True-Blue Cowboy Read online

  Nick’s face heated but he didn’t duck his head. The Babes had emphasized during the rehearsal that hiding behind a hat was a no-no. Look them in the eye and smile. And he did, although his smile likely was more of a grimace.

  “I have something else to tell you about Bachelor Number Three, intel I obtained from one of Nick’s best friends. He said, and I quote, you can count on this guy. He’ll be there for you, no matter what. With Nick Le Grande you get strength of body and strength of character. That’s a bargain at any price. What am I bid for this amazing cowboy?”

  A woman called out a significant amount that made him blink in surprise. Eva? He spotted her blue hair and sure enough, she was on her feet. Then someone topped her bid. Sit down, Eva. Save your money.

  Instead she bid over the other lady. One of the servers at the Moose upped the ante. Eva hung in, raising her bid. Nick looked straight at her and gave a slight shake of his head. She looked right back and smiled.

  The first lady added more money to the pot and still Eva remained on her feet. The bidding kept on, going ever higher. A woman next to her, clearly a friend, grabbed her arm and tried to coax her back to her seat. She was having none of it.

  The bidding became more spirited as the amount spiraled into the ridiculous zone. He should have talked her out of this when he’d had the chance. Maybe now she’d drop out.

  Instead she doubled the previous bid. Sheesh.

  As the other two took their seats, she did a fist pump and grinned in triumph. His heart squeezed. He would work himself to the bone for her tomorrow. Even so, his labor wasn’t worth a third of what she’d just spent.

  “Nick.”

  He glanced down as someone wiggled his stirrup.

  Peggy gazed up at him, her expression sympathetic. “You need to dismount, cowboy,” she murmured.

  “Yes, ma’am.” He swung down. “What should I—”

  “I’ll take Thor. Pam will escort you to the Winners’ Circle.”

  “Winners’ Circle?” He handed her the reins as Pam came toward him.

  “Didn’t we tell you about that?”

  “If you did, I spaced it.”

  “We might have come up with the idea after we brainstormed with the Whine and Cheese Club. The Babes are escorting the bachelors to the Winners’ Circle and the Whine and Cheese ladies are doing the same with the winning bidders.”

  “Where is it?”

  “Behind the bleachers,” Pam said. “Come with me. Nice job, by the way.”

  “I didn’t do anything.” He fell into step beside her.

  “You showed up. And you delivered. We didn’t realize until the run-through that some of you guys were scared stiff.”

  “Could you tell just now?”

  “Nope. Your cheeks got a little pink ’cause you were embarrassed, but that was cute.”

  “What’s supposed to happen in this Winners’ Circle?”

  “You meet with your winning bidder, in your case, Eva. Deidre’s going up into the bleachers to escort her down.”

  “So I see.” Deidre, a buxom woman with fiery red hair, was standing in the bleacher aisle waiting for Eva to make her way over.

  “Have you met any of the Whine and Cheese ladies?”

  “Yes, ma’am, at Seth’s wedding. Deidre’s a little crazy, but in a good way.”

  “I couldn’t have said it better. Those women are aces in my book. We’ve already invited them to drive up for our next sleepover.”

  “Heaven help us.”

  “Hey, we’ll keep things circumspect.”

  He chuckled. “Sure. Because you always do.”

  “Nick Le Grande, how you talk.”

  “Just telling it like it is. Those sleepovers are already wild.” Adrenaline continued to race through his system and joking around with her helped calm him down.

  “Yeah, well, when you’re right, you’re right.”

  “Will you give us some advance warning? Just so the Brotherhood will be standing by in case things get totally out of hand.”

  “When have we ever had to call you boys to the rescue?”

  “Let’s see… the skinny dipping in the creek episode, the stargazing on the roof incident, and the—”

  “Yeah, yeah.” She laughed. “Point taken.”

  “So I meet up with Eva in the Winners’ Circle. What then? Are you gonna hang roses around our necks?”

  “Wish we’d thought of it.”

  “Glad you didn’t.”

  “Mostly you drink apple cider and eat munchies with the other bachelors and winners. Henri and Ben are back there with Jared and Beth.”

  “Beth who?”

