Page 51 of Don't Trust the Cowboy

“Of course I knew, Piper. I just don’t understand why you didn’t tell me yourself. Come on, now, your mama and daddy had eyes on you all over. You know how they were, darlin’. Now, I feel bad for keeping this from you, but if you’d known that I knew already, then you wouldn’t have met this Billy person at all.”

And, once again, I’m reminded of how fast word travels in a small town. And they’re really good, too, since Aunt Kay doesn’t even live in Copper Cove. But, for some reason, I’m not bothered by this. The fact that Aunt Kay isn’t upset makes it all worthwhile to me. The last thing I’d ever want to do is hurt her. I decide to change the subject. “So, when do I get to meet this new man of yours?”

Her cheeks turn pink. “Oh, I don’t know, darlin’. I’ll have to ask him. Why don’t you come for lunch tomorrow, and I’ll see if he’s free. If not, then we can spend the time together, just you and me. Either way it’s a win.”

“Sounds good to me.” I say as she hands me her mail. That’s the only thing she really needs help with. After I separate my things from hers and help her pay her bills, I have lunch with her, and do some studying, while she knits, and then I head back to the ranch to do some work and to have dinner with Billy. They’re putting the shingles on the stable when I arrive. He sees me from up on the roof and smiles.

“You have a good time?” He asks, raising his voice over the hammering.

“I did. How’s it going?”

“You tell me, darlin’. We’ll be done by sundown.”

I notice that Cassidy has joined them, putting the finishing touches on the outside; like bolts and locks and things, while the Paxton boys are up with Billy on the roof. “You hungry?”

“Soon, love. Reggie’ll be here bright and early tomorrow.” He winks.

“Can I make you something?”

“Whatever you’re eating’s fine by me, doll. I’m not fussy. I’ll be in in another hour or so, I promise.”

Cassidy pipes up. “You can go in anytime, Billy. Blair’s coming over soon, too.”

“Naw, that’s okay, man. It wouldn’t be right.”

“It’s not right to leave a lady waiting, either.” Cassidy is matter-of-fact.

I interrupt, hand on my waist, tone direct. “Do I look that delicate to you?”

Cassidy tips his hat. “No, ma’am.”

“Good. I’ll make something for all of us. You boys eat when you’re ready.”

I overhear Cassidy mutter to Billy as I walk to the house. “Good woman you’ve got there.”

Billy concedes. “Don’t you forget it.”

Chapter 16

Billy

Ifeellikeashit, but it’s dark out by the time I go inside, and Piper’s deep into studying, where I’m dead tired and starved. “I made enough for all of you.” She calls from the office.

“That’s okay, darlin’. I’m hungry enough to eat every drop.”

“How come the boys didn’t want to come in?” She asks, almost wounded.

“Aw, it’s late, darlin’. And they have to be back here first thing.”

“Yeah, but they have to eat, don’t they?”

I pull her close, but not too close, since I probably smell like a horse’s ass with all the sweat. “You worry too much, baby.”

“Evidently.” She says, and I detect a defeated tone.

I search her eyes. “Something wrong, darlin’?”

With a sigh, she explains. “My Aunt Kay knew everything. About me losing the house, about me living here with you. Everything.”

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