folded her arms. “No. We’re doing this the right way. You have to give your proposal too.”
All eyes were on him. Ethan gave him a curt nod. AJ leaned back in his seat and folded his arms. He lifted his feet onto the coffee table and crossed his ankles. “Fine. My idea was to get a trainer in here to be with the herd more frequently. We can train the cattle out of their large flight zone. The closer the cows let us get, the easier it will be when we have to brand them or move them to different corrals. It’s a time saver and eventually we might be able to pass on the genetic trait that makes them more docile. That’s all I got.” He met everyone’s eyes. His idea would save money and Kate’s would make more money.
Kate should win this round anyway just based on that fact alone.
His mother smiled. “I think both ideas are wonderful.” She turned to Ethan. “What do you think?”
Ethan placed his palms on his knees and stood up. “I think I’m going to have to think on both propositions and make a decision tomorrow. I’m ready to hang up the lasso.” He held out his hand to Hazel. “Ready to turn in? The dishes can wait until tomorrow.”
She accepted his hand and stood. “Arthur, will you be a dear and help Kate to the guest room?”
“Oh, Hazel. I’m sure I can make it to my place. I’ll be more comfortable there anyway.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. If you need help in the night, Arthur’s room is right across the hall. Stay here tonight and tomorrow we can reevaluate whether to take you to the doctor.”
Kate opened her mouth, then closed it, much like a fish would. AJ grinned and nodded to his mother. “I’ll make sure she gets settled.”
Hazel waved to them before retreating with Ethan.
“I don’t need your help, AJ.”
He shrugged. “A promise is a promise. You wouldn’t want me to break a promise to my mother, now, would you?”
Kate rolled her eyes and leaned against the cushion. Her eyes closed and she drew in a deep breath. “What are you doing, AJ?”
“Pardon?”
Without opening her eyes, she twirled her wrist. “All of this. What are you doing? You say you want a competition, then you turn cowardly and want to drop out. It doesn’t make sense.” She lifted her head and her eyes narrowed as she stared at him. “If you’re trying to distract me—”
He laughed. “Kate, I don’t think anyone could distract you if they tried. I’d be lying if I said I was still on board with the path we’re taking.”
“I’m not backing down, AJ. Despite being raised by Hazel and Ethan, you don’t have any clue what to do to make this ranch work. You know the basics but that’s all. You’re not entirely at fault either. I think they did you a disservice by raising you in such a free-range manner. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be the next in line, but I don’t think you can do it on your own and I don’t think you should be in charge.”
Ouch. But sometimes the truth hurt. That didn’t mean he wasn’t up for the challenge. He fully intended to getting up to speed. He got out of his chair and stood in front of her. “You know what I like about you, Katie? You don’t beat around the bush.”
“What?” she laughed.
“You have a point. I may not know everything you do, but I have experiences that can contribute to running this ranch.”
She snorted. “Like what? How to smile and wave as the crowd cheers you on?”
His eyes narrowed, his stomach tightening with irritation. “Do you think so little of me?”
“If the crown fits.”
“Crown?” he scoffed.
Kate smirked. “Terry Hill is a kingdom and you’re the prince. Despite not being ready, the monarchy still offers it to you on a silver platter.”
Chapter Sixteen
Kate knew she shouldn’t be goading him and she knew she was being cruel. She couldn’t deal with his sweet, happy nature. No, it was much easier to be in the same room with him when he was irritated and pushing back.
AJ’s brows lowered. “So we’re back to that again.” He straightened and stalked across the room. Spinning, he pointed a finger at her. “The game is back on and I’m not going to go easy on you this time.”
He stormed out of the room.
Kate sucked in a deep breath. With him out of the room, she could