Page 15 of Wrangled Love

My plan is to swing by the hardware store and the grocery store to pick up a few essentials. Jensen was still in his room when I left the cottage this morning, so I didn’t get to ask what he might need. Judging by the protein powder, blender bottles, and electrolyte tablets he left on the kitchen counter, I’m betting he eats pretty clean, so I’ll make sure to stock up on fresh produce. I also want to make Caleb pancakes soon since it’s my specialty. I’m not sure what kind he likes, so I’ll make a few different options and let him choose his favorite.

“Okay, but call me if anything comes up,” Heath says.

“Does the same go for me?” Charlie asks in a singsong voice.

He shakes his head. “Keep dreamin’, sweetheart.”

A flicker of hurt flashes in her eyes, but she blinks it away in an instant.

“Knock it off, Heath,” I warn. “Charlie might have more patience than you, but don’t test her.”

Charlie folds her arms, shooting Heath a smirk.

She’s perfectly capable of standing her ground, but I can’t help stepping in when I catch the smallest crack in her armor. Not when she rarely lets anyone see that side of her.

Heath raises his free hand in mock surrender. “Alright, alright, no need to get your feathers ruffled, sis. I’m heading out. See you later.” He tips his hat and heads for the exit.

Once he’s left the coffee shop, I turn to Charlie. “Are you ever going to tell me why you dislike my brother so much?”

“Didn’t you say you had errands to run?” she asks, dodging my question with an expertise only she can manage.

I glance at my watch, nodding. “You’re right. I’ve only got an hour before I have to be back at the ranch. The guests in cabinfour are checking out today, and I have to fix the leaky faucet before Ethel comes. She doesn’t like me there when she’s cleaning. Apparently, I’m too much of a distraction.” I grab a napkin, wiping a few crumbs from my face. “It’s not like I can control her sharing all the gossip she’s picked up from Earl during their last sleepover.”

Ethel’s been the housekeeper for the cabins at Silver Saddle Ranch for twenty years. She’s always denied that she’s in a relationship, but Earl is often seen coming out of her house early in the morning. And any gossip he gets from driving people around is usually circulated by Ethel the next day, so it’s safe to assume they’re knocking boots most nights.

Charlie sighs. “It’s depressing that she has a better sex life than we do.”

“Speak for yourself.”

She arches a brow. “It’s been months since you’ve gone home with someone after a night at the bar.”

“Are you forgetting we live in Bluebell with a population of four thousand? The dating pool isn’t exactly overflowing with options.”

“You’re in luck. The local law firm just brought on a new partner, and I caught a glimpse of him at the bank yesterday. Those blue eyes had every woman in the place ready to risk it all for a five-minute detour into the supply closet.”

“If he’s such a catch, why don’t you date him?” I suggest playfully.

“I wish,” Charlie mutters. “Unfortunately, my taste in men is the broody-cowboy type who has a habit of never sticking around long enough to make it worth my while.”

“You do have a knack for picking the ones who love the chase but run at the first hint of commitment.”

“At least I go out with them more than once,” she quips.

“It’s not my fault no one can keep my interest for long.”

I don’t intentionally set out to have one-night stands or leave halfway through a first date. I just prefer not to get invested in someone I can’t see a future with. Growing up, I watched my momwaste her time on countless men who weren’t good for her. They fueled her addictions, then left her behind after getting what they wanted. I refuse to fall into the same cycle. When I finally commit, it’ll be because the person has proven they’re worth the effort, willing to make sacrifices for those they love.

“Why not take Daddy Jensen for a ride?” Charlie smirks. “He’s hot, emotionally unavailable, and right down the hall. Sounds like the perfect no-strings setup, if you ask me.”

“Because I prefer being able to walk around my house without post-hookup tension clinging to the air like Febreze.”

“Oh, please.” She waves me off, taking another sip of coffee. “Awkwardness builds character and makes for the best stories.”

I roll my eyes. “I’ll stick to being a good host and not accosting my roommate; the man has enough going on as it is.” I glance at my watch again. “I really should get going.”

After popping the last bite of my bagel in my mouth, I move around the table to give Charlie a quick hug.

“Have a great day,” I say.

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