Count on a Cowboy

by Patricia Thayer

  “No kidding.”

  He couldn’t help a smile. He also wished he could take her back to bed and make her forget the rest of the world’s problems.

  “I know Rory hasn’t exactly been warm toward you. But you have to give him a chance. Not just for you, but for a future relationship between you and Laurel. You two look so much alike that it’s only a matter of time before someone figures it out.”

  Brooke stood and walked across the room. She hadn’t meant for her secret to come out. Not like this. “The last thing I want is to cause any more trouble for the family. I only want to spend a few days with my sister. If Laurel decides to come back to Las Vegas that would be great, but I won’t force myself into the Quinns’ life. And no matter what Coralee has done in the past, she’s my mother, and she’s sick and has no one but me.” And I have no one but her, she added silently.

  “I get that, but Rory deserves to know who you are. If you don’t tell him and he finds out, it’ll break the man’s heart.”

  Then they’d have a matching set, because Brooke’s heart was already broken. Not just because she couldn’t have her father in her life, but because she couldn’t have Trent.

  * * *

  AN HOUR LATER, Brooke turned down Trent’s invitation for supper. She wanted to be alone, to try to figure out what to do. Even with her arguing that she could get back to the cabin without Trent following, she lost the battle.

  Once out of her car, he walked her to the porch, waited patiently as she unlocked the door, but when she turned around, he pulled her into his arms.

  “Call me crazy, but I need another taste of you, and the feel of your body against mine.” His mouth captured hers in a hungry kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck and took what he offered. It was as if they both knew their time was quickly running out. She wanted some memories to take away with her. He finally broke off the kiss and pressed his forehead against hers.

  “I better get out of here. We’ve got a roundup at dawn.”

  “Do I still get to go along?” She prayed he wouldn’t take that away from her. “I mean, I won’t do anything crazy and fall off my horse.”

  Trent squeezed her tight. “You better come along.” He wasn’t ready to give her up, either. “There’s a barbecue tomorrow night to celebrate the end of the roundup.”

  “I won’t intrude on the party. I’ll just come back here.” She forced a smile. “I’ll probably be sore from the ride.”

  “No, you earned it. You’ve worked so hard.”

  She glanced away. “Trent, you don’t have to do that. I know the Quinns will have friends there...they’ll have questions.”

  “Dammit, I know I don’t have to. I want you there with me.” His mouth crushed down on hers. By the time he broke away, they were breathing hard. “I want you so badly my eyes are crossing. The only thing that is keeping me from carrying you inside and into your bed is the fact that we will be getting up in a few hours. So good night, Brooke.”

  He pushed her inside and closed the door and walked over to his solitary cabin. He better get used to it, because once Brooke left, he would be alone once again.

  Chapter Fifteen

  The morning had come too soon, especially when Trent hadn’t gotten much sleep. He’d been kept awake for hours, thinking about Brooke.

  How would he ever be able to forget that look on her pretty face when she walked through his back door? The soft, breathy sounds she’d made when he’d touched her...made love to her.

  Now, two hours sitting in the saddle with cattle bawling all around, the sun pounding against his back, he still couldn’t get her out of his head. He stole a glance over his shoulder to see her trailing the herd. Forgetting her might be easier if she weren’t so close.

  He hadn’t been able to concentrate much since Brooke walked into his life. Since he’d let her get close. It hadn’t been so long since he’d felt the need to confide in anyone. He’d spent most of his adult life trying to keep people at a distance. The only exception was the Quinns.

  Now, he knew a secret that could rock their world even more. How would this end up, good or bad? Would Brooke end up getting hurt? Would Rory accept her? His chest ached for all the people who were important to him.

  “Hey, boss.”

  He turned as Ricky rode up next to him. “There are a few strays back in the canyon.” He pointed off to the west. “I was wondering if I could take Brooke along to gather them up. I thought she might get a kick out of it.”

