Page 17 of Big Daddy Bull Riders

“You finish up eating,” Jackson said, eyeing her plate. “Take your time. No rush. But like we said, we have a surprise for you.”

More excitement began to grip her. She forgot all about Hugo Sparks sitting just a few booths over, looking as if he wanted to burn the diner down.

She was with Jackson and Slater. And something told her it was going to be a fun night.

* * *

“Where are we going?” she asked as the cowboys escorted her down a few lots.

“Cowboying is about having the right gear,” Jackson said. “When those old-timers were riding the range, they needed a good pistol, rifle, and other provisions to stay alive. Now, in these modern times, when we’re trying to go eight seconds, we need the right gloves, riggin’, and what have you.”

“Yeah?”

Slater laughed. “What he’s trying to say is, just like it’s important for cowboys to have the right gear, it’s just as essential that Littles have their gear, too.”

Jackson guided her onto the porch of the store and said, “Yep. You need to be properly outfitted. You’re in Big Cedar now! That’s why we’re taking you shopping.”

Excitement began to build inside Mina, but also guilt. They didn’t need to spend their money on her. “You don’t have to do that!” she protested, though she was grinning when she said it.

Jackson stopped at the store’s door. “We want to. Reckon we were a bit tough on you today, when you ran into the street.” His gaze grew stern. “Now, if you were our Little, we would have been tougher.”

“That’s right,” Slater chimed in. “Would’ve probably pulled your britches down right there in the street and given you some licks with our belts.”

“That’s exactly what we would’ve done,” Jackson said. “But being as things are, you’re new in town. We didn’t give you a very proper welcome. So, we want to make it up to you.”

“Jackson, that’s not necessary,” Mina protested.

He held up his hands, as if cutting off any further argument. “We’ve made up our minds. Hang around long enough and you’ll learn how stubborn we are.”

“What do you think made us keep climbing on bulls and broncs after being thrown off more times than we could count?” Slater added. “Sheer stubbornness and fool-hearted determination. So you’re best not arguing with us. You won’t win, little darlin’.”

Before she could respond, Jackson knocked on the door. A moment later, it opened to reveal a broad-shouldered, handsome man with blond hair and blue eyes wearing a welcoming grin.

“Howdy, Joe,” Jackson said. “Thanks for opening up a little later for us.”

“You kidding? After my Little Mindy told me how excited she was Mina had arrived in town, there was no way I would say no. I’d never hear the end of it if I did!” He chuckled. “Besides, I’m eager to welcome Big Cedar’s newest resident myself.”

He extended his hand. “I’m Joe Graves. It’s a pleasure meeting you.”

“Hello, Mr. Graves. Thank you so much for opening just for me.”

“Don’t mention it.” He jerked his head toward somewhere in the back of the store. “Mindy is waiting for you. She wants to help you pick out some outfits, if that’s all right.”

Mina giggled. “I can’t wait, sir!”

The men all seemed pleased, Mina noted, based upon the grins they wore.

But the looks in Jackson and Slater’s eyes hinted at more than just joy in taking her shopping. There seemed to be a growing affection there.

And it was making Mina’s mind swirl with possibilities.

Some sweet. Some naughty.

Naughty, naughty possibilities.

CHAPTERNINE

Later that night, once home, Jackson went outside and sat on their back deck, looking out over the mountains.

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