  “Owens. Her shop is next to Jared’s.”

  “Oh, yeah. Racy Lace.”

  “Ever been in?”

  “No, ma’am.”

  “Well, if you ever need to buy something sexy for a special lady, that’s the place. And speaking of sexy, did you wash that shirt in hot water to make it shrink?”

  “I washed it in hot water by accident. Figured I’d use it for work. Then Eva said I should wear something snug, so I did.”

  “Eva was right.” She rounded the bleachers and gestured to a roped off area with a sparkly sign that said Winners’ Circle. “This is where you’ll be hanging out, and here come Henri and Ben to greet you. I need to skedaddle. Congrats on a great ride.” She gave his shoulder a squeeze.

  “Hey, son.” Henri walked toward him, a bottle of cider in her hand and a smiling Ben by her side. “That was terrific.”

  “Thanks, Henri.”

  “Good job, buddy.” Ben shook his hand.

  “You’re the flashy one, Ben, standing in the stirrups, doffing your hat to the crowd. Ever done any stunt riding?”

  “When I was younger and dumber.”

  Henri flashed him a grin. “And now you’re older and….”

  “Still dumb. Halfway into that stunt my left knee threatened to give out.” He winked at Henri. “But I got lucky.”

  She arched an eyebrow. “We’ll see about that.”

  Nick choked back a laugh. Henri was flirting. Never thought he’d see the day. Promised to be entertaining as hell.

  Henri glanced at him. “So who won the bidding? We couldn’t hear very well back there.”

  “Eva.”

  “Eva won?” Beth had come out of the Winners’ Circle with Jared and she hurried toward him.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Awesome.”

  “Hey, Nick,” Jared said, “do you know Beth? Her shop is—”

  “Next to yours.” He tipped his hat. “Pleased to meet you.”

  “Same here, Nick.”

  “Unfortunately, I’ve never been inside your place.”

  “No worries. Guess you haven’t had a reason.”

  “No, ma’am.” Still didn’t.

  She glanced over his shoulder and waved. “Here comes your winner.”

  Nick turned. Eva’s smile had a touch of—what was the word? Bravado. Like she’d done something outrageous and was daring him to comment on it. So maybe he wouldn’t.

  Deidre had an arm around her waist. “Nick Le Grande, it’s my privilege to present Eva Kilpatrick, your winning bidder.”

  “Thank you, ma’am. Eva and I—”

  “I’m aware you two know each other, but I love my job and I’m going to do it whether you need me to or not.”

  Nick grinned at Eva and the light of challenge in her eyes softened. Good. If they could muddle through this part together, it might be fun, after all.

  Deidre pulled a rolled piece of paper from her pocket, unfurled it with a flourish and began to read. “Eva Kilpatrick, you have this night purchased one of our esteemed bachelors, Nick Le Grande. He’s pledged to give you twelve hours of manual labor beginning tomorrow morning at eight sharp. Is that correct?”

  “Yes.”

  “Excellent. Nick Le Grande, you have participated in this bachelor auction with the understanding that you will donate twelve hours o
f manual labor to the winning bidder, Eva Kilpatrick, such labor to begin at eight sharp tomorrow morning. Is that correct?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Energy coursed through him. He could hardly wait to do that job for Eva. He’d give her a hundred and ten percent, especially after all she’d paid.

  “I now pronounce you bachelor and high bidder. May the contract between the two of you bring joy and satisfaction.”

  Had Deidre intended to echo the tone of wedding vows? He glanced at Eva, who looked uneasy, too.

  Deidre cleared her throat. “As a designated representative of Raptors Rise, I want to thank you both for your support. As we like to say in Eagles Nest—Your contribution is for the birds.” She paused and looked up. “Okay, I know that’s a lame joke, but my husband Jim thought of it and made me promise I’d use it this weekend. I’d like to tell him you laughed.”

  Nick managed a chuckle that sounded fake. Eva’s was even worse, like she was gargling mouthwash. Eyebrows lifted, he met her gaze. She cracked up and so did he. Okay. They’d be fine.

  Chapter Six

  In the salon, Eva was primarily in charge of her interaction with Nick. Sometimes he made suggestions about his haircut, but usually he put himself in her hands and let her tackle the job as she saw fit.

