The Cowboy Who Saved Christmas - Jodi Thomas Page 0,60

to sit, stand, or lean on while everyone else worked their asses off. Guys called him Heavy Lean Deen.”

I gasped. “Oh my God, I remember that. Or—indirectly anyway. I remember hearing you all talk about him—”

“I do, too,” Malcolm said. “I didn’t remember his real name, but I remember the nickname.”

“You do?” I asked.

Malcolm nodded. “One of only two men I’ve ever fired in my life.”

“You fired him from the Lucky B?” I said, widening my eyes. “When? Why?”

“Right after . . . Mr. Mason left,” Malcolm said, pointing awkwardly at Ben. “Caught him stealing tools. Sacking them away in his horse’s saddlebags. I had a feeling it wasn’t the first time.”

I thought of what Ben had told me about their theft suspicions, which, sadly, just helped to confirm all he’d said.

“So, he was the one,” Ben said. “He was the only one down there who knew who I was. How convenient. He works for an oil company out of Houston now.”

“God, the whole world is crooked,” I breathed, closing my eyes. “I can’t trust anything.”

I heard a sharp release of breath, and I opened my eyes to see Ben drop his blanket and grab his nearly dry shirt.

My throat went just as dry, and Lila turned around and busied herself as Ben made the inappropriate movement of being shirtless in mixed company. But that was the thing with him. It wasn’t inappropriate in his world; it was just life. He and I were much alike in that regard, not giving a damn about etiquette, albeit easier for him. Men could get away with that line of thinking, while I sat there not looking away, soaking up every inch of skin and wanting to lick every muscle. His back was even better, but I didn’t see much of it as he yanked on his shirt and whirled on me.

“I have to go check on Abigail,” he said tightly.

“O—okay,” I stuttered, not quite understanding the crisp coldness coming from him. I stood. “I need to go check on the herd myself.”

“I’ll do that,” Malcolm said, pushing to his feet. “The storm let up. Might even turn to some flurries, as cold as it’s getting out there.”

“No, Malcolm, I’ve got it—”

“Let him go, Josie,” Ben said, his voice booming. I stopped, stone still, as did Malcolm and Lila.

Chapter 11

1904

Ben

I couldn’t listen to another word about how she couldn’t trust anyone. To hell with it all. I had enough to deal with in my life, with Abigail and the ranch and all the little details of both that kept me running. I didn’t need Josie Bancroft’s drama.

Not even when I could still taste her sweetness on my tongue.

I didn’t mean to raise my voice, but damn it—the constant need to do everything herself made me want to shake her till her teeth rattled. Or until I could shut her up again with my mouth. Which if we were alone, I would do in a heartbeat.

“He’s offering to help,” I said, pointing at Malcolm.

“But—”

“But nothing,” I growled. “Let him help you.” Yes, let that inflection set in. “I’m going to make sure my daughter is all right, and then I’m coming back with some men to give him a hand—”

“Ben,” she began, that chin going up in the air already.

“I don’t give a damn what you need or don’t need, Josie,” I said, making her blink quickly. “I don’t care that you don’t want my help. I’m doing it.” I pulled on my shoes roughly and looked around for anything else of mine that might be lying about. “Be out there if you need to, but I’ll be there, too. You aren’t alone anymore.”

Josie looked away, her jaw tight. “I’m always alone.”

“That’s a load of bull, Miss Josie,” Malcolm said, turning back. Her eyes went wide. “I’m sorry, and maybe it’s not my place to say, but look around you right now, young lady. Are you alone in this room? Did you fetch that tea? Did you warm that blanket? Did you stoke that fire?” He shook his head, running veined hands through his silver hair before shoving his hat on top. “We might not be blood, but no one cares for you more than we do.” He gestured toward me. “You’ve been praying for help. Get out of your own way and pay attention.”

Malcolm nodded toward Lila as he turned and left the room, touching the brim of his hat.

“Miss Lila.”

Both women stared after him, slack-jawed, Lila a little flushed. I guessed they’d