Текст книги "Make Mine a Cowboy"

Автор книги: Sandy Sullivan

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Текущая страница: 4 (всего у книги 10 страниц)

“I’m sure she does. She’s a very strong lady, though.” Mesa tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear.

“Yes, she is. I doubt Jason will do anything of the sort. Military lifestyle doesn’t suit him, I don’t think. He likes sleeping late, getting into trouble, and staying out all hours of the night. The discipline would do him good, but I doubt he’d do it.”

“Trouble with a capital T.”

Joel chuckled. “The fifth of us is Jonathan. He tries to be the cowboy Dad wanted in all of us, but he’s not so much cut out for the life. He rides, but he’s not as comfortable on a horse as the rest of us. He’s more at home in front of a computer. He’s a gamer.”

“Nothing wrong with that. Computer programmers make good money.”

“Yeah, but he doesn’t get to do it much. I think Dad should let him take over the website and marketing for the ranch, but he hires out to someone else. Dad doesn’t see the potential in Jonathan doing it. I do. I think he’d been great at it. If they send Jonathan to school so he could get some formal training, he’d be kick-ass at it. I don’t think Jonathan has ever had a girlfriend. He’s really shy.”

She laughed. “I didn’t think any of you were shy.”

Joel grinned. “He really isn’t when you get to know him. I think he feeds off the rest of us with our personalities. He kind of goes along with the bunch.”

“I bet he’s got a deeper personality than you give him credit for.”

“Maybe.” He lifted his gaze and glanced across the fire to where Jeremiah sat talking with a couple of the young women who were guests. “Jeremiah is the sixth in the bunch.” Joel shrugged as he shifted on the seat. “How do I describe him? Hmm. He tends bar at the local club when he’s not working the ranch. I don’t think he cares so much for the ranch work. He likes doing financial stuff. He plays the stock market a lot. He’s a very personable guy and gets along with just about everyone. See how he’s talking to those girls?”

“Yeah.”

“Most would think he’s flirt. Trying to get one of them in bed with him, but he’s not.”

“No?”

“Nope. He just likes to talk to people. The numbers thing is really what he likes. I constantly see him with his nose buried in the newspaper or on the computer. Someday I expect him to be rich beyond all of us the way he plays with numbers. I’m not sure why he’s here at the ranch except that he doesn’t want to leave Mom and Dad. He’d be better off in New York or somewhere.”

“Wow. Such a diverse group you have here.” The notes on the group were getting longer and longer. How much more could she possibly need to develop the hero in her book? Maybe there needed to be an entire family.

“Then there is Joey or Joe. He’s the baby of the family and boy do we all know it. He gets away with murder. I swear. Mom and Dad think he can do no wrong. Well, it looks like it from the rest of us boys’ perspective anyway. He’s the one in charge of the horses. He helps Dad buy and sell those for the Remuda and keeps us in a good supply of gentle to a little more rowdy for the experienced riders. We have a wide range of horses we keep on the property. Joe breaks most of the newer horses and he competes in bronc riding at the rodeo. I think he does some bull riding on the side, too although he doesn’t want Mom to know about it and it’s not professionally. One of these days, he’s gonna break his neck, but it’s what he loves. He’s got the adrenaline junkie personality. Definitely attracts the buckle bunnies with his happy-go-lucky attitude. Woman in every town.”

“Wow. You’ve got such a wide variety of personalities in your brothers. I’ve got five pages of notes on them.”

“Good. I hope you get some great information while you’re here.”

“This is going to be awesome, Joel. Thank you for giving me the lowdown on everyone.” She reached over and kissed him on the cheek.

“Would you like to go for a walk?”

“In the dark?”

“I grabbed a small flashlight while we were in the barn.”

“Okay,” she said, sliding her pen and notebook into her purse. She wasn’t sure how much they could see in the dark, but she didn’t want to call it a night quite yet. Being close to Joel ramped up the heat between them. Her body felt on fire as she shivered in the night air. It wasn’t from being cold.

