Teaching Her Billionaire Cowboy Rookie - April Murdock Page 0,6

would have none of it. He nudged Mick forward as Bolton held out his hand.

“You must be Mr. Breeden.”

Mick stared at Bolton’s hand. “Yeah.”

“Breeden,” Ty warned.

Mick rolled his eyes. “Who was on the phone?”

Bolton stared at the phone on the couch and shook his head. “My mother.”

Mick’s brows lifted only slightly.

Bolton rubbed the back of his neck. “Apparently your mother and mine were—are sisters.”

Ty shoved his hands in his pockets as Mick wandered to a chair and dropped into it. “Okay.”

Bolton’s attention shifted from Mick to Ty and back again. “When my mother was about twenty, your mother was already considered the black sheep—so to speak.”

Mick’s features tightened further.

Bolton continued. “She’d fallen into the wrong crowd and had gotten into quite a bit of trouble. Our grandparents ended up kicking her out—or maybe she left and didn’t come back. It’s all a bit hazy. Either way, my mother hasn’t seen or heard from yours in just over thirty years.” He walked over to a small table and picked up a piece of paper. Crossing the floor slower this time, Bolton held it out to Mick. “From what I can gather, you don’t know where she is either.”

Mick stared at the paper and snatched it, shooting daggers at Ty as he shoved the letter in his jacket pocket. “That’s none of your business.”

Bolton sighed. “You’re right. But for what it’s worth, you’re welcome here. Whether or not you want to accept it, you’re family.”

Mick’s expression went slack. His mouth dropped open slightly and his eyes widened. “You don’t even know me.”

Bolton shrugged. “I don’t have to know you. Blood is blood, and we share it.”

Mick looked down at his hands.

Warmth grew in Ty’s chest. This was exactly what Mick needed. A hidden part of Ty’s heart longed for the same thing, but he squashed it like the bug it was. He had a family and they didn’t want anything to do with him. He took a deep breath and folded his arms. “I guess my work is done here. I’ll be heading out.”

Mick’s head shot up. “What? You can’t leave me here.”

Ty smirked. “Why not? This is perfect for you. You have your answers and what you need.”

Mick got to his feet and stalked over to Ty’s side. “I can’t stay here,” he whispered. “These people are… weird. They aren’t my family. Can you seriously see them taking me in? I mean, look at this place.” He gestured to the grand entry way.

Ty looked around. “Yeah, so? Sometimes weird is good.”

Mick shook his head. “If you’re leaving, I’m leaving.”

Ty sighed. He met Bolton’s curious gaze. “Do you by chance have any work we could do while he decides what’s going to happen next?” He bobbed his head toward Mick with a frown.

Bolton nodded. “There’s always a lot to do around here. In fact, someone just quit because they’re moving. What kind of experience do you have?”

Mick’s concerned expression darkened once again. “I don’t need a handout, Ty, I can find my own work.”

Ty ignored him. “I’ve got a little mechanic experience. And he knows how to operate any piece of equipment you got—including airborne.” This guy had to have a helicopter or some kind of special mode of transportation. Someone with his wealth knew how to spend it.

Bolton nodded. “I’m sure we could find a place for both of you.”

Ty would have to call the mechanic who’d hired him and let him know he might not be available as early as they’d planned. But if it meant Mick could get settled, then it would be worth it. Steven would have wanted him to do at least this so he was good with it.

He nodded. “Thanks.”

Chapter Four

Penny half-ran, half-skipped home. Her heart fluttered with the thought of those dark grey-hazel eyes. From the style of his hair to the way he reached for his gun just outside of sleep, he had to have some military background.

She smiled as she slipped through the gate. The thought of seeing him again filled her stomach with a swarm of butterflies. True, he’d repeated that he’d be leaving the minute his friend heard Chad out, but she could hope he’d stick around for a little while. There was something about him that she couldn’t get out of her mind.

He was attractive—but no more than some of the rodeo cowboys she’d seen perform during the local events. He was strong. The muscles that rippled each time he folded his arms over his chest showed he’d done hard