please let me have some fun?”

  She lifted a leg and hooked it around his thighs, pushing herself into him. “I want us to be together and the sooner the house is finished, the better. I promise not to change the character of the place.”

  Tyson groaned and lifted her up, pressing her back into the corner of the shower. “You, woman, are going to be the death of me.” He pushed into her heat, his eyes closed.

  “Is that a yes then?” She gasped as he filled her.

  His answer came out strangled. “Yes.”

  *

  Tyson couldn’t believe he’d given in and agreed to Layla spending her money on the ranch house. He understood why she wanted to do it and agreed it would be better to fix the place up now before the baby came but still. It didn’t sit well with him that she was spending money that she’d earned.

  She’d made him a breakfast of bacon, eggs, sausages, and coffee before he gave her a lift to work. Layla sent him on his way with a sensuous kiss goodbye and promises of an equally exciting evening. She sauntered into the office with a wave of her fingers and he could see her first client w
atching them through the blinds.

  He climbed in his truck and headed for home, his heart a lot lighter than it had been for months. Staying in town until the renovations were down would set him back a bit with time. He normally started earlier when he lived at home but it was a sacrifice he was prepared to make. After all, it was way more comfortable in Layla’s bed than in his own lonely room.

  The horses heard him drive up and called out, no doubt anxious for their breakfast. He pottered around the ranch, catching up on his daily jobs while mentally planning the rest of his day.

  Tyson heard the truck door slam and walked from the barn where he had been cleaning out stables. Chance headed down his way with Callie’s Australian cattle dog, Sherbet, dancing around his feet.

  “Morning. To what do I owe this pleasure?” Tyson leaned down and patted the dog and wondered again why he’d never bothered to get one. Perhaps when the baby was old enough he would look at it.

  Chance stood in front of him, a secret smile on his face.

  “What?”

  “Did you sort it out with Layla last night?”

  Tyson shook his head. “Might have known. Can’t anyone around here keep their damned mouths shut?”

  “Not what I asked you little brother. Spill the beans, now.”

  Tyson gave up trying to be evasive and let out a whoop, fist pumping the air. “Hell, yes. She’s going to move in as soon as the place is sorted. In the meantime, I’ll be over at her place at night.”

  “About time. Talk about keep us all waiting, Tyson.” Chance grabbed him and slapped him on the back. “Don’t think I could have handled it if you didn’t man up and make an honest woman of her. The ladies will be pleased.”

  Tyson snorted. “I thought you were more on her side.”

  “I love you both dearly but, no, I was rooting for the pair of you.”

  “So, is that the only reason you came over?” He looked over at his broncos, watched a couple of young horses prancing around the paddock.

  The breeding program was finally coming together. With any luck he’d be able to sell off stock before the snow came and invest the money in the ranch.

  Chance followed his gaze. “Actually, I had a call from one of my old contacts yesterday. He’s looking for some broncos. I told him you had some almost ready for sale. Jake pays well if you’re interested. Damn sight more than you’ve been getting lately anyway.”

  Interested? That’s an understatement. “You know I am. How many is he after?”

  Chance took a slip of paper from his top pocket and handed it over. “You call him and sort it out. From my understanding he’ll take whatever you have. I have a shipment of bulls going in a couple of weeks so if we can organize it that the broncos get picked up at the same time…”

  “Sure. Thanks.”

  “How did Layla talk you into letting her spend money on the house?” Chance leaned on a fence post and picked a stalk of grass, poking it between his lips as he watched his brother.

  “Yeah, that. Got one over me. I tell you, that woman is too damned clever for her own good. Said that we were partners and I agreed, then hit me with ‘well you put in money, why can’t I? What was I supposed to say to that?” He kicked at the dirt, knowing full well there was nothing he could do about it if he wanted a happy life from now on. Even he’d heard the saying, happy wife – happy life. Besides she was worth it as far as Tyson was concerned.

  “She knows her own mind, I’ll give you that. Don’t forget I warned you ages ago. Seems none of us have a hope in hell of winning an argument with our ladies. They’re all much cleverer than we give them credit for. Easier to go along with it if you ask me.”

  “That’s what I was thinking too. I know she’s right about putting in some of her money but it doesn’t make me feel like I’m in charge.”

  “You’re not. Get used to it.” Chance whistled to Sherbet who had wandered off to sniff around the barn. “Are you going to get married?”

  “Was thinking of asking her. Kind of like the baby to have my name.”

  “Why don’t you ask Pa for our mother’s rings. Nobody else has used them so you may as well. I’m pretty sure he’d like that.”

  “You wouldn’t mind?” He wondered if Layla would mind a bit of family nostalgia.

