Single-Dad Cowboy (The Buckskin Brotherhood Book 8)

by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Stephanie Bond

  Not then, anyway. But now she lived in the sort of valley she’d dreamed of and she had connections to people with horses. She’d been too busy settling into her first year of teaching to take riding lessons, but summer break was right around the corner. Maybe she’d offer to take Piper and Tatum to their lessons and sign up for some herself.

  “I can’t wait to run the barrels this summer,” Claire announced. “I get to start the first week after school’s out. I’m going to practice and practice. I want to be the youngest member of the Babes.”

  “You need to be really good,” Riley said. “I saw them perform at the Founders’ Day Celebration and they go so fast, they’re like a blur.”

  “I’m getting better at riding. Daddy and Auntie Ed—the lady I told you about who’s a barrel racing champion—they say I’ll be ready to start training once school’s out.”

  The mention of Claire’s father sent a tingle up Nell’s spine. She’d managed to play it cool with the guy, but damn, he was one appealing cowboy. Valerie, the fourth-grade teacher who had become a good friend, had labeled Zeke too gorgeous for words.

  Nell appreciated that about him. But his attitude toward his daughter had impressed her even more than his looks.

  Clearly he loved Claire beyond reason. Anyone could see that. As a single dad, he easily could have spoiled her rotten. Instead he’d taught her respect, empathy and a work ethic that would put many adults to shame. She’d been a dedicated assistant during the greenhouse project.

  When Nell had asked Zeke to help with that, she’d justified the impulse as an opportunity to acquaint herself with a new student and the student’s parent. Yeah, right. Valerie had teased her about making that call.

  But it wasn’t like a romance had blossomed. Or even much of a friendship. Darn it. Now that she no longer needed him for the greenhouse project, she rarely saw him.

  She’d poured out her heart to Val one night over a bottle of wine. Maybe the attraction was all on her end and she was wrong about the mutual chemistry. But no, she wasn’t wrong. She had evidence.

  He’d insisted on driving her home after their work sessions even though she lived within walking distance of school. When he’d handed her into his truck, he’d had that warm look in his eyes, as if he’d enjoyed the excuse to touch her.

  Maybe he was uncomfortable with the concept of dating his daughter’s teacher. If so, his daughter hadn’t gotten the memo. She’d asked her dad to pick her up from school several times so he could see how well the veggies were growing.

  Each time she’d manufactured some reason why Nell needed to accompany them to the greenhouse. And since the school day was over, he’d offer her a ride home. Eventually Nell had figured out Claire was trying her hand at matchmaking.

  The field trip hadn’t looked like part of her scheme until she’d mentioned that all seven wranglers, including her dad, would serve as guides. During the process of organizing the class into seven groups, she’d insisted that Nell needed to pair up with Zeke to supervise Claire and her three overly enthusiastic friends.

  As Claire’s teacher, she had veto power. She could have reduced the combined energy level of those girls by splitting them up. She didn’t have the heart. Their friendship had the potential to last through high school, maybe even beyond. Shared memories of this field trip would be part of their history.

  As for pairing with Zeke, she had no objection and Val had urged her to accept Claire’s machinations and enjoy herself.

  She planned to. Spending two hours with him wouldn’t be a hardship. Maybe she’d figure out whether she’d misread those signs of interest on his part. And if he was hesitant because she was Claire’s teacher, that barrier would be gone in—

  Claire jiggled her arm where it rested along the back of the seat. “Miss O’Connor! We’re here!”

  Oops. She’d missed the drive in. Missed the rest of the conversation between Claire and her friends. What else had she missed? Evidently the kids had been model students. Surely she would have seen a hand waving frantically or heard the commotion if an argument had broken out.

  But if the topic of Zeke had the power to distract her that much, she’d better watch herself this afternoon. She had a job to do.

  “My, my, my,” Suzanne murmured as she pulled the bus into the bunkhouse parking area nose first. Leaning on the steering wheel, she stared out the windshield. “If that ain’t a sight for sore eyes.”