  He looked back to see Brooke coming toward him. She’d been riding drag all morning without complaint, so why not? Then he considered the rougher terrain and her inexperience. He felt panic stir in his gut as he thought about Chris...the accident.

  “How many are there?”

  Ricky shrugged. “Maybe four or five.”

  “Then take Mike with you. The territory around there isn’t for a beginner.”

  If Ricky disagreed with his decision, he didn’t say. “Sure.” The kid wheeled his horse around and took off, calling to Mike to join him.

  Trent shifted his horse sideways so Brooke could ride beside him.

  “I can’t go?” she asked.

  He shook his head, trying to see how she was today. She hadn’t spoken much earlier when they saddled up their mounts. Last night had been incredible, but today, reality intervened along with all the unresolved issues between them. That didn’t mean he didn’t care about her. Maybe too much.

  “It’s too dangerous, Brooke. The terrain is rocky and the ground isn’t stable. You aren’t experienced enough to handle a horse that might dump you.”

  She sent him a challenging look. “I handled it just fine yesterday.”

  “And you were thrown.” He leaned toward her. “I don’t want to see you get hurt, Brooke. Seeing you lying on the ground yesterday about killed me.”

  She blushed. “I’m sorry. I’m not used to people being so protective.”

  Reaching out, he covered her hand with his. “Get used to it.” He didn’t know how to handle his feelings for her. Last night in bed with Brooke should have been a no-strings fling, but it sure didn’t turn out that way. “Stay with the herd, Brooke, or go back to the cabin. Your choice.” He kicked his heels into Rango’s sides and rode off.

  Brooke wasn’t sure what she’d done to cause his anger. She looked around at several other riders helping out today. She really wasn’t needed, but she hated to think about not being on horseback. It was probably her last time.

  Laurel came up beside her. “Seems you have a way of riling that man. What did you do this time?”

  “He doesn’t want me to go after strays with Ricky.”

  Laurel tugged on her hat. “My, my, the man is very protective of you. Also the fact that this area is a little rougher.”

  Brooke grew serious. “Maybe he’s thinking about Chris.”

  Laurel shot her a quick look. “So he told you about his brother’s accident, huh?”

  “Some,” she admitted.

  Laurel nodded. “It was tragic for all of us, but especially for Trent. They were really close. Chris was a year older than me, but we were friends.” She released a breath as if to bring herself back from her reverie. “I better get back to work. I need to relieve Chet.” She took off toward the rear of the herd. Brooke glanced around, and decided to stay where she was. The Lucky Bar L’s herd was smaller than yesterday’s so she could enjoy the nice day.

  “How are you doing today?” She turned to find Rory had ridden up beside her.

  Don’t be nervous, she told herself. “I’m fine. It’s a nice day.” Darn, she didn’t know what to say to this man.

  He adjusted his brown cowboy hat. “Any effects from your tumble yesterday?”

  “I’m a little sore, but not enough to keep me away today. Probably my last time ever doing a roundup.”

  Rory nodded in Laurel’s direction. “Not if my daughter has anything to say about it. She let both Diane and me know that she wants to spend tim
e with you.”

  A huge ache pulled in Brooke’s chest. She was becoming pretty fond of Laurel, too.

  “I’d like that, but please believe me, I don’t want to cause any trouble for your family.” Maybe she should just give Rory the PI’s report and let him read the truth.

  “I think you two girls can work something out.”

  “So you’re okay with us spending time together?”

  She watched the older man handle his large horse. He sat tall in the saddle, and he held the reins loosely. Yet, he had total command of the large animal. Something inside her wanted to shout like a little girl, “Hey, this is my dad.”

  “Laurel’s an adult,” Rory said. “She makes her own choices.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Quinn. I promise, I won’t do anything to hurt Laurel. It’s just nice to have...some family.”

  Rory studied her a moment, then stared off at the trail. “I guess that’s not too much to ask.” He smiled and rode back to his position.

  Brooke felt a flicker of hope. Maybe the man didn’t hate her.

