True-Blue Cowboy Read online

  “Doesn’t it look great there?” The painting had been her Aunt Sally’s favorite, a laughing woman in a summer dress running through a field of wildflowers. She’d hung it over the antique loveseat.

  “Perfect.” Fiona nodded enthusiastically, making her ponytail swing. “And by the way, are the wine glasses on the dining table valuable antiques? I’m asking for a friend.” She grinned at Beth.

  “That was a one-time situation. I was upset and got careless with my wine glass.” Beth glanced at Eva. “But just so I know, are those priceless?” She pointed to the mismatched wineglasses on the table. “Like, is there a one-of-a-kind Baccarat in the mix?”

  “No. I’ve found a few things in the china cabinet that might qualify as priceless, but the glasses aren’t.”

  “Sell the priceless stuff online,” Fiona said. “With the right ad copy, you might get—”

  “Ack, blasphemy!” Eva waved her hands in the air. “I didn’t buy this place to bleed off its assets. Unless I positively hate something, it stays. I don’t care what it’s worth.”

  Fiona’s eyes rounded. “How can you not care? You’re more cash-strapped than we are now that you’ve bought—”

  “My old house back.” She glanced from Beth to Fiona. “I’ve never said that out loud. Does it sound crazy?”

  Beth shook her head. “Not to me. Judging from the pictures you showed us, this house looks a lot like the one you grew up in.”

  “Forget what I said.” Fiona came over and gave her a hug. “I was hung up on being practical.”

  “Which this house isn’t.” Eva cast a loving gaze over the two rooms she’d finished. “I don’t care. It feels like home already.” She gestured to the table. “Let’s sit.”

  “You should take the head of this grand old table.” Beth moved around to pull out the chair on her left. “Wow, the upholstery on the seat is in great shape. Comfy, too.”

  “Which means it’s been reupholstered.” Eva claimed the spot Beth had assigned her.

  “I love a dining chair with arms.” Fiona settled into the one on Eva’s right. “You can relax into it.”

  “I guess that’s true. I was so busy cleaning I didn’t take the time to try out the chairs. They’re cushy.”

  Beth glanced at her. “Is this the first meal you’ve eaten in here?”

  “As a matter of fact. Eating alone at a table for eight feels weird. I’ve been using the one in the kitchen.”

  “I’m honored we’re the first guests to enjoy this great setting.” Fiona picked up her wine glass. “To many more dinners in this lovely room.”

  “I’ll drink to that.” Beth clinked glasses with Eva and Fiona before taking her first sip. “And I can’t wait to dive into this antipasto platter.” She set down her glass and helped herself to some provolone, olives and artichoke hearts. “Are you two still up for the Raptors Rise benefit on Saturday?”

  “I am.” Fiona served herself. “I’ll close the shop at noon.” She glanced at Eva. “How about you?”

  “We’re also closing at noon. I’ll need a few minutes to get ready, but I can meet you guys about twelve-thirty.”

  “I was hoping you both were still going,” Beth said. “I can use the moral support.”

  Eva had a bite halfway to her mouth and put it down again. “You’ve decided to bid on Jared?”

  “Yep.” Beth took a hefty swallow of wine. “Might as well find out if he’s into me at all.”

  Eva gazed at her friend. “Whenever I see you two together, he acts like he is.”

  “Then why hasn’t he suggested going for a drink at the Moose after work? He almost always closes Logan’s Leather the same time as I lock up Racy Lace.”

  “Hm.” Fiona gazed at her. “Why haven’t you asked him to go for drinks?”

  She sighed. “I’m too chicken. If he said no, I’d still have to see him all the time. That would be awkward.”

  Fiona took another helping of the antipasto. “But you’re not too chicken to bid on him at the auction?”

  “That’s different. I’m helping him raise money for Raptors Rise. We’re doing our civic duty.”

  Eva smiled. “So selfless. Where would he take you if you win?”

  “To the re-opened drive-in movie theater.”

  “Nice.”

  “I like the idea. It’s retro. Casual yet cozy. We’re not staring at each other over a table and wondering what to say. Even if he doesn’t ask me out after that, it won’t be so pointed. I just need to win the bid.”

