Page 77 of Stockman's Stowaway

‘Right, so I’m the mug on the tools.’ Dex crossed his arms over his chest, showing off all the muscles he had. Any wonder when the guy was training in the mornings, working all day, then he’d train at night for his fights.

‘You’re mechanically minded, and we all know you like playing with the tools,’ said Ryder.

‘Dex should have been an engineer,’ said Cap.

‘He is, just without the fancy tickets.’ Ryder was handing out the compliments today—which was rare. ‘I’m sure you have ideas, Dex. You still have a paddock to play with, too.’

‘Well, I have an idea for a new cradling system to make things quicker in the yards.’ Dex pointed at the pit they were all well-acquainted with. ‘I want to build it and test it when the vet comes and checks our stock.’

‘Good.’ Ryder patted Dex’s back.

Their normally gruff brother was being so nice. Should Cap ask Ryder if he was okay?

For a moment they drank their beer as they watched the sun grow heavier as it kissed the edge of the horizon, spreading shadows over the drafting yards, when they heard a horse galloping behind them.

‘It’s Bree.’ Ash pointed at Bree riding up on her black stallion.

‘Oh look, the queen of chaos is here.’ Dex leaned over the rails to smirk at her.

‘Isn’t daycare shut this time of the day, boys? Why aren’t you lot messing up that table at the farmhouse?’

‘Why aren’t you wallowing in your trough, slugging down a jug of gin?’

‘I thought I’d look for some bunyips and drop bears,’ she said with a straight face.

‘Are you saying you still believe in fairytales?’

‘I’m no damsel in distress, and I’m too busy to bother saving any male from themselves. But let me guess,’ she said, wiggling her gloved finger at them like a worm. ‘Your little crocheting corner is to do with the campdraft?’

Ryder crossed his arms, glaring at her. ‘We know what we’re doing.’

‘But do you realise that this is Elsie Creek’s annual campdraft, and you’ll be there as the new owners of Elsie Creek Station?’

‘Are you worried we’ll embarrass you?’ Dex asked.

‘Do you really want me to answer that, stormcloud?’ Bree gave a positively wolfish grin.

It had Ryder lifting an eyebrow. ‘Play nice, Bree.’

‘I am. I know you’ve all got your own projects, and before you bite my head off, cupcake, and tell me to butt out, I’m here to tell you I’ve booked you a tent.’

‘For what?’

‘To show your cute butts off to whoever walks past like strippers on a Sunday.’ She giggled to herself. ‘I’d sell tickets for that, and then I’d invest in my favourite charity—being me, and my future holiday to watch padded men play ice hockey.’

‘We’re not stripping.’ Dex scowled at her.

‘You strip off your shirt to get all hot and sweaty in front of strangers for your fights. What’s the difference?’

‘Why did you get us a tent at the campdraft?’ Cap asked Bree.

‘I usually get one for the family’s cattle-brand business. Only this year I booked a bigger one to include you guys, if you want in. No skin off my nose, if you don’t.’

‘Whereabouts?’

‘Main thoroughfare. Best spot to catch everyone who walks past.’

‘Why?’ Ash asked with a shrug.

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