  “Wouldn’t have said anything if I did. Layla might be miss modern business woman but I know for a fact she has a soft spot for sentimental things too.” He patted Sherbet and then nudged Tyson. “Go and ask her but stop in and see the old man first. He complained not long ago that none of us had thought to use Mom’s rings. And I’m pretty sure he’d like to be the one to tell you, ‘I told you so.’”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Layla looked up when her office door opened and Rory stood there, his face pale. She pushed herself to her feet, heart racing. “What’s happened? Tell me.”

  “It’s Fisher, he’s missing. Gina fell asleep after she put him down for his afternoon nap and when she woke up he was gone. I’m heading up there now with a couple of men. Could you go and see Tyson, get him to meet us at my place. We need all the help we can get and he isn’t answering his phone.”

  “Of course. I’m sure he won’t be too far away, Rory. Tell Gina I’ll be there as soon as I get him.” She watched him race away, anguish and despair clouding his normally happy face. Layla grabbed her handbag and car keys, relaying the problem to Emily as she strode past her desk.

  “Cancel anything I have today. Fisher is missing and I have to go and help them. I’ll call when we have news.” She hurried out to her car and slid behind the seat.

  As she pulled on the seat belt, she sent up a small prayer that the little boy would be found quickly. The weather had started to turn cold again, the snow on the mountains getting lower as the seasons began to change.

  Her little car flew over the road up to Tyson’s ranch, her soon to be home. She parked in front of the house and leaned on the horn hoping to find him that way. When he didn’t appear, she climbed out, slammed the door, and hurried down to the barn. There wasn’t any sign of him. Frustrated, Layla did a full circle, scanning the paddocks hoping to see him.

  In the distance, she noticed a trail of dust coming her way. She ran toward it holding her hand under her belly, waving her other arm in the air willing him to hurry up. It seemed to take him forever to reach her. She was in tears by the time he pulled up beside her. He pulled the horse to a stop and jumped from the saddle, hurrying to gather her into his arms.

  “What’s wrong? Tell me, Layla. Is it the baby?” He looked down into her face, fear shadowing his eyes.

  For a few precious moments she cried in his arms then pulled herself together. Finding Fisher was more important than giving over to her hormonal tears.

  She pushed herself back and looked into his eyes. “It’s Fisher, he’s missing.”

  “What, no.” He looked devastated and glanced over his shoulder toward his brother’s property. “Tell me what happened.”

  Layla relayed what she knew and tried to get him to hurry over to Rory’s where he was organizing a search party.

  “No. Let me think just a minute. If he wandered off and isn’t anywhere near the house, I’d be better going from my side over the hills. Their place leads into mine and Chance’s ranch. He’d follow the natural fall of the land, not go climbing hills – he’s too little for that. He has to end up in the gully, I know he does.” She watched as his mind raced, muttering to himself.

  “But, Tyson, Rory wants you over there. He asked me to get you there as soon as I could.”

  “Go and tell him I’m doing it this way. I’m the best tracker in the family and he knows it. Instinct tells me I’d have a better chance of finding him going in from this side of the hill. Go.” He grabbed her and kissed her soundly. “I need to gather supplies in case we don’t find him tonight. If he’s been missing for more than a couple of hours he could be miles away by now.”

  “But, Rory said…”

  “Trust
me on this one. I know what I’m doing.”

  “You promised me sensible, Tyson.” Tears streaked down her cheeks but she couldn’t get him to do what his brother requested.

  It was as though he’d shut off and was following his own agenda regardless of what others wanted. She’d never felt so out of control as now.

  Layla turned and ran to her car. She could at least support Gina while Tyson went off on his own tangent. Had she just made the biggest mistake of her life by getting back with him? She’d asked for stable, boring, fit in with the rest of the family kind of partner, not someone who had their own piper to follow.

  *

  Tyson grabbed blankets, water, and a basic first aid kit as well as a couple of power bars for energy. Layla was disappointed in him for not following her instructions but he was also sure that Rory would back him on this decision. After all, he was the one with the nose of a bloodhound. They teased him about it often enough. There wasn’t time for a drive over there and a discussion. Fisher’s life was at stake and his brother would understand.

  Layla drove off in a cloud of dust, a small part of him wanting to try and explain to her why he was doing what he was but time wasn’t on his side. She’d have to trust him on this one. Tyson unsaddled the horse he’d been out on, let it loose in the paddock, and called up his best horse. He threw the saddle over him and cinched it tight. The mare he’d ridden stood in the paddock watching them. He’d thrown her a biscuit of hay and left her without the usual hose down and he could tell she wasn’t happy with the deal. His attention went back to the horse he was taking out now. The big animal stamped its feet, the tension from Tyson probably rubbing off on him.

  “I know, boy. It’s been a long time since we’ve had to go searching for anyone. Let’s hope this time it turns out better for all concerned. I couldn’t face another body like last time.” He tried to push the memories from his mind but with Fisher out lost, Tyson had to face the fact he might not find the little boy alive.