  The dynamic had flipped tonight. She was in his world and he took the lead. Fine with her. She was somewhat in awe of him after that daredevil ride and still shaky from the adrenaline rush of the auction.

  She and her friends had been such bachelor auction innocents. Ben Malone’s dazzling display of horsemanship had been their first clue they were about to be blown away by a lineup of sexy cowboys. When Jared had barreled through those double doors, Beth had been toast.

  She had done no better, losing all restraint when Nick had charged into the arena on a flashy palomino. She hadn’t talked to Fiona yet, but quite likely she’d also burned through her limit to win Leo.

  She didn’t regret a thing. She’d had a blast competing for Nick and shutting out the wannabe bidders. Now she’d get her attic emptied, her rocks dug up, and maybe a waterfall built.

  She’d also have fun partying with Nick tonight, and in this crowd, being with him was a plus. He had the respect and, in many cases, the love of the folks involved in the fundraiser. As the Winners’ Circle filled with participants and supporters, he introduced her to those she hadn’t met, mainly anyone who’d driven up from Eagles Nest.

  CJ and Isabel were there, too. They’d booked appointments at the salon separately in the past couple of months, but Eva hadn’t seen them together since Isabel had moved to Apple Grove. CJ clearly was besotted. He’d never looked at her the way he was looking at his fiancée.

  To think she’d pegged him as a candidate for a casual fling—a carefree, guitar playing cowboy who’d keep it light and breezy. But this was the real CJ. Maybe she was slightly jealous of Isabel for snagging such a cutie-pie, but she wouldn’t want to be in Isabel’s boots, pregnant and planning her wedding.

  When everyone headed up to Ed’s house for what Ellie Mae called the after-party, Nick escorted her, his hand resting lightly against the small of her back. She’d touched him often during his hair appointments. Had he ever touched her?

  Not on purpose. Her inclination to give clients a friendly pat on the shoulder didn’t go both ways, did it? But Nick wasn’t a client tonight and he’d underlined that fact with a gesture that signaled she was with him.

  Ellie Mae led the procession as Ed’s impressive house loomed ahead. Judging from the exterior, a combination of native stone and rough-hewn wood, it would live up to its reputation.

  Ed had preceded them, and she opened the front door, a thick slab of carved wood. Rainbows of light spilled onto the porch from stained glass windows on either side of the door. They were shaped like a clover leaf with the initials EJV centered in each.

  Nick pointed to them. “That’s the outline of a barrel-racing course.”

  “Whoa. Subtle. I wouldn’t have picked up on it.”

  Ellie Mae mounted the stone steps. “Edna Jane, you have done very well for yourself.”

  Ed laughed. “Thanks, Ellie Mae.”

  “When can I move in?”

  “Anytime, Ellie Mae.” Ed didn’t bat an eye. “Happy to have you.”

  “Just kidding! I would never leave Eagles Nest. But I might be persuaded to visit you now and then.”

  “Your room will be waiting.”

  “Good. I’ll make sure to check it out before I leave tonight.” She took the final step to the porch and turned. “Get a move on, people! Time to par-tay!”

  Eva followed the group up the steps and through the ginormous front door. Stepping aside to let others through, she paused to gape.

  A massive rock fireplace with a gnarled wood mantle contrasted with glittering crystal chandeliers hanging from peeled-log beams. Groupings of brightly colored furniture broke up the expanse of Ed’s living room, inviting cozy chats. Western art decorated the walls.

  “Nick, this is magnificent.”

  He leaned closer. “Wait until you taste the food.”

  “Looking forward to it.” His comment made her smile. By the end of his first appointment, she’d figured out that eating was his favorite pastime.

  No wonder he was excited about a party at Ed’s. Food stations sat at convenient points around the room—fruit and cheese on one table, salads on one nearby, cold cuts on another, warm entrees in chafing dishes next to it and a dazzling array of desserts on yet another table. A bar was set up in a far corner.

  She glanced up at Nick. “This must be your idea of heaven.”