As they stood to make their way into the blackness surrounding the bonfire, one of his brothers called out, “Behave yourself, Joel. She’s a guest.”

“What’s that all about?”

A shrug lifted both his shoulders as he laid his hand on the small of her back guiding her around the boulders and path rocks blocking their way. “Nothing really. We just have a don’t mess with the guests policy.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. It’s really to keep my brothers from coming onto some of the single women we get staying here, which doesn’t happen a lot. We tend to meet more women in town. The ranch is packed most of the time with families.”

“Does the no messing with the guests policy include me since you kissed me?” she asked, cuddling closer to his side. She really hoped the policy didn’t apply to her. She wanted Joel to kiss her again.

Chapter Five

He stopped and looked down at her. “Technically, yes. I shouldn’t have kissed you earlier. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I wished for it. Remember?”

“Yeah, but…”

She pressed two fingers to his lips. “I wanted you to. It’s not your fault. If your mother says anything, it was me, not you.”

The warmth of his lips under her fingertips sent chills down her arms. He kissed her fingers, then her palm. Shivers raced down her back. Her heart sped up, threatening to jump from her chest.

Moonlight lit the path now that they were away from the fire. It also reflected the white of his teeth as he smiled. The wink he gave her did nothing to calm her out of control libido.

“I’ll blame it all on you then.”

“Great.” He grabbed her hand to lead her down the path headed for the front of the house. Clouds raced across the face of the moon blocking the light at times, but giving everything an slight eerie silver glow.

He led her to the front of the main house where several rocking chairs and other assorted benches lined the porch in front of the windows. Light from the main room of the lodge spilled out onto the front lawn, but did nothing to cut the darkness beyond fifty feet. Joel took her shoulders in both of his hands as he pushed her down on one of the rockers. “I thought you might like to sit here for a bit and watch the clouds drift across the moon. It always seems kind of strange to me to watch with the outline of the trees beyond the light from the house.”

“It is spooky out here.”

The front door of the ranch house creaked open, but no one came out. She glanced at Joel, but he didn’t seem to notice. It was probably someone from inside who opened the door, and then changed their mind about coming outside. She glanced through the window, but didn’t see anyone near the door. Okay, that’s weird.

“How long have you lived in Los Angeles?”

“All my life. My parents moved there before I was born.”

“Do they still live there?”

“Sort of. They spend part of the year in Arizona.” His profile intrigued her. The slope of his nose looked regal, except for the small bump near the bridge indicating he’d broken it at least once. His lashes were long, dark spikes any woman would give her eyeteeth to have. The black Stetson sat back on his head, framing the black curtain of his hair. He wore it longer than most guys, she noticed, almost to his shoulders.

“What?”

“Nothing, why?”

“You’re staring at me.” He smiled and winked.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to. I’m admiring your profile.”

“Why?”

“I’m committing it to memory for a book cover. I want to take your picture before I leave.” Yeah, sounded like a good excuse to me. I certainly can’t tell him I think he’s hotter than Hades.

“Oh?”

“Yeah. Preferably with your shirt off.”

He laughed. The rich, deep sound made her pussy weep with need. God, I want this man to make love to me. Make love, hell! I want him to fuck me six ways to Sunday.

With a quick glance at his watch, he said, “How would you like to go into town? The bar there should be just starting to swing right about now.”

“Sure. I haven’t been out to a bar in quite a while.”

“No?” He stood and held out a hand to help her to her feet.

“Nope.”

“Well then you need to loosen up a bit. Have a few drinks. Dance.”

“I can’t dance.”

He tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow as they walked back toward the parked cars behind the main house.

“Sure you can. Everyone can dance.”

“I have two left feet. Trust me.”

“Have you ever tried to two-step?”

“No.”

“I’ll teach you. It’s easy. I’ll lead, you follow. You’ll have the hang of it in no time.”

“I’ll probably bruise your feet stepping on them.”

“You can’t be any worse than Willa Miller.”

“Who?” She giggled as he opened the door to the biggest truck she’d seen in her life. White and huge with big mud tires.