  Nell turned to see what Suzanne was talking about and her breath caught. Seven tall, muscular cowboys stood shoulder-to-shoulder in front of the bunkhouse, arms crossed loosely over their broad chests. “I guess that’s our welcoming committee.”

  Suzanne kept her voice low. “They can welcome me any ol’ time.”

  “Uh-huh.” The men presented an arresting visual, especially the one wearing the black yoked shirt with silver piping and pearl buttons. One glance and her heart beat in triple time. She took a few calming breaths as Suzanne switched off the engine and opened the door.

  At first she hadn’t recognized him. During their work sessions, he’d dressed in a faded plaid shirt, wear-softened jeans and a battered straw cowboy hat. He’d insisted it had character. Clearly that outfit hadn’t come up to the standards of today’s dress code.

  The yoked style of his shirt made his sturdy shoulders look even broader. The row of pearl snaps drew her attention to his impressive chest and directed her gaze down to slim hips encased lovingly in dark denim. The battered straw hat had been replaced with a midnight-black Stetson he’d pulled low over his eyes. She was totally unprepared for this version of Zeke Lassiter.

  “I see your daddy!” Piper bounced in her seat.

  “Me, too!” Tatum leaned forward. “Who’re the other ones?”

  “That’s the Buckskin Brotherhood.” Claire said it as if announcing a rock band about to take the stage. “My uncles.”

  Chapter Three

  Zeke was short of breath. Stupid. Today was no different from the times he’d spent with Nell putting the greenhouse together.

  Except it was different, because back then he hadn’t figured out the dynamic. He’d kept his admiration under wraps and enjoyed the temporary nature of their interaction. Since it wasn’t going anywhere, he’d been able to relax.

  Meanwhile, Claire had been building a fantasy of making them a threesome. The second time she’d suggested a visit to the greenhouse, he’d caught on. Had Nell?

  He’d called his daughter on her matchmaking efforts, especially after she’d instigated this field trip. She’d insisted the outing was about sharing the ranch and the sanctuary with her class, especially her three buddies. If that meant he’d get some time with Miss O’Conner—bonus.

  Judging from her comments, she was convinced she was doing him a favor. Evidently he’d hidden his emotions well. The double whammy of a cheating wife and a lying father had hit him hard, festering wounds he wasn’t sure would ever heal. He still didn’t know if his mom was in on the cover-up, protecting his worthless excuse for a father.

  Claire didn’t have the whole picture and that’s how he wanted it. She might suspect that her mother had stepped out on him, but she was completely ignorant of the depth of her grandfather’s deceit.

  Her matchmaking was born of her innocence and optimism. She’d held onto both, thank goodness, but she’d presented him with a challenge.

  School was out next week, though. If he could just get through a couple of hours today, he’d be home free. Claire would have an entire summer of barrel racing practice with Ed to distract her from this misguided strategy.

  Then Nell stepped off the bus looking prettier than ever, and he doubted his ability to make it gracefully through the next two hours. A rush of pleasure heated his skin. The effort to control his reaction created tension he wouldn’t be able to release by sawing two-by-sixes and drilling bolt holes.

  She had on a dress today, one with little flowers on it and a skirt that swirled around her knees when she walked. He�
��d only seen her in a dress twice, both times when he’d caved to his daughter’s request to come and admire the greenhouse. Nell had worn jeans during their work sessions, the stretchy kind that cupped her sweet little… don’t think about that, idiot!

  Her dress had a scooped neck and a filmy, spring look. She’d added a white cardigan over it. Bet it was soft. He shoved his hands in his pockets. The urge to touch her had grown with every hour they’d spent on the greenhouse project, but his hands had been otherwise occupied with construction chores. Today, not so much.

  She’d piled her dark, curly hair on top of her head in her usual way. Strands escaped from that arrangement all the time because she was constantly in motion. One afternoon he’d reached to tuck a strand back into place. And jerked his hand back before she’d noticed.

