Page 27 of Blame It On Midnight

Collins smiled, but it faded as fast as it had come. “I don’t want to walk the runways for New York Fashion Week. Don’t want to sign up for more campaigns than the ones I’m currently committed to.” She nailed her brother with a no-nonsense look. “I’m ready to move on to the next chapter of my life, and I’ve found the man I want to share it with.”

“I know Benton. He’s a good guy. He’s been through a lot. This thing with his ex isn’t going away. There’s a real chance it’s going to get ugly. And I’m willing to bet he feels something for you. What man wouldn’t? Aside from the fact that you’re a pain in the ass on a good day.”

“Hey,” she said, kicking him under the table.

“But the thing is, Colly, what if he’s not ready for you?” Kip looked so damn earnest, she felt that dumb knot in her throat.

She pushed it back for good and smiled because she had this. The answer was as plain as the nose on his face. She grabbed his hand and squeezed.

“Then I’ll wait for him.”

Kip glanced away, then tossed his napkin. “You could be waiting a while.”

“I know.”

Her brother held her gaze for several long seconds. “Okay, then. We won’t talk about this again unless you want to.”

They finished their meals, and he drove her back to Duffer’s Place, where she introduced him to Willie. The woman was on her porch, knitting, and made quite a fuss over Kip. Collins was used to that sort of thing when it came to her brother. The man could literally charm the panties off a nun. He gave her one last hug, told her to behave, then said Ivy was going to keep an eye on her. He was due to fly to New York that evening.

Once he was gone, Willie smiled and looked up at her. “I take it you’re sticking around for a bit.”

Collins nodded. “I am.”

Willie held her gaze a heartbeat longer. “I think you’ll fit in just fine.” She went back to her knitting, and Collins left her to it. She had the entire afternoon ahead of her, a new romance novel waiting on the night table, and some planning to do. At the top of that list?

She had to make Benton fall in love with her.

Chapter Nine

Monday night, Ryland showed up at the ranch alongside their cousin, Cole. Benton was glad for it; they would be moving cattle to different pastures over the next few days and could use the help. As it was, the three men were up until the early morning hours, telling stories and sharing a bottle of Jack.

Already up and showered by five a.m. Tuesday morning, Benton grinned when Ryland appeared in the kitchen.

“Here.” He handed his youngest sibling a cup of black coffee.

“Shit,” Ry said, making a face. “No sugar?”

“You know where everything is. I’ve also rustled up some bacon and eggs. You might want to eat. It will be a while before Decker has the chuck wagon set up.”

“It’s too early to eat.” Ryland gulped his coffee, eyes still full of sleep.

Cole walked into the kitchen and helped himself to a thermos, then filled it to the brim. “We ready?” he asked.

“Let’s get at it,” Benton responded.

“Jesus, let me brush my teeth and pull on some old clothes.” Ryland ran his hands over the hair on his jaw. The kid was growing up. No doubt about it.

“Get dressed.” Benton grinned. “I’ll see you out at the barn. And Ry, I’ll do you a favor and saddle up your horse.”

“Thanks.” The one-word answer was heavy on sarcasm. His brother cracked his neck. “Whose watching, Nora?”

“Rosie will be by within the hour, and Millie Sue is picking her up later for a sleepover.” He looked at the men. “Let’s do this.”

There was something calm about riding out with the sun peeking over the mountains. It was the quiet and the serenity. The sound of birds calling from the trees, and cows saying hello in the distance. The boys enjoyed it for as long as they could, and hours later, when they finally reached pasture three, they got down to business.

It was a long, dusty day, spent moving cattle from their current pasture to another one farther north. Rotating pastures was necessary because of overgrazing. The plan was to camp overnight, then head back and move the rest up to a second pasture located west of their location. It was hard work, spending the day in the saddle, eating crap and inhaling dust, but Benton loved every minute of it.

The Triple B was in his blood, and he’d die here. Be buried alongside his forefathers, there in the grove up past the creek, about a mile from the main house.

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