“Willa Miller. She’s been hanging out at the bars since she turned twenty-one. She’s now fifty something, I think.” Once he got around the front of the truck, he hopped inside and closed his own door. “She’s got to be the worst dancer I’ve ever seen. Most of the guys tolerate her because she so sweet, but man she’s hard on the toes.” Her laugh turned into a snort. Joel roared with laughter as he turned over the engine. “You snort when you laugh.”

“Only when I’m laughing really hard.” She placed her hand over her nose and mouth trying to hide the sound. “It’s not funny, Joel.”

“Sure it is. I think it’s cute.” He grabbed her hand to lace their fingers together.

“You would.” What to make of this enigma named Joel? He acted like he was attracted to her, but she didn’t know whether to take him seriously or not. Could they have a fling for a few days while she stayed on the ranch? She could. Would he be willing? The attraction was definitely there on her part. She slowly pulled her hand out of his grasp to wrap her arms around herself. What to do?

“Are you cold? I can turn on the heater if you want.”

“No. I’m fine. I got the shivers for a minute, is all.” She rubbed her arms to calm the chills.

Within moments they pulled into a bustling bar in the center of Bandera. Tons of trucks sat in the parking lot, but very few cars. Figures. Everyone drives a truck in cowboy country.

Joel walked around the front of the truck to open her door. Such a gentleman, but then again, his mama raised him to be like that, especially around women. He opened the door and held out his hand to help her down from the twenty feet off the ground his truck stood—okay, maybe not that high.

“I should have dressed up more.”

“You look great, Mesa. Besides, most of the women in here wear jeans and T-shirts.”

“Maybe I’m overdressed then.”

“I like you just the way you are.”

“Thanks.”

The doors to The Dusty Boot opened and closed several times as they made their way closer. She could hear the music playing loudly every time they opened. Several cowboys stood on the porch and called to Joel when they reached the doors. He waved back, but didn’t stop to chat.

They walked inside only to be immediately swallowed up in the crowd of cowboy hats and rhinestones. A band played from a small stage near the back of the bar. A loud cowbell clanged causing her to jump. Joel put his lips near her ear. “The mechanical bull. They ring the bell when someone rides for eight seconds.”

“Are you going on it?” she asked, breathing in his cologne. All man, cowboy, and musk. God, he smells good.

“If you will.”

“Me?”

“Yep. I want to see those sexy hips swing with the back end of the bull.”

Heat crept up her neck as she bit her lip to hide her smile. Sexy hips, huh. She almost felt giddy. He thought she had sexy hips. “Okay. I’ll give it a go.”

The smile he gave her could have set her panties on fire. She sniffed hoping she didn’t smell smoke, because damn, he probably would melt the silk of her underwear.

“Hey baby.” A beautiful blonde scooted close and pressed her size double D breasts against Joel side. “I’ve missed you. You haven’t been around here much, Joel.”

“No, I haven’t.”

“Wanna hang out? I’m free tonight and all yours.”

“I’m with someone, Brandy.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yes. Brandy this is Mesa. Mesa, Brandy.”

“Nice to meet you,” Mesa said, glancing at the woman hoping she could hide her disdain. The blonde didn’t even acknowledge her. Well, so much for pleasantries.

“I’ll see you around, Brandy.”

“Sure, cowboy. Call me.”

“Uh, yeah.”

Joel took Mesa’s hand and wormed his way through the crowd toward the back of the bar. A large mechanical bull sat in the middle of a padded ring. Several people stood around the outside of the ring, laughing whenever someone climbed on and was tossed off on their ass.

Great. He wants me to get on that thing?

“Yes, I do,” Joel said. “Climb on. You can do it.”

Joel went back to pay the operator as she sucked in a ragged breath. I can do this. With Joel watching, it’ll be much more fun. She grinned as she realized she could totally tease Joel at the same time. With a sexy swing of her hips, she approached the steel beast. She stuck her foot into the metal stirrup and swung her leg over the back of the bull. Adjusting herself toward the handhold, she tucked her dress between her thighs so she could save what little modesty she possessed, and then grinned like an idiot. Centered on the bull, she flung her left arm out and nodded to the operator to start the ride. Once the bull started bucking, she shifted her body in the sexiest motion she could as she glanced at Joel standing off to the side. He wolf-whistled, bringing a smile to her lips.

