Page 9 of Some Cowgirls are Worth Protecting

What? Friend?

He fought the instinct to tell them she was wrong. He wasn’t her friend, and she didn’t ask him to be there. Why would she lie about that?

Probably because he wasn’t supposed to be here. That was why. Hudson didn’t know who these men were, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t do some damage. They could easily call the cops, and then he wouldn’t be able to figure out what Rachel was up to. If her friend had taken over this property, he needed to know if it was going to be a threat to the way people lived out here.

The men stared at him with surprise, but neither one of them asked any questions, which was probably a good thing. Rachel glanced up at him. “Thanks for your help today, Hudson. I will be sure to take your thoughts under consideration.”

He opened his mouth, then thought better of it. At any moment, she could tattle on him. He’d figure this out one way or another. He just needed to get her to answer some questions. Hudson touched the brim of his hat, then nodded to the men. Lucky for him, he knew where he could find Rachel. She wasn’t going to be able to avoid him for long.

Hudson turned his horse around and headed back the way he’d come, which was through an old gate that Hennesy had probably forgotten about. Hudson wasn’t sure why the properties were linked, but it served him now, and that was all that mattered. Wade didn’t have any animals in the pasture that pushed up against this property, so there was no worry on his side, but he should probably get it fixed up before Rachel’s friend found it.

Only two days had passed since Hudson and Rachel bumped into each other on the property her friend was buying. She’d still managed to avoid him at his home—a fact that surprised him, seeing as she used to spend all her time there when she wanted to see Athena.

He’d been tempted to ask about Rachel’s address so he could corner her and make her tell him what was going on. He needed to know the plan. It was as if he’d been set out on a specific path, and now he had to see it through. If he could just find out what was going on with the property, then he would be able to drop it.

Okay, that might not be entirely true. He didn’t know if he’d be able to drop it if the new owner was going to create an eyesore.

It was just after lunch when Athena and Henry returned from doing wedding stuff. They pulled up in front of the house and climbed out of the truck. “I really liked that reception center in Billings, but I honestly think we should just get married here.” Athena pushed the door to the truck shut and smiled at Henry over the hood.

Their goo-goo eyes were still as annoying as all get-out. Hudson rolled his eyes. They were clearly deeply in love, but that was their problem. He didn’t need anyone in his life, and he never would. If he never fell in love, he’d never get hurt.

“I know you want to get married here, but it’s just not…”

“Big enough?” Athena chuckled.

Henry shrugged. “I mean, I’d like to invite as many people as we can.”

Hudson groaned, causing both of them to look in his direction. “Seriously? The whole town? Don’t be ridiculous. Do you even know how expensive that would be?”

Henry and Athena exchanged looks. Then Athena spoke. “I think we’ll be fine. It’s not like we’re trying to feed everyone a full meal. It’s just going to be a party. I’ve always liked the idea of something more rustic with mason jars for the drinks and pretty paper plates for the food.”

“Sounds awful.”

Henry glared at him, but Athena laughed. “It’s okay. I’m used to it. Hudson has never been one of my biggest fans.”

If she only knew how much Hudson actually liked her—well, in part. She still chose to leave for a time. Even though she came back, that was something he’d never forgive.

“Well, he’s gonna have to get used to treating you better because you’re going to be his sister.”

“Blech,” Hudson muttered, to which both of them laughed.

Henry came around the vehicle and took Athena’s hand in his own. “What does Rachel think about the location?”

Hudson perked up at Rachel’s name. Had they heard from her?

Athena smiled as they moved up the stairs toward the house. “She said she might have a really good idea for a place, but she wasn’t going to tell me yet. She’s still swamped with work.”

“Well, she’s gonna have to take some time off eventually. You’re going to need your maid of honor.” Henry’s sharp gaze met Hudson’s once more—a warning that he wasn’t going to put up with Hudson’s attitude. Perhaps this was a sign that he needed to rein in his disgust for everyone his brothers brought into the fold.

“She said she might be able to stop by tonight, but I’m not sure.”

“Why not?” Henry murmured as he opened the door.

“She wanted to know if Hudson was going to be here.”

Henry froze, as did Hudson. They stared at each other, and Hudson could only imagine what his older brother might have been thinking. He held up his hands. “I didn’t do anything.”

Athena folded her arms. “You did walk her home the night of our engagement party.”

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