Page 27 of The Cowboy's Surprise Return

“Funny,” Owen muttered.

“I still can’t believe Laura convinced you two to auction yourselves off like pieces of meat,” Levi said with a laugh.

“It was for charity—the library,” Cole said pointedly, as Owen jogged off toward his truck. The man lived on his family ranch, but for whatever reason no longer worked there.

“Drop ‘em here,” Levi said, as they reached a section of the ring’s wooden fence where a few boards were rotting. Several aging planks had been replaced already, the new wood not yet protected against the elements with a coat of stain. “You and Jackie can take care of this.”

“We’re actually slated to do something else,” Cole said carefully. When he’d first signed up for the auction, he’d floated the idea of himself and his winner helping around the ranch. Since Levi hadn’t seemed delighted by the prospect, he’d found another way for them to be helpful. Basically, taking the charity event and spreading the goodwill even further.

“Cleaning saddles for the riding program?” Levi suggested, an edge to his voice as if he expected Cole to skip out for the day. “Helping Mom with the garden? Changing the oil in the tractor? Fixing fences?”

“I’ll add those to my mental to-do list, but actually, we’re working on something in town this afternoon.”

“There’s plenty to do around here.”

“It’s not like you’d let me.”

“You own a fifth of this business.”

“And you let me lend a hand with about point-five percent of it.” Cole’s voice was rising and he caught himself.

“Because who knows how long you’re going to stick around.”

“You’d think that would give you license to work me all the harder.”

“I don’t want to depend on you and have you up and leave in the middle of the night.”

So him leaving without a goodbye was still bugging Levi. Noted.

“I left because y’all told me to.” Cole placed his hands on his hips, daring his brother to argue that point. “You had some mighty bright ideas on the things I ought to do, and made a point of letting me know anything I thought might help my ex-girlfriend wasn’t good enough. You didn’t want to hear any other plans than your own.” Levi had thought Cole should marry April, even though the baby wasn’t his and April didn’t want him any longer.

It had become clear to him that the only way to give April what she wanted—and needed—was to leave town.

Levi opened his mouth as if to shout at him, then clamped it shut, pinching the bridge of his nose. He was breathing like a bull preparing to charge.

Cole widened his stance, unsure what to expect. Levi was the bossy, know-it-all eldest, and not much of a fighter, but when he set his mind to something, that was it. No turning back. No changes.

“No, you’re right,” he finally said. “I had my own ideas on how you should resolve things and help April.” He lowered his hand and met Cole’s eye. “I’m sorry I didn’t listen.”

Cole exhaled, absorbing the apology in surprise. His anger faded, and his arms dropped to his sides.

Levi held out his hand, a spark of wariness in his eyes. Cole sighed and shook it, accepting the apology.

“Seriously, Levi. Make use of me around here.”

“Overwork you, and drive you away?” Levi scoffed, dusting his hands together as he started toward the house, back straight and head held high with the assurance that he was right. “We just got you back. I’m not driving you away again.”

“It wasn’t you,” Cole called after him. Fighting with Levi had been just one of the many pieces of straw that had sent this overburdened camel running.

“And if you ignore me, you’ll drive me away again,” Cole muttered quietly, following his brother. He had a feeling convincing Levi he could rely on him wasn’t going to be as simple as a handshake and an apology.

* * *

Wearing a pair of red, heart-shaped earrings to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Jackie turned down the gravel driveway to the Sweet Meadows Ranch. Nerves were battling excitement in the pit of her stomach and she muttered, “What am I getting myself into?” as she parked in front of the main house, her eyes scanning for Cole.

She was tempting herself. They had already agreed that the two of them were bad news, and suddenly she’d won spending today—Valentine’s Day!—with him. Not that the occasion meant much to either of them, but still…

Him. Her. The most romantic day of the year. Working elbow to elbow for hours.

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