Take the Reins (A Cowboy's Promise #2) - Megan Squires Page 0,16

hers in a near-bone crushing shake. “Josie Friar.”

Seth’s brother waggled his index finger. “That’s right. Josie. You run that—”

“Horse shoeing business,” Josie answered before he could fill in the blank with the false information she knew was coming. She wasn’t Bridgette—Seth’s ex—and certainly could never be passed off as the beautiful woman. Still, she had a hunch these two weren’t the most perceptive of men. She took her chances and rolled with it.

“Right.” The man nodded. “I knew it had something to do with animals.”

“And you’re dating Seth?” Seth’s father narrowed his eyes under wiry, thick, charcoal-hued brows.

“They’ve been dating for years, Dad.” Suddenly, the brother was the expert on this fictitious relationship.

“Sure, sure.” Even though his words affirmed his belief, his wary gaze that continued to study Josie with scrutiny made her palms itch. She hated to lie. But she really didn’t like the unkind way they spoke of the man who had been nothing but completely kind to her. She had to stand up for him. “You guys pretty serious?”

Josie tried to nod, but the movement turned into a twitch instead. “Serious enough that I just moved onto the property. That’s my fifth wheel parked on the other side of the dairy barn.”

The man lifted a hand to stroke his scruffy jaw, the only part of him that bore any resemblance to Seth. “Oh yeah? Well, you know what? That’s good to hear. Really good to hear. Maybe Seth has finally decided to grow up and plant some roots.”

“Doubtful,” Seth’s brother snickered. He spat once more. “Nice to finally meet you, though, Josie.”

“Same.” Josie paused.

“Name’s Tanner. And this is Dad, otherwise known as Mitch.”

“Glad to finally put a couple faces to the names. Seth’s talked about you both a lot over the years.”

“Wish I could say the same, but as you know, Seth’s a private man,” Mitch said. Josie could sense the insult meant to come across in that statement. “You know what? I say it’s time we change that. How about you come over for dinner at the main house tonight? We’ll cook up some steaks. Throw them on the grill. Crack open a bottle of wine and celebrate Seth finally becoming a man.”

Like the lie grew wings and took off with her in its clutches, Josie clung to her story and held on tight. “Seth’s actually taking me out tonight, but I’d love a rain check.”

“This Thursday, then.”

Thursday. Not a lot of time, but hopefully enough to fill Seth in on the outrageous tale, grovel, and then ask his forgiveness, which she knew she didn’t deserve. Josie had plans to borrow his truck that afternoon, but maybe she should use it to hook her trailer up and get the heck out of Dodge. Even though she hadn’t been at the ranch a full day, she feared she’d already overstayed her welcome.

7

Seth

“I’ve got something I need to get off my chest.”

Seth drug his napkin over his lips and then crumpled it in his fist before dropping it onto the wood planked picnic table. Josie sat across from him, but had yet to make eye contact during their lunch. He’d tried, but she diverted her gaze each time his eyes attempted to latch onto hers, evading connection at every turn like a politician dodging a question. “You don’t actually like turkey sandwiches, do you?”

“No.” Josie lowered her sandwich to the brown paper wrapper and filled her lungs with a sharp breath. “No. It’s not that. The sandwich is fine. Good, actually. Really good.” She shoved her hair from her eyes and looked around like she expected someone to sneak up on her. She took another rallying breath. “I met your dad and brother while you were at the store.”

“I’m sorry.” Seth had to chuckle. They weren’t all bad, but they were definitely cut from a different cloth than Seth, a cloth which lacked manners, respect and decorum when it came to the opposite sex. He hoped they hadn’t said or done anything too offensive in his absence. “I should’ve warned you they were coming back into town early. I thought I’d get back before they did. That’s on me.”

“That’s not the issue at all. It’s just…It’s just, they might be under the impression I’m someone else.”

“Like they got you confused with somebody?” Seth chewed slowly, Josie’s words a speed bump. She wasn’t the sort of woman easily confused with others. She was altogether unique in an intriguing and downright unforgettable way.

“Like I confused them into thinking I’m someone

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