  Matt walked to meet her, the chart in his hand. Nell pulled hers out of her roomy shoulder bag. After they conferred, Nell climbed back into the bus. Moments later, she emerged, followed by the students who’d take the barn tour first, including his daughter and her friends. One of the parents brought up the rear.

  Jake, Nick, CJ and Rafe boarded the bus for the trip over to Raptors Rise, leaving Matt, Garrett and Zeke to lead the barn and bunkhouse tours. Nell moved with brisk efficiency, making introductions and dividing the kids into their respective groups.

  As she headed toward him with four girls who were almost skipping in their eagerness, Matt and Garrett ushered their six kids over to the path that would take them to the barn.

  Heart thumping, he met Nell’s smile with one of his own. “Miss O’Connor.”

  “Mr. Lassiter.”

  He was glad to see her. Too damn glad. He broke eye contact and focused on the girls. “Welcome, ladies. Ready to see Claire’s living quarters?”

  Their excited chorus of yes, please sent the doves that had been roosting in a nearby oak fluttering away.

  “Easy does it, girls.” Nell’s hazel eyes sparkled. “You’re scaring the wildlife.”

  “Oh!” Tatum, a tiny, delicate child with straight black hair, glanced up into the tree. “Sorry, birdies.”

  Claire walked closer to him and lowered her voice. “We need to start the tour with the bathroom, Daddy. I’ll take them in if you want to wait out here.”

  “Fine with me.” He looked to Nell for confirmation.

  She nodded. “Sounds like a plan. Let us know when you’re done.”

  The girls raced toward the front door.

  Nell’s command brought them up short. “Walk, please!”

  They slowed their steps. Claire held the door for them as they walked in, their excited exclamations spilling out into the parking area as they caught their first glimpse of the interior. Then Claire stepped inside and shut the door, muting their chatter.

  Nell chuckled. “I’m doubting that bathroom story.”

  “Me, too.”

  “I’ll bet Claire wanted to show them the place on her own.”

  “Probably.” And leave him alone with Nell. “She asked Matt if her girlfriends could see the bunkhouse before anyone else. He decided that was fair.”

  “Absolutely. This is her home.”

  “That’s what Matt said.” First time he’d talked to Nell without Claire around. Stirred him up, but in a good way. “Did your principal come?”

  “He did. He stayed on the bus with the group going over to Raptors Rise.”

  “He was Matt’s principal.”

  “Harland told me that when we discussed the field trip idea. Evidently Matt was a handful.”

  “He admits it, too.” Nice to discover they could carry on a conversation without Claire to jumpstart the action. “How’ve you been?”

  “Good.” She cocked her head and gazed at him. “You?”

  “Fine, thanks.”

  “Nice outfit.”

  Warmth crept up his neck. “Matt requested that we clean up a bit. He wants this field trip to go well.”

  “Suzanne definitely approved of your welcome party.”

  “Suzanne?”

  “Our bus driver. Suzanne Dempsey.”

  “Oh, Mrs. Dempsey. I noticed she was driving today. What do you mean, she approved?”

  “She was mesmerized by the lineup. Said it was a sight for sore eyes.”

  “Hm.” The heat rose to his face.

  “She made a good point.” Laughter sparkled in her eyes. “You’re a manly-looking bunch, standing shoulder-to-broad-shoulder.”

  “I think you like making me blush.”

  “I do.” She grinned. “That’s what you get for looking so handsome in your black shirt and snazzy black hat.”

  “Come on, Nell. Cut it out.” Her amusement was infectious and her flirting lured him into a mood he couldn’t afford. Before he could dial it back, he shot a compliment her way. “You’re one to talk. That’s a very pretty dress.”

  “Thank you. Today I felt like spring was in the air and that calls for a dress like this.”

  “Indeed it does.” Back away, Zeke, old boy. You know where this leads. You made a promise to yourself. Keep it.

  “Then I’m not sure why you chose to wear black. That’s hardly a spring color. It’s more of a… hang on.” Something drew her attention toward the bunkhouse. She quickly looked away again, her color high. “Those little devils are peeking out the window.” Laughter rippled through her words. “I wonder if they think we—”

  “No telling.” He put some distance between them and tugged on the brim of his hat.