The music seemed to roll along her spine with each swing of the bull. Her left arm snapped back and forth as she rode for the full eight seconds and earned herself the cowbell ring. When she jumped off the back of the bull, Joel met her in the middle of the padded ring, swept her up in his arms, and planted a fat, juicy kiss on her mouth.

She lost the ability to think beyond his mouth on hers. Their tongues entwined, battling from her mouth to his and back. He lifted her up in his arms, holding her against his chest as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

Moments later, someone slapped him on the back and they broke apart as the guy jokingly told him to take it somewhere else.

She was so embarrassed she hid her face in his chest while he escorted her outside the ring. What had gotten into her? She wasn’t the type to be affectionate in public with anyone. Her ex-boyfriend even mentioned it several times, but here she stood making out with a guy she barely knew in a bar in his hometown. Good gravy. She’d turned into a regular slut in this small cowboy town.

“Don’t be embarrassed.”

“I don’t do these sort of things, Joel.”

“It’s okay. Nobody even noticed.”

She lifted her face from his chest and caught the dirty looks from the women as well as the thumbs up from several of the men surrounding them.

“Okay. So a few noticed.”

“A few? If looks could kill, I’d be dead from the dirty looks the women are giving me, especially Brandy.”

“Don’t worry about it. Come on. Let’s dance.” He led her out onto the dance floor, put her hand on his shoulder, and took her other hand in his. “Now, relax. The step is called a two-step. You step once, shuffle twice and step again.”

She took a deep breath, trying to concentrate on his words as he slowly led her around the dance floor.

“You’re doin’ great.” He touched a finger under her chin to make her lift her gaze to his. “See? It's not so hard.”

She stepped on his toe. “God, I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. It’s happened before. You aren’t the first lady to step on my toes.”

“I’m not supposed to, though. You’re such a patient teacher.” His gaze pulled her in as the music faded out of her conscious thought. She’d never seen eyes the color of his. Blue like a glacier, or maybe a swimming pool. She could so drown in his stare. The five o’clock shadow of a beard on his face made him sexier. Rugged. So fucking hot.

The music changed to something slow. A song she recognized. Dustin Lynch’s Cowboys and Angels. Damn. This is my favorite song. Why does Joel have to be so gorgeous? Why can’t he be some scraggly old codger who would be willing to tell her all his cowboy secrets over a cup of coffee? And holy hell, there are three of him! Fuckin’ A.

“You slow dance well,” he whispered, nuzzling her ear.

“There isn’t much to it, really. You just shuffle back and forth. I probably won’t bruise your toes on this one.”

“We could always try a faster song. I can swing dance, too.” He laughed at the shocked look on her face.

“Oh, hell no. I got your feet with the simple two-step. I’d probably break something swing dancing.”

“I like this better anyway. I can hold you closer.”

“You were holding me pretty close with the two-step.”

“Not close enough.” He pulled her in tighter. Her breasts brushed against the front of his western shirt, making them peak like mountaintops reaching for the warmth of the sky. Damn, traitorous nipples. “Are you excited, Mesa?”

“Excited?”

“Are your panties wet?” he whispered, brushing those full lips over her ear.

“A bit bold, aren’t you?”

“I know when a woman is excited.”

“Not this woman.”

“Really?” he asked with a raised eyebrow over those damn sexy eyes. “Your nipples are poking me in the chest. Cold?”

“Why yes, I am.”

“Liar.” His lips brush her neck.

Her eyes drifted closed as goose bumps danced down her arms. His hands settled on her hips, slowly dragging her into the warmth of his embrace. God, the man was sex on a stick. Did he think she was some loser in the bedroom that he could drag into his web with eyes blue enough to drown in, lips full enough to lose her mind, and a body to stop traffic at a green light?

