Page 51 of Dark Horse

“I need a favor.”Anson pulls me aside halfway through the day.

“What’s that?” I rip my attention away from her and look him over.

Anson is Hazel’s oldest brother and, therefore, soon-to-be family again. He’s a lot more than that, though, as we frequently do business together. He owns a construction company, which makes him a convenient partner for all kinds of legal and less-than-legal business dealings.

“Bristol desperately wants to win this thing, and we’re only a few points behind Dakota and Hayden. But lord knows I’m shit at horseshoes, and Bristol’s already convinced she’ll lose to Dakota when they play their ‘Who Knows Hazel Best’ game.” Anson shakes his head, a combination of worry and annoyance written all over his face.

“They’re all pretty close, aren’t they? I’m sure she knows her well enough.” I shield my eyes from the sun as I study him.

“I don’t know. All I know is she’s worried, and I’m trying to help.”

“Guess you better beat them in this next scavenger hunt then.”

“You want Hayden and Dakota going off on a romantic vacation together? ’Cause that’s where this is headed,” Anson warns me.

“Why would I care what she does with her free time? If it makes her happy.” I shrug halfheartedly, and Anson breaks out into slow, stuttered laughter. Levi, for his part, stays quiet and looks between us.

“You think I believe that after your outburst at poker last night? The way you were drilling him at cards. I don’t fucking think so.”

“I just don’t like people like him who think they’re God’s gift to the world. She deserves more respect.”

“Uh-huh. Which is why you’re following them around and watching her like a hawk instead of inside with the A/C and a cold drink.” He eyes me like I’m a bad liar. “Just admit you don’t want her near him, and let’s figure out what we’re going to do.”

“Since when are you so concerned with Bristol?” I turn to look at him and raise a skeptical eyebrow, ready to change the subject.

“She takes care of my kid. She takes care of his grandma. She works hard. She deserves a vacation somewhere nice and a chance to get away.”

“You remember the part where it’s a romantic one?”

“A vacation’s a vacation. It is what you make of it. Leave the details to me,” he grumbles, and I shake my head laughing but stop short when I realize we might just be in the same boat. Two confirmed bachelors, me lifelong and him once again after the death of his wife. We have no business even trying, but Ifeel for him.

“So what’s your plan?”

“You up for starting another fight with him? Put him in a bad mood and send him back inside?”

“Nah. Ramsey’s already warned me off.”

“Dakota then… You think you can distract her?”

“She doesn’t listen to me; how do you think I’ll get her to do anything I say? Not to mention she’s managing the event.” She’s running herself ragged playing hostess. She’s barely slept or sat down the last few days, and it shows on her face today, even if everyone else is having too much fun to notice it. She needs a break. Food. Water. The fact that he can’t even see that has me irritated all over again.

“All right. Figured I’d try.” Anson frowns at the way Dakota racks up ten more points on the board as Hazel cheers her on.

“Nah. I got an idea. Just leave it to me.” I feel for him and I’m worried for her. I can at least give it a shot.

“Want to fill me in?”

“You’re better off not knowing. Plausible deniability and all.”

“Fair enough.”

“How much do you love me?”I ask Aspen when I finally find her and manage to wrangle her away from our baby brother and Hazel.

“A lot.” She eyes me apprehensively. “Why do you look like that? What are you up to?”

“I need your help. Just a little favor.”

She gives me a skeptical look and crosses her arms over her chest.

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