  “Don’t worry,” Fiona said. “We’ll cheer you on as you blithely empty your checking account.” She looked over at Eva. “Am I right?”

  “Absolutely. I, on the other hand, don’t want to get carried away when I bid on Nick Le Grande.”

  Beth’s eyebrows lifted. “Nick? Do you like him? I don’t remember you ever saying—”

  “Of course I like him, but I don’t like him. I just want what he’s offering—twelve hours of manual labor. I don’t want to exceed my budget, though, so if I get bidding fever, hold me back.”

  “Aha!” Fiona looked up at the ceiling. “This is all about that interesting stuff in the attic.”

  “Bingo. And when he’s brought everything downstairs, I’ll send him out to the backyard to dig up rocks. When I mentioned that, he suggested using the rocks for a waterfall. I think he’s interested in helping me build it.”

  Beth’s gaze grew speculative. “Considering the forecast for Saturday and your lack of A/C, he’ll probably have his shirt off by the time he’s digging up rocks and building a waterfall.”

  “So what?”

  “So what? Hey, you may not like him.” She made air quotes. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t take him a refreshing beverage if he’s working shirtless in your backyard.”

  “I probably will, now that you mention it. But I’d do it to keep him hydrated, not so I can admire his muscles.”

  Fiona reached over and patted her arm. “You’re missing the point. Nick has a nice body and likely worked hard to make it that way.”

  “That may be true, but—”

  “Trust me, he won’t be offended if you give him an admiring glance or two. He might be disappointed if you don’t.”

  “Oh, for heaven’s sake. He won’t be disappointed because we don’t have that kind of relationship. We’re just friends.”

  “Is that how he’ll see it if you bid on him? A bachelor auction has a sexy vibe.”

  “Maybe for Beth and Jared, but not for me and Nick. He knows exactly why I’m doing it. We talked about it when he came in for a haircut today.”

  “Okay, then.” Fiona shrugged. “Maybe the two of you will spend a sweaty day together and still be just good buddies at the end of it.” She glanced at Beth. “What do you think?”

  Beth smiled at Eva. “I think I want a play-by-play on Monday morning. You’ve got your dream house. Now you need to find your dream man.”

  “Nah, I don’t believe in that stuff.”

  “What stuff?”

  “You know.” Eva waved a hand in the air. “Someday my prince will show up, sweep me off my feet and we’ll live happily ever after.”

  “I’m confused,” Beth said. “Weren’t you lusting after CJ a couple of months ago?”

  “I was, but now that I see how happy he is with a fiancée and a baby on the way, I realize he would have been the exact wrong guy for me. I don’t want to get tied down.”

  “Why not?”

  “Didn’t we talk about this one time?”

  Beth shook her head. “Not that I remember. Fi, does this sound familiar?”

  “Sort of. I remember something about not getting married, but I didn’t think that meant never.”

  Eva shrugged. “I just don’t see myself making that commitment. Aunt Sally was happy being single. She had boyfriends but didn’t live with or marry any of them. Josette seems perfectly fine on her own. Ed does, too. I think it’s the way to go.”

  “I’ll be dar
ned.” Beth gazed at her. “I thought for sure buying this place was a first step to finding Mister Right and filling the house with kids.”

  “Nope. Aunt Sally didn’t feel that need. Miss Barton didn’t, either. And neither do I.”

  Chapter Three

  Nick’s T-shirt was damp with sweat as he and Rafe exited Ed’s indoor riding arena. Normally her arena served as a barrel-racing practice site for the Babes on Buckskins, a close-knit group of women that included Nick and Rafe’s boss, Henri Fox.

  Tonight, it would be the scene of Apple Grove’s first-ever bachelor auction. Because the participants were all cowboys, they’d be showcased on horseback.

  The building had A/C, but Nick had put effort into his riding during the run-through for tonight’s event. And—might as well admit it—he had a bad case of jitters. Rafe looked uneasy, too.

  Ed came out with them, using the excuse that she needed some fresh air. Nick wasn’t fooled. She’d noticed he and Rafe had stage fright. They were in for a pep talk.

  The area between the arena and Ed’s palatial ranch house bustled with activity connected to the Raptors Rise fundraising event—vendors and townspeople in a festive mix.