Of course he did.

She stepped out of his embrace. “I need a drink.” She blew the hair off her forehead with a frustrated breath.

“I thought you were cold?” he asked with a smirk.

“Smartass.”

“But yours is cute enough to eat whipped cream off of.”

Fuck! She was so screwed. If he wants to get me into the sack, he’s doing a damn good job of it, even if I want it too. “I thought you weren’t supposed to seduce the guests?”

“Seduce? Who me?” He grinned as he wrapped his arm around her waist to escort her to the bar. “Beer?”

“Sure.”

“Two Buds in the bottle please,” he said, signaling the bartender who responded with a nod.

“Someone you know?”

“I know everyone in here, pretty much. We also know the judge, the sheriff, the lawyers, the schoolteachers, the principal, and everyone else. Most all of those you see in here now are guys and gals I went to high school with.” He reached up to wave to someone nearby.

“I don’t know what it’s like to be surrounded by people I’ve grown up with.”

“No?”

“Nope. I went to a high school where my graduating class had three thousand kids in it.”

“Holy shit! Mine had one hundred fifty and I thought it was huge. It took three hours to read all the names off.”

He paid the bartender before he handed her the bottle, then tipped his to his sensuous lips. Lordy, the man could kiss. The slow glide of his mouth over hers earlier in the dark, had been enough to curl her toes, but the lip smacking, tongue tangling kiss he’d laid on her after her bull ride still had her panting for air. She tentatively sipped at her beer, hoping it would wash away the taste of the kiss. No luck. She could still feel his mouth on hers. The slide of his tongue. Damn.

“Mine had to be split into two days. A through L one day and M through Z the next day. It sucks living in such a large place sometimes. I like having things to do all the time like shopping and stuff, but it’s crazy not knowing who your neighbors are.”

“I don’t think I could live somewhere like that. I’m so used to living here. I couldn’t be comfortable in a place where I didn’t know the guy living above me. Concrete jungle comes to mind.”

“Yeah. Now that you mention it, I don’t care for it much either.”

“Why do you stay then?”

“Because it’s home. My parents are there. My siblings are nearby. I’ve lived in the same neighborhood for five years. I know where everything is.”

He wrapped his arm around her waist to tuck her in close to his side. “Haven’t you ever wanted to move to a place you didn’t know anyone? Learn a new town, a new city?”

“You’re one to talk, Joel. You’ve lived in Bandera all your life.”

“True and I love it here. I love the area. I love my neighbors. I love working the ranch with my brothers and I hope someday the woman I marry with learn to love it like I do.”

“Tall order.”

“Not really.”

“I guess not if you plan to marry someone who is already from here. They’d fit right in.” He bent down and kissed her. “What was that for?” she asked, bewildered by his behavior.

“Just to let you know I’m thinking of you right at the moment. Not someone else.”

“Thanks…I think.” She wrinkled her nose. He laughed.

“It’s a compliment, Mesa. You’re a beautiful woman. I’m glad I’m here with you.”

“You confuse me, Joel.”

“Why?”

“Because one minute you kiss me and tell me I’m beautiful. The next I’m not sure if you’re talking about me or someone else you’ve been with recently.”

His mouth pulled down at the corners when he frowned. “What gave you the idea I was talking about anyone but you?”

“Just…oh never mind.”

“I’m with you tonight. I think it’s rude to talk about other women when you’re with one.”

She shrugged. “But we aren’t together. We're here as friends.”

“Still.”

“Let’s just have a good time. Forget about the rest for now.”

“Sounds good to me. Are you finished with your beer? I want to dance with you again.”

“And have me stepping on your feet more?”

“You’re so cute when you’re joking,” he said, tweaking her nose, and then brushing his mouth against hers.

What the hell was she going to do about these feelings? She wanted to jump him and ride his hips into tomorrow like some rodeo bronc rider, but on the other hand, getting involved with a guy like him in a situation like this was a sure way to feel like shit when she went back to L.A.