  The rest of the afternoon went pretty fast. When the last of the herd had been branded, tagged and inoculated, they called the roundup a success.

  Rory drew everyone’s attention when he invited the crew and the neighbors back to the house for a barbecue. Being with everyone tonight could be wonderful. It was probably her last night here in Colorado, and she wanted to spend it with the three people she’d come to love.

  * * *

  AT SIX O’CLOCK, the barbecue was in full swing. Trent had come by early to help out, but thanks to Diane and some of the other ranchers’ wives, things were nearly ready.

  There was quite an assortment of side dishes lining the serving table, and that didn’t include the several cuts of beef that had been cooking all day in the smoker. There would be more than enough food for everyone.

  Paper lanterns were strung over several tables covered in white paper awaiting the guests: friends, neighbors and ranch hands. Even a DJ was setting up for entertainment and dancing later, in the concrete driveway.

  Trent looked around, but he didn’t see Brooke anywhere. Darn, if she didn’t show up soon, he was going to find her. He wanted to bring her tonight, but she insisted on meeting him here. He should be happy she wasn’t the clingy type. Then why did he hate that it felt as if she was pulling away?

  Over the past week, they’d spent so much time together, then last night, he’d made love to her, getting a taste of something he’d never felt with a woman before. Yet, her secret put another barrier between them. She had to go to Rory.

  He suddenly heard the familiar laughter, and turned to find Brooke standing with Chet and Ricky. His breath caught as his gaze traveled over her. She had on a soft red sweater belted at the waist. A long black skirt showed off her shapely hips.

  The late September evening was chilly, but the heaters and fire ring kept the area warm. He walked over to the group as she turned around.

  She smiled. “Trent.”

  He wanted to lean in and steal a kiss, and brand her to let everyone know she was his. Whoa, where did that come from?

  He took her by the arm and walked her away from the group into a more private area. “You look nice, Brooke.” His gaze locked on her pretty face. “I’m glad you decided to come.”

  “Laurel said I shouldn’t miss tonight. It was going to be a lot of fun.”

  He leaned forward and murmured, “I can think of a lot of fun things to do with you.”

  She blushed. “Trent...”

  “I want to spend this evening with you, Brooke.”

  “Okay, I’m here, Trent. I don’t want people to think...”

  After last night, everything had changed between them. They’d shared more than just her first time making love. They’d shared secrets, fears and sadness. And he wanted to spend as much time with her as possible. “That you’re trying to push your way into the Quinns’ life.”

  She glanced away and nodded.

  “How about we get something to eat and enjoy this time together?”

  Trent took her by the hand and they went to the food line. He introduced her to some of the neighbors who came tonight. Heaped high with samples of all the dishes, they brought the plates back to a table, where Chet and Laurel were seated. They were talking horses, of course.

  Brooke sat down across from her sister, and they fell into an easy conversation as if they’d known each other a long time. Was that the twin connection thing? Even being separated for years, they still seemed to have a bond. He could imagine how much closer they’d be if Brooke told Laurel the truth.

  Laurel looked at Trent. “Can you talk Brooke out of leaving tomorrow? I said she’s more than welcome to stay until Sunday.”

  Trent stopped his fork’s journey to his mouth and looked at Brooke. “You’re leaving tomorrow?”

  She shrugged. “I probably should. I can pick up a work shift on Sunday.”

  Laurel beamed. “Isn’t it cool my sister is a card dealer?”

  Brooke laughed. “And my sister is a horse trainer.”

  “If you stay, I can give you more riding lessons,” Laurel said.

  “You better take her up on that. Laurel’s private lessons are expensive.”

  They all turned to see Rory standing beside the table, then he sat down in the vacant spot next to his daughter. “This gal is the best at what she does.”

  Brooke’s heart raced. He wanted her to stay. “I’ve intruded far too long as it is.”

  “You’re not intruding,” Rory said. “The cabin isn’t rented yet. The place would only sit empty if you left.”

  “Thank you for the offer, Mr. Quinn.”

