True-Blue Cowboy - Vicki Lewis Thompson Page 0,45
the way you smell?”
“Loves it.”
Rafe shook his head. “If that don’t beat all. Go take your shower while I look this up on my phone.”
After showering in record time, Nick quickly shaved. He grabbed the bottle of shaving lotion, ready to slap some on as usual until he caught himself and put it back on the shelf.
Moving fast, he tugged on freshly washed jeans, a clean pair of socks and his good boots. T-shirts seemed to work for Eva, so he pulled on a white one and tucked it into the waistband of his jeans. As he was buckling his belt, Rafe came out of the kitchen, his phone in one hand and a just-opened bottle of cider in the other. The fight with Kate must really be bothering him.
“I read a couple of interesting articles. You could be onto something.”
“What’d they say?”
“It’s not just plain old sweat that works on ladies—some ladies, anyway. If the guy is sexually aroused when he’s sweating, that’s the magic combination.”
“And I absolutely had both kinds of sweat going on in the attic, so it makes perfect sense that she’d—”
“The attic? Please tell me you didn’t seduce that woman in a dusty old attic.”
“It’s more like she seduced me.”
Rafe’s eyes widened. “What about condoms? You’re not in the habit of carrying—”
“Kept my pants zipped. Just concentrated on making her happy.”
“In the attic? I’ll bet it was over a hundred degrees up there today. Not smooth, bro.”
“I don’t think she was looking for smooth. But thanks for reminding me about condoms. I was ready to leave without them.” He crouched in front of his bunk and pulled out the storage drawer underneath.
“Make sure they haven’t expired.”
“They’re fine.” But he checked the date before shoving four into his pocket.
“Is that enough?”
He glanced up. “Rafe, for God’s sake.”
“Just looking out for you, bro. And living vicariously.”
“Hey, I’m sorry about Kate.” He stood. “What’d you fight about?”
Rafe took a sip of his cider and gazed out the window. “She can’t get past her bad experience with her ex. She refuses to start anything with me because…” He paused and took another drag on his cider.
“Because?”
“Because she knows I want it all. Marriage, kids, the whole nine yards. She swears she’s never getting married again. She advised me to look elsewhere. I… well, I said a few things I shouldn’t have.”
“Like what?”
Rafe looked at him, his gaze bleak. “Doesn’t matter. Bottom line, I ruined our friendship.”
“Maybe not.” He hated seeing Rafe so down. Clearly the guy could use some company and maybe a game of gin rummy to take his mind off his troubles. Nick was torn.
The Brotherhood had established protocol for times like this—what would Charley do? Would he have chosen to keep the date with his lady love or hang out with a brother who needed moral support?
“I can see the wheels going around, bro. Get out of here. Go back to Eva’s.”
“But—”
“I mean it. I’ll throw your ass out the door if I have to.”
Nick grinned. “You could try.”
“And I’d succeed. I’m more dedicated to throwing you out than you’re set on sticking around. Vamoose.”
“Is there a problem?” Garrett opened the screen door and walked in.
Rafe glanced at Nick. “Nicholas is under the mistaken impression I need company. I don’t.”
“You want to be alone?” Garrett shoved back his hat. “I can head over to the barn if you—”
“Not necessary.” Rafe faced him. “How was the trip to Glacier?”
“Very nice. How was your ride with Kate?”
Would Rafe tell him? Nick wouldn’t bet on it. Garrett had been working at the Buckskin since February, but he was still referred to as the new hire. He wasn’t a part of the Brotherhood, at least not yet.
Rafe shrugged. “Not so good.”
“Ah. I’m sorry.”
“Me, too. You up for a game of cards?”
“Sure.” Garrett’s expression gave nothing away. “I’ll get myself a cold one.” He walked into the kitchen.
Nick kept his voice down. “Wasn’t sure you’d say—”
“I wasn’t, either. But maybe it’s time to bring him in.”
“Maybe. He pulls his weight.”
“He does. And now you don’t have to worry I’ll sit around feeling sorry for myself. Take off, bro.”
“Okay.” He reached across his bunk and grabbed his keys and his good hat from the row of pegs on the wall. “I might be late.” He picked up his phone.
“You and I are riding fence tomorrow.”
“I know. I’ll be here.”
“I could tell you to get some sleep but I’d be wasting my breath.”
Garrett walked in, cider in one hand and an open bag