  Ed surveyed the scene before turning to Nick and Rafe. “Forgive me for being blunt, but you boys seem uncomfortable with the bachelor auction concept.”

  Nick heaved a sigh. “I want to help out, but you’re right. I’m nervous as hell.”

  “I wasn’t nervous until that rehearsal,” Rafe said. “Leo and Garrett seemed fine with galloping around the arena, showing off. Teague and Logan, too. As for Ben, he’s always been cool. But I—”

  “Don’t be fooled.” Ed shoved her hands in the pockets of her jeans. “Ben’s a showman at heart, which is why the Choosy Moose has done so well over the years. Jared may be okay with it, too. But the others are just better at disguising their feelings than you are.”

  “The thing is, we’re cowboys.” Nick took his hat off and ran his fingers through his hair. “Not performers.”

  “That hits the nail on the head.” Rafe grimaced. “Then there’s the whole bidding thing. Like I’m a prize bull or stallion.”

  Ed smiled. “Some men would love that comparison.”

  “Not me.”

  “The key is to relax and have fun with it. You boys aren’t used to being in the spotlight.”

  Nick took a deep breath. “That’s for sure.”

  “Every performer I know, including me, gets a touch of nerves as they wait for their cue. But when they get out there and the crowd is clapping and cheering, they’re fine. You will be, too.”

  Rafe shook his head. “I seriously doubt that. Whose idea was this, anyway?”

  Ed was a tall woman, but she still had to look up to make eye contact with Rafe, who stood six-six in his bare feet, six-eight in boots. “Ben suggested it.”

  “Ben?” Nick frowned. “Why would he—”

  “Henri.” Amusement danced in her eyes and she looked much younger than eighty-five. “Not just because of her. A bachelor auction’s a proven moneymaker. As a bonus, Henri will feel obligated to bid on him because Raptors Rise is her pet project. And he’ll finally get a date with her after all these years.”

  “Yeah,” Nick said, “but not if somebody outbids her.”

  Ed’s eyebrows rose. “Can you picture that happening? You do know Henri Fox, right?”

  Rafe chuckled. “That’ll be fun to watch. Knowing this tickles me enough I might just get over myself and have a good time.”

  “Yeah, me too.” Nick grinned. “Gotta hand it to Ben. Well-played.”

  “I’m glad you both approve. Where are you off to now that the rehearsal’s over?”

  Rafe glanced toward a spacious tent marked with a hanging wooden sign etched with someone’s signature. “I was planning to check out Quinn Sawyer’s scratchboard art. I heard he brought up his Birds of Prey collection.”

  “Great idea. I didn’t get a chance to check out his work when we went down to Eagles Nest for Seth’s wedding. Mind if I tag along?”

  “Glad to have you. Nick? You in?”

  “Why not? I didn’t get to see any of his stuff when we were down there, either. Then again, I was distracted by all the goodies from the bakery. What was the name of it?”

  “Pie in the Sky. Can’t believe you don’t remember the name. You were so in love with it, I wondered if we’d have to leave you in Eagles Nest.”

  “Nah, my heart belongs to the Apple Barrel’s signature pie, but I can still taste those brownies.”

  “Now you sound like your old self, bro.” Rafe led the way to Quinn Sawyer’s tent.

  An attractive woman with silver streaks in her dark hair stood near the entrance. Had to be Kendra McGavin. Her smile lit up her blue eyes. “Rafe, isn’t it? And…”

  “Nick Le Grande, ma’am.” Nick tipped his hat. “And this is Ed Vidal. She shortened her—”

  “In January I was still using Edna.” She stepped forward and shook hands with Kendra. “I like Ed better.”

  “I remember you well. You’re the champion barrel racer. I normally use Kendra, but when my first grandchild was born I decided to be Granny Ken. Shakes things up a bit.”

  Ed smiled. “Always a good thing.” She glanced toward the rear of the tent. “Looks like Quinn is involved with a customer. We can just browse until he’s done.”

  Kendra lowered her voice. “She’s not a customer. He’d probably welcome the interruption.”

  Quinn, a tall, very fit cowboy with graying hair, worried the brim of his Stetson as he held a hushed but tense discussion with the woman who faced him. Her hairstyle and tailored Western wear had a timeless quality that made it tough to guess her age. But her stance telegraphed determination.

