Page 17 of Wrangling Nash

Damn, could the whole situation be any more embarrassing? If Nash didn't already think I was stuck in my past in Houston, that text from Patrick certainly reinforced the idea that I wasn't committed to the ranch.

Thankfully, my Saturday turned out better. With Gloria off for the weekend, I took the day to sleep in. My body ached from the hard week of work, so I did some light yoga on the deck overlooking the pool and then went for a relaxing swim in my grandfather's pool.

I spent the rest of the afternoon floating on an innertube, engrossed in another spicy romance novella. Just as things were getting spicy between the two main characters, I dozed off, only to wake a few minutes later to a smiling face who'd swam up next to me in the pool.

“Hi, Jovie.”

“Oh, shit!” I exclaimed, tipping off the inner tube and submerging in the water. When I reappeared, I found myself face to face with a handsome young man with shaggy light brown hair and deep blue eyes.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you, but I wasn’t entirely sure how to let you know I was here without doing that.”

“I take it you’re Clay?” I asked as I wiped at my sunglasses, clearing the chlorine water from the lenses. He looked a lot like Nash, just a younger, smaller, and less smoldering version.

He grinned, “I sure am, and I'm going to be your favorite out of the Cameron three.”

“Do all three of you enjoy scaring me?” I asked chuckling.

“Wylie would say ‘you ain’t living’ right’ if you’re getting scared that easily.’”

“I’m sure he would,” I stated with an eye roll. “I wasn’t expecting you until tomorrow night.”

“About that… sorry I’m early. Hope it doesn’t ruin your weekend plans, but Wylie and Nash are off with girls, and it’s hot as hell out. Dad refuses to install a pool, says it's a waste of water, so Mr. Ashwood used to let me come over and swim on days like this.”

I smiled at the sweet guy. “It’s no problem at all. I’m happy to continue the tradition my grandfather started. My weekend was getting lonely anyways.” And though my mind drifted back to Clay’s words about Nash being off with another girl, a pang of misplaced jealousy ripping through me, I tried not to focus on it. Of course he’d have a girlfriend, I’m sure he was one of the most eligible bachelors in this tiny smalltown.

Probably in the whole state of Texas.

“So, tell me, who is the youngest Cameron brother?”

He smiled as he climbed out of the pool to grab a floaty from the ledge and tossed it next to mine. Then he jumped into the center, coming up closer and hooked his foot on mine to keep us from drifting apart.

“I’m 22 years old, though my brothers always joke that I still act like I’m 12. My dad said I was an ‘oops baby.’ Nash was already 10, and Wylie 11 when they found out my mom was pregnant. She’d had Wylie and Nash back-to-back, Irish twins, and then made the decision they didn’t want more. She claimed she didn't sleep or eat the first five years of their life because it was like having twins. They were always getting into trouble and hiding from her. Mom had always wanted a girl, but when I was born prematurely, she said she fell in love instantly and knew I was the perfect way to end their family. She was the best.” he said smiling sadly.

“I’m sorry to hear you lost her so young. She sounds like she was an amazing woman.”

He nodded sadly. “She was incredible. She was my best friend. I wish I’d had more time to get to know her and for her to see me as an adult.”

I nodded as I watched Clay carefully. I could tell he really missed his mom and it hurt my heart thinking about how young he’d been when he lost her. I’d lost my dad at just 10 years old, and the memories of the years my mom, sister and I struggled financially, emotionally and physically without him there to protect and provide, still haunted me. Losing a parent was never easy, but especially when you were still a child, unable to grasp the concept and permanency of death.

Thankfully, Clay changed the subject before my mind drifted to a darker place.

“I’m really glad you’re here, though. Wylie and Nash may give you a tough time because they want to take over Clarence’s ranch, but you’re the most feminine presence in my life since my mom passed. It’s hard meeting girls when you bring them home to a house full of gruff, loud and inappropriate men.”

“Lana doesn’t count?” I asked.

Clay scoffed. “Wylie’s toxic on-again, off-again girlfriend? She’s not around enough to count.”

Noted. No one in this family seemed to like Lana. But I wasn’t one to pass judgment. I was curious to see for myself what she was like.

“My dad never remarried after mom passed away, and he never dated either.” Clay shrugged. “I think it would have done him some good because my teenage years were lonely. Wylie drank himself into oblivion, though he was still around, and Nash was off in Houston working. I’m not sure which was worse.”

That might explain some of the reasons Nash stayed away for a few years before returning.

“I’m sorry, that must have been tough on you.”

He flopped onto his stomach and smiled at me. “It was, but let’s talk about something lighter. Do you have a boyfriend? Because I know you might be eight years older, but age ain’t nothing but a number, baby. I’m the most handsome of the Cameron brothers anyway.” He winked.

I laughed. “Do all of the Cameron brothers think they are the most handsome?”

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