  “It’s probably better if we don’t overreact.”

  “I’m not overreacting. I just—” He sighed and shook his head.

  “Is something wrong?” Her smile disappeared and a tiny crease settled between her eyebrows.

  “Claire’s trying to set us up.”

  She sucked in a breath. “I know.”

  “I don’t want her to get the wrong impression.”

  “Such as?”

  “That I’m going along with her plan. It’s not a good idea.”

  “Because I’m her teacher?”

  “That’s part of it.” He held her gaze. “The main issue is me. Claire doesn’t understand. And I don’t want her to. The fact is, I’m in no shape to begin a relationship.”

  “Because of your ex?”

  “That and… other things. Claire means well and she’s convinced that you and I… but it wouldn’t work.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “If we’re talking about this moment in time, I’m absolutely sure.” He broke eye contact and rubbed the back of his neck where a knot of tension grew. “Don’t get me wrong.” He focused on her again and the truth slipped right out. “I think you’re wonderful. And you don’t need to be saddled with a man who has enough baggage to fill a horse trailer.”

  “So you’re warning me off.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Well, you know yourself way better than I do. But Claire’s determined to bring us together and she’s a very goal-oriented kid.”

  “Tell me about it.”

  Her expression gentled. “We should probably table this. If those girls’ noses are plastered to the window, they’re not exploring the bunkhouse. Let’s go in. Maybe we’ll have a chance to continue the discussion later.”

  “Maybe.” He took a deep breath and gestured toward the bunkhouse. “Ever seen one of these?”

  “Only in Westerns.”

  “It’s something like what they show in the movies. Although I’ve never seen a Western where one of the bunks is filled with teddy bears.”

  Chapter Four

  I think you’re wonderful. Words that inspired dreams that Nell had no business having. Zeke had flat-out told her he was a bad bet. He wasn’t in favor of Claire’s matchmaking.

  That was a shame, because his warm humor as he conducted the bunkhouse tour lured her right in. The intimate glimpse of his modest but cozy living quarters increased her appreciation for the guy. Clearly he was determined to create a healthy,
trauma-free life for his daughter.

  By the time he led them through the kitchen and out the back door to inspect the fire pit, she wanted to challenge his claim that he was a bad relationship bet. Judging from his excellent parenting, he was selling himself short.

  He turned the narration over to his daughter when they arrived at the stone fire pit with its semi-circle of Adirondack chairs. When he stepped back and gave her the floor, Nell walked over to stand beside him. Claire gave a vivid description of fire pit doings and her friends listened with rapt attention before peppering her with questions.

  Nell moved closer to Zeke. “She loves it here,” she murmured. “This setup is perfect for her.”

  He nodded. “Every day I thank my lucky stars that my dad told me about this place.”

  “Oh? How did he know about it?”

  “He…um…he travels a lot.” He offered the information as if it hurt his tongue.

  When he didn’t elaborate, she let the subject drop. Claire’s grandfather must be one of the large suitcases in the baggage Zeke had mentioned.

  His phone pinged and he pulled it out of his pocket. After scanning the message, he walked over toward the girls, phone in hand.

  Claire glanced in his direction. “Time’s up?”

  “Yes, ma’am. Uncle Matt and Uncle Garrett are wrapping up the barn tour. We need to head over there.”

  “Woo-hoo!” Claire threw her hands in the air. “Now I get to show you the horses! Can I lead the way, Daddy?”

  “Check with Miss O’Connor.”

  “Miss O’Connor, is that okay? I know this path like the back of my hand.”

  Nell smiled. “Then go for it. But no running.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Claire turned to her buddies. “If you think the bunkhouse and the fire pit are awesome, wait’ll you see the barn. It’s incredible. Come on.” She started down a wide dirt path through the trees that was clearly well-traveled.

  As usual, the girls walked in pairs. Piper, the only one who wore glasses, fell in beside Claire. Delicate little Tatum had her work cut out for her keeping up with Riley, a tall redhead, but she never complained.