  Rafe frowned. “Is she some kind of groupie?”

  “And what’s she doing with a bullhorn?” Nick peered at her. “If she’s not from around here, I can’t imagine why she’d have—”

  “I think I know her.” Ed studied the woman. “What’s her name?”

  “Ellie Mae—”

  “Oh, my God.” Ed’s eyes widened. “It’s Ellie Mae Stockton. The bullhorn should have tipped me off. What’s she up to?”

  “She wants to stand outside the tent and drum up business.”

  Ed glanced around the deserted tent. “You do seem short on customers.”

  “We had plenty this morning when it was cooler. Quinn’s sold some pricey items and he’s satisfied with the donation he’ll be able to make. He doesn’t want her out there hawking his art. That’s not how he presents himself.”

  “Judging from his expression, he’s being way too nice.” Ed continued to watch the pair. “That woman has spent decades in the film industry. She has the soul of a circus barker and a will of iron.”

  Nick perked up. He’d always been fascinated by Ed’s connection to Hollywood. “Is that where you know her from?”

  “Oh, yeah. Directors loved putting a bullhorn in her hand and letting her direct the troops. She’s the unstoppable person you want in your lifeboat even if she’s a royal pain in the ass. She’ll be out there with her bullhorn promoting Quinn’s art or know the reason why.”

  “He’ll hate that.”

  “Then stand aside, Granny Ken.” Ed threw her shoulders back and lifted her chin. She looked a lot taller than she had a few seconds ago. “I’m going in.”

  Nick elbowed Rafe in the ribs and winked. “Let’s get closer. This’ll be good.”

  Kendra blinked. “What’s she going to do?”

  “I’m not sure, but I’ve seen her strike that pose a few times before. It’s like the moment when Superman rips open his shirt. She goes from being a perky senior citizen to Edna Jane Vidal, world-champion barrel racer.”

  “Then yeah, let’s get closer.” Kendra waved them forward.

  Ed lengthened her stride and spoke with the authority of a drill sergeant. “As I live and breathe, if it isn’t Ellie Mae Stockton!”

  The
other woman whirled. “Edna?”

  “Who else?” She raised her arms. “The queen of the arena is in the building!”

  Ellie Mae lifted the bullhorn and bellowed into it. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I present the one, the only, Edna Jane Vidal!” She laid the bullhorn on a nearby display table and rushed forward with a loud whoop.

  Laughing like teenagers, the two women exchanged vigorous hip bumps and an elaborate fist and hand-slapping routine, clearly a ritual from their shared past. At the end of it, Ed gave Ellie Mae a light punch on the arm. “Whatcha doing with that bullhorn, girl? Causing trouble as usual?”

  “Trying to, Edna Jane, except this gentleman is resisting my best efforts.” She swept an arm toward Quinn. “Talk some sense into him, please. He’s got amazing artwork, but he doesn’t understand you gotta sell it. Know what I mean?”

  “Sure do. Nothing wrong with pimping yourself out for a good cause.”

  Quinn sent a silent plea in Kendra’s direction and she started forward.

  “But, alternatively…” Ed positioned herself to block Kendra’s progress. “You could be wasting your talents in this case. Especially when you’re desperately needed elsewhere.”

  Ellie Mae folded her arms and narrowed her eyes. “Don’t try to distract me, Edna Jane. I’ll be very good for Quinn’s bottom line, which will be very good for Raptors Rise.”

  “I don’t doubt that for a minute. But hear me out. I assume you’re aware of our signature event tonight?”

  “Who isn’t? I have my eye on the owner of the Choosy Moose. He’s hot.”

  “A word to the wise, Ben could never keep up with you. Besides, I have a much tastier plan. Why be stuck in the crowd tonight when you could be up on stage hob-knobbing with all those gorgeous cowboys?”

  “You want me to be the stage manager?”

  “Even better, I want you in charge of the entire shootin’ match. I was going to claim that role, but—much as I hate to say so—you’re a better fit. How would you like to be our auctioneer?”

  Color bloomed in Ellie Mae’s cheeks and a shiver of excitement rippled through her slim body. Then she took a slow breath and studied her manicured nails. “I might consider it.” She looked up. “Will there be an after-party?”