  Rory’s expression softened. “I think you can call me Rory.”

  Brooke nodded, and her voice trembled a little when she spoke. “Thank you, Rory. Your offer is generous. I appreciate it more than you know.”

  Rory looked at Trent. “Will you be ready to ship the cows on Monday?”

  “Yes, I have the cattle haulers and drivers lined up for the first thing that morning.” At least he had something to do to distract him from Brooke’s departure.

  “Then we can concentrate on finishing the cabins,” Rory said as he looked at Brooke again. “I might want to hear a little about your ideas on us advertising for weddings.”

  She felt her heart swell. “I could send you some brochures on the hotel’s services. You could downsize whatever you can’t do.” She glanced at Trent, then back to Rory. “I know it’s important to get your cabins to start making revenue, and weddings is a good way.”

  “Laurel said something about starting out focusing on New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day and some of the summer holidays.”

  Another thrill rushed through Brooke. “I can show you how to expand your website to include that venue.”

  He nodded, then began eating his food. It wasn’t much, but Rory had reached out to her. She looked at Trent and he winked at her. Suddenly she was hungry.

  Thirty minutes later, the DJ opened the party with some music. As George Strait filled the air, Brooke enjoyed sharing conversation with her sister and father. They’d joked about some of the antics of the past two days. She was overjoyed that she’d been included in the roundup. She could go home with those memories.

  Diane had come to sit on the other side of her husband, but she never acknowledged that Brooke was there. That was okay. She was a threat to her family, and she understood that. That was a big reason Brooke didn’t want tell Rory all the truth. It would hurt Diane, and maybe their marriage.

  She couldn’t cause them more trouble, not the way her mother had done years ago. She wouldn’t do that to them. No matter how much she wanted to be part of this family.

  Trent looked at Rory. “I think it’s time to start the announcements.”

  Rory nodded, and both men got up from the table, went to the DJ stand and borrowed his microphone. The music died away.

  Rory went first. “Welc
ome, friends and neighbors,” he began. “First of all, we want to thank you all for your help these past two days. Even our men, who get paid to do this kind of work, went that extra mile for the Bucking Q and the Lucky Bar L ranches. Our success is measured by the quality of people who work for us. Thank you, guys.”

  The ranch hands cheered and whistled, then Rory’s men began to chant Bucking Q, while Trent’s men chanted Lucky Bar L.

  Both Rory and Trent grinned, enjoying the camaraderie they had with their employees.

  Trent finally raised a hand to quiet the crowd. “Like every year, at roundup we hand out some special awards,” he said. The crowd cheered as Laurel came up front carrying a box.

  Trent spoke into the microphone. “Seems our men like to compete.” A cheer rose through the group. “Our first challenge is for the fastest man to bring a calf to the ground. This year the award goes to Mike from the Lucky Bar L.” Everyone cheered as the shy man went up to get his trophy and an envelope with some cash.

  “Good job, Mike,” Trent said. “Next is the wrangler who’s the fastest chasing down strays, also from the Lucky Bar L, Ricky Pierson.”

  Ricky jumped up with a fist pump in the air. Someone in the crowd called out, “He’s pretty fast with the ladies, too.”

  Laughter rang out as Ricky accepted his trophy and cash, then held it overhead.

  The next two awards went to Chet and Larry from the Bucking Q for team roping. Then Rory took the microphone from Trent and looked out in the crowd. “This last award goes to our most improved wrangler. She rode drag through most of the two-day roundup, without any complaints. She also took a pretty big spill off her horse, but got right back on, and kept going. This year’s Best Rookie Wrangler goes to Brooke Harper.”

  Feeling shaky, Brooke saw Laurel wave for her to come up. She finally stood as the ranch hands cheered and whistled for her. Blushing, she accepted the trophy from Laurel and held it high, then went back to her seat.

  Trent winked at her, then spoke to the crowd. “Now, everyone stick around and enjoy the music.” He headed back to the table and sat down beside her.

  “Did you have something to do with this?” she asked him.