Page 31 of Wrangling the Orc Cowboy

“A carving?” Tark looked at her as if she’d suggested he grab the moon and present it to me.

“Yes, a carving. Nothing says gratitude quite like giving someone something you’ve made with your own hands.”

“I cooked for her. I'm going to do it again.”

“What do you think?” Inla asked me.

“About his cooking? It's amazing.”

“I taught him well, but I'm sure he'd truly like to impress you.”

Something else was going on here, but I suspected only she and Tark knew. Maybe it was an orc thing.

Tark glanced at me, his green skin darkening further around his ears. “I, uh, will think about carvings.”

“I’d love to see something you’ve made.” I truly meant it.

“Very well.” He dipped forward in a bow. Another thing I found charming. Everything about this guy drew me in.

“Well, go along, you two. I have work to finish before I leave.” She glanced out the front window. “Which I want to do soon. Grannie Lil and I are meeting up tonight to finalize our app before our upcoming launch.”

“What kind of app?” I asked.

“A dating one. We're going to offer orcs and humans a chance to match up.” She clapped her hands. “I can't wait to introduce the world to my amazing nephews.”

Hopefully not Tark.

Hold on. WhynotTark? He deserved to find someone to love.

And I shouldn't even be thinking of myself in that position. I was here to do a job, then scurry back to the city. There was no room for a former TV start in a quaint Western orc town.

“We’ve got a catchy way of advertising it already,” his aunt said. Her frown bloomed. “Do you mind if I run it past you? You being an influencer, and all.”

“Go right ahead.”

She cleared her throat and deepened her voice. “Orc brothers seeking brides to spark our lonely hearts.” Her dark gaze met mine. “That’s our logline. Catchy, right?”

“It’s perfect. Women were going to be signing up in droves.”

“Here’s the rest. Howdy, ladies of adventure. Are you tired of the same old life and yearning for something new? Do you have a spirit as wild as the plains and a heart big enough to love a shy, lonely orc?”

“They’re not all lonely,” Tark said. “Dungar’s not.”

“Have you talked with him lately?” She pinned him in place with her gaze.

“Yesterday. The day before too. He didn’t say he was lonely.”

“And why would he?”

“Well, I don’t know.” He scratched the back of his neck.

“He wants to share his home with a loving woman as much as you do.”

Tark’s gaze shot to me, and he swallowed hard. “I do.”

“Darn tootin’ right you do.” Inla nudged his arm before she looked my way again. “We’re still trying to come up with a catchy way to end the pitch. Ideas?”

“How about…” I frowned, thinking, before it came to me. “Well, giddy up on down to Lonesome Creek Ranch, because we have a match for you.”

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