  “Pretty much.” He gestured to a coatrack by the door where several purses hung. “That’s the official spot if you want to leave—”

  “I do. Perfect.” She looped the strap of hers over one of the empty hooks.

  “Ready to dive in?”

  “Absolutely. Lead the way.” She made the rounds with him and ended up with more than she could eat because he insisted she try everything. Carrying full plates and crystal goblets of draft apple cider, they located a place to sit.

  They were soon joined by Leo and Fiona. Before anyone had taken a bite, Ed showed up with a fancy camera.

  “Hang on, boys! Don’t start eating yet.” She swept a hand toward the fireplace. “I need three minutes to get a group shot of all the bachelors right over there. I promise it won’t take any longer than that.”

  After Nick and Leo put down their plates and excused themselves, Eva turned to Fiona. “Quick, I’m dying to know what you think of Leo.”

  “He’s a perfect gentleman.”

  “And?”

  She lowered her voice. “Guarded. He’d be tough to get to know.”

  “I certainly can’t help you there, since I don’t know him at all. I—” She paused as Beth came over holding her plate and a goblet of cider. “Hey, girlfriend.” She motioned her to sit and leaned closer. “How’s it going with Jared?”

  “It’s a work in progress. Evidently we don’t know how to be together without talking about business.”

  “When’s he taking you to the drive-in?”

  “Tomorrow night.”

  She turned to Fiona. “When are you and Leo going—”

  “Also tomorrow night.”

  “That settles it,” Eva said. “Monday night we need to have dinner and compare notes.”

  Fiona nodded. “For sure. Come to my apartment at six. It’s my turn to host.”

  “I’ll be there,” Eva said.

  “Me, too.” Beth glanced at them. “I couldn’t hear how the bidding went. Did you guys stay within your budget?”

  “I way overspent,” Fiona said. “Same as you two.”

  “Eva, you blew your budget?” Beth stared at her. “I thought of all of us, you’d hold the line.”

  “I tried to stop her,” Fiona said, “but it was a hopeless cause. Then I followed both of you down that rabbit hole. I won’t be taking advantage of the L
abor Day Weekend sales at Jeans Junction this year.”

  “Me, either,” Eva said. “I blame the way they rode in.”

  “No kidding.” Fiona pressed a hand to her heart. “Leo did this trick where he hung off one side of the saddle while the horse was galloping and then vaulted to the other side. I was so afraid he’d fall, but he was in complete control. I wonder if he was a stunt man before he moved here.”

  “Did you ask him?”

  “Yes, and he dodged the question. I already know he doesn’t want to discuss his past. He—”

  “Zip it,” Beth said. “The guys are coming back.”

  When Nick arrived, he took one look at Eva’s goblet and held out his hand. “Looks like you need a refill.”

  Evidently during the conversation with Beth and Fiona, she’d drained her glass. Whoops. “Thank you, but please make it the virgin kind. I’m the designated driver.”

  “That reminds me,” Fiona said. “Leo’s offered to take me home.”

  “I’d planned to take Beth home, too.” Jared turned to her. “That’s if you want me to.”

  “I appreciate the offer, but I’ll ride back with Eva.”

  “Oh,” Fiona said. “Then so will I.”

  “That’s silly.” Eva didn’t want to stand in the way of either of them spending time with their chosen guys. “I can—”

  “I have a solution.” Nick glanced down at her. “Let me drive you home and bring you back here in the morning to pick up your truck. I’ll need to be at your house before eight, anyway, so I can get started on time. What do you say?”

  “That’s very gallant of you.” From this angle his muscular chest was even more impressive. He’d taken her suggestion about wearing a tight T-shirt. Nice. “But then you can’t enjoy an extra glass of cider.”

  He held her gaze. “Not a problem.”

  Had his eyes always been that blue? Maybe it was the navy T-shirt that emphasized the color. “Okay, then, thank you. A ride home would be lovely.”

  “Good.” He smiled. “I’ll fetch you a refill.”

  Ellie Mae’s words came back to her. You can count on this guy. Nick had just removed responsibility from her shoulders so she could fully participate in this gala.

  Why not let go of her duties for one evening? She loved her job and didn’t mind the work involved with her house, but it might be time to relax and enjoy herself for a change.