Page 4 of Claimed by the Lawman

“Come on, sassy. You know New York ain’t a place for a man like me. I’m a redneck cowboy and wouldn’t fit into the big city mold. How about you let me take you for ice cream? That always makes a blue-eyed girl feel better.”

Burying the wounds, she tucked her fingers around his elbow. “I can’t think of anything I’d rather do than spend time with my favorite brother.”

“I’m your only brother.” He dipped his hat. “But I’ll still take it as a compliment.”

“Maybe you can tell me all about the one who’s stealing my brother’s heart. You know she’ll have to pass my checklist, right Ro?”

“That’ll be a short conversation, unless you’re talking about the horses. It seems they’re about the only fillies I’ve been keeping company with these days. Dad runs the ranch like a drill sergeant, especially since he’s hung up his hard hat for a full-time Stetson. You know that. He likes things run like a well-oiled machine. I think he can’t seem to stay busy enough.”

“Yeah, I know how he keeps his expectations high.” She couldn’t manage to keep the disappointment from her tone.

“Ah, now, sass. It’s time you and Dad patch things up. He’s not getting any younger. You have a place at Posey Ranch, working right next to him and me. We both want you there. It’s time to put away those shit kickers and get a real pair of boots.” He snickered.

She frowned. “What’s wrong with my boots? I found these at a corner boutique in New York—”

“Need I say more?” He raised a brow. “Baby girl, it’s time you found your country roots again. I know they’re in there somewhere under those city layers. You’ll find the honky tonk real quick when you’re back to mucking stalls.”

“Now wait just a second.” She stopped and tilted her hip. “Who said anything about me working the ranch? Maybe I have plans here in Bohannan.”

He smirked. “Sure you do. Now let’s go grab that ice cream before the shop closes and you can tell me all about those wild dreams of yours. Have you seen Kace?”

She knew his name would come up eventually. Rogue and Kace were friends.

“Nope, but I’m sure I will soon.” As far as Kace was concerned, he was leaving her no choice but to take things to a different level. She knew exactly what she would need to do…

“I know that look. What do you have planned?” Rogue actually looked concerned.

Crossing her arms over her chest, she tapped the toe of her boot. “Only to get him to reopen the case.

Several emotions flickered over his face. “Tyler—”

“Don’t do that, Ro. Don’t give me one of Dad’s speeches. She was our sister and we both know she wouldn’t have taken her own life. Sheriff Mansfield didn’t give a rat’s ass about investigating, but now that Kace is wearing the badge…”

“I understand you don’t want to believe the worst in Susy, but come on, sassy, you and I both know she’d made some bad life choices at the end. Maybe it’s time to let her rest in peace.” He sighed. “You’re not listening, are you?”

Giving her head a quick shake, she took his arm again. “How about that ice cream. You owe me a double decker paradise supreme with extra whipped topping and three cherries.”

“I do?”

“Sure do. After all, I won the bet.”

“And which bet was that?”

“That when we saw each other again you would mention Kace’s name before I would.” She smiled.

“That’s a little dirty. We made that bet years ago.”

“I have the memory of an elephant.”

“It’s good to have you home, girl.” He patted her hand.

And she truly was glad to be back.

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