He swept her up in his arms the minute they hit the dance floor again, doing a quick two-step. The dance brought her close enough to smell him. She wanted to taste him. Find out if his skin tasted salty under her tongue. Did he have a little sweat she could lick off?

“What are you thinking about?’

‘Nothin’, why?”

“You've got a guilty little smirk on your lips.”

She captured her lips between her teeth.

“Ah, somethin’ dirty?”

“Maybe, but I won’t tell.”

“How about if I tickle you until you tell me?”

“You wouldn’t.” His hand curled into her side and she giggled like a schoolgirl. “That’s not fair!”

“Sure it is. You’re keeping secrets.”

“I’m a woman. We have secrets.”

“Tell me.” He tickled her again.

“Stop!”

“Not until you tell me.”

“Okay, okay!” She gasped for breath as he led them to an empty table toward the back of the bar in a secluded corner. How this particular table became available, she would never know, but here she sat with one the most gorgeous men she’d ever seen in a darkened corner.

“Spill it.”

“I was thinking about you.”

“Me?”

“Yeah.”

“And?”

She forced a ragged breath between her lips. Surely he didn’t really expect her to tell him she wanted to lick the sweat from his body after he fucked her like a couple of bunny rabbits? “Nothing, really.” He reached over and tickled her side. “All right!” She sighed. “You are rotten, you know?”

He touched her side again, making her jump.

“I was thinking about you being sweaty.”

“Like after working outside?”

“Yeah.”

“Why would you be thinking about me being sweaty?”

“Like licking you after sex.” Heat crawled up her neck as she dropped her gaze to the table. “I’m so embarrassed.”

“Why?”

“Seriously? We’ve only known each other like not even twenty-four hours.”

“So? I think your beautiful, sexy, interesting, and a great dancer. There’s nothing wrong with being attracted to each other.” He reached over and slid his hand along the side of her face. “I want to kiss you.”

“You’ve kissed me before,” she whispered, drowning in his eyes.

“I want to do it again.”

His breath flittered across her lips. She wanted his mouth. She wanted his tongue. God, she wanted all of him touching her, holding her, making love to her.

“We should go.”

“No. Not until I’ve tasted you again.”

“Hey, Joel. Mesa,” Josh said, sliding into the booth on the other side of her.

“Josh. What are you doing here?”

“I saw your two leave and figured you might be headed here.”

Shit. Now I’m sandwiched between two good-looking men. Threesome? No, no, no.

“Yeah, we did. We’ve been dancing.”

“I rode the bull,” she said, moving a little further away from Joel. She needed the breathing room. Being close to him did all kinds of funny things to her insides.

“You did? Wow. Great job!” Josh exclaimed. “Did Joel?”

“No.”

“Chicken, brother?”

“No. I got busy congratulating Mesa and forgot.”

“Uh-huh.”

The look on Joshua’s didn’t face bode well for their continued anonymity. She really didn’t want his family knowing about their shared kisses or the fact of her wanting to get him in bed. She needed to forget about that part. He really should be beyond her reach. Girls like her didn’t get guys like him. Women like Brandy roped in guys like the triplets, with their penetrating blue gazes, rock hard bodies, and kissable, full lips. Damn.

“Dance with me, Mesa,” Joshua said, holding out his hand. “Please?”

“I’ll warn you, I step on toes.”

“No, she doesn’t,” Joel added. “She just learned to two-step though, so take it easy on her.”

“Of course, brother.”

She scooted out of the booth, allowing Joshua to take her hand and lead her to the dance floor. The whole time, she felt Joel’s gaze on her back. The moment they reached the wood flooring, Joshua swept her up in his arms, bringing her in close…too close. She pushed on his chest to put more space between them. “Ease up on the hold buddy, or you’re gonna lose something precious to you.”

“Come on. You like Joel. I can see it in your eyes. We’re identical.”

“In looks maybe. But you need to think about what you’re doing here.” She pushed again.

“What? I’m dancing with a pretty woman.”

“Who happens to be here with your brother.”

“So?”

“You don’t get it, do you? Do you guys always fight over women?”

‘No.” He grinned and winked. “I usually win.”

“Why? Because you’re an ass if you ask me.”

He put one hand on his chest. “I’m hurt, Mesa. I thought you were a nice girl.”

“I am, but I don’t put up with bullshit like what you’re trying to pull. Let me go.”

“I could make it good for you. Joel won’t go against the wishes of our mother and I think you want a good, hard lay.”

She pushed out of his arms, pulled back her arm and slapped him as hard as she could. “How dare you! Someday you’re going to find a woman who will put you in your place, Josh, and I’m going to laugh my ass off when I see it. Joel is twice the man you are.”

“What's going on?” Joel asked, sliding to a stop between her and Josh.

“Nothing. Josh was just leaving.”

“No I’m not.”

“Yeah, you are brother. You’ve obviously insulted my lady friend and I won’t put up with it. Go home before I kick your ass.”

“You can try.”

“Take it outside boys,” the bartender hollered from behind the bar. “No fighting in here. You know the rules.”

“Fine. Outside?” Josh asked, egging on his brother by smiling at Mesa.

“Bring it on, bro. I can kick your ass anytime.”

“Stop this!” she shouted, pulling on Joel’s arm. “Don’t do this. Don’t fight over nothing.”

“It’s not nothin’, darlin’. He insulted you or you wouldn’t have slapped him.”

Joel followed Josh to the door with Mesa following close on their heels. A crowd of people trailed behind her. Surely it wasn’t anything unusual for the Young brothers to fight? With nine of them, it couldn’t be that big of a deal, right?

“Joel, please.”

“No, Mesa. He’s been asking for this since he came onto you at the barn this afternoon. He thinks he can do whatever he pleases and there aren’t any consequences. Well there will be tonight.”

The moment they cleared the parking lot, Joshua spun around to rush Joel, pushing him up against the side of someone’s pickup.

“Fucker!”

“Kiss my ass, brother, and leave my girl alone.”

“She ain’t your girl, dumbass. You’ve known her what, six hours?”

Joel pushed Joshua back and swung, connecting with his jaw. Mesa flinched at the bone jarring sound, not sure if it was Joel’s knuckles or Joshua’s jaw. Josh took a swing, splitting Joel’s lip. Blood spurted everywhere.

“You’ll pay for that.” Joel jabbed Josh in the ribs, doubling him over as he grunted in pain. “I told you I could take you down, asshole. Just go home.”

“I’m gonna kick your ass,” Joshua wheezed, rolling over onto his side.

“You can’t even get up, Josh. Just stay down.”

“Fucker!”

“It’s not worth it. Go home.”

“I’ll go when I’m damned good and ready!” Josh rolled to his stomach and pulled his knees under him as he attempted to stand. One hand braced his ribs. “You fuckin’ broke my ribs!”

“You asked for it by being a jerk to Mesa.”

“She’s just a piece of ass, Joel.”

Joel swung again, connecting with Joshua’s jaw. The blow took Josh flat on his back and out cold.

“He’s unconscious!”

“Good. At least he won’t get up again.”

“You can’t leave him like this.” Mesa dropped down on the ground near Joshua’s head. Josh moaned but didn’t open his eyes.

“The hell I can't!”

“At least call one of your other brothers to come, Joel. He’s your brother.”

“He deserved it.” Joel wiped at the blood on his lip with the back of his hand, smearing it across his chin.

“I know he did, but please?”

“Fine.” Joe grabbed his brother’s arm and hoisted him over his shoulder. “He’s ridin’ in the back.”

“All right.”

“Get in. I guess our night is over.” He sounded disappointed.

Within moments, they were speeding down the road back toward the ranch with Joshua in the bed of the truck. He’d regained consciousness from what she could tell by looking out the window, but he didn’t sit up or anything, just stared at the stars.

“He’ll be fine. Mom will take care of him when we get home.”

“I’m sorry,” she murmured, feeling like shit for causing Joel and Joshua to fight. Of course, she’d never had two men fight over her before, much less two who looked like they did.