Page 49 of The Unbuttoned Ranger
“That’s where you’re wrong. It’s always high school in a small town.” She pretended to admire several other pies.“What’s so wrong about testing the waters and see if things stay afloat?”
“This is something we shouldn’t be discussing.”
“Bradley told me you’ll be staying in Fin’s Creek. From the conversations that I’ve had with CaDee she seems to want to stay too.”
“Back off a little. You’re going to scare CaDee.”
She sighed.“I guess I have dreams for you to fall madly in love and have kids. And I like CaDee. She’s exactly what a man like you needs.”
He narrowed his gaze.“A man like me? You mean one with an interfering cousin?”
“Cute. I mean all rough and tumble who just needs for the right woman to come along and pluck away the feathers to get to the meat.”
“I’m not a rooster, Ursula,” he groaned, dragging a hand down his face.
“See, you’re not the only one who sees the potential.” She jutted her chin.
Sharp scanned the dance floor and saw CaDee had joined Gage for a line dance. Obviously, she had no idea what the moves were to the dance, but Gage was being quite the gentleman and showing her how to step to the right, left, and then turn. His hands were on her waist just in case she somehow couldn’t manage.
“Gage certainly can move, can’t he? Mm-hmm. You snooze you lose, Sharp.”
“Ursula, can I ask you something?” When she nodded, he said,“Why are you still a brat? Isn’t there a cutoff point?”
“I wouldn’t know. Must be in our genes, brat.”
Chapter Nineteen
“Is it too late to take my pie off the auctioneer’s table?” CaDee said to Ursula once Marg explained how the auction worked.
“Too late now, hun. Unless you want to march up on stage and grab it out of old Randy Wood’s hands. That will certainly attract a lot of men’s attention because cowboys certainly do love a challenge. Think of it as a good cause. The money goes to the Christmas fund for less fortunate kids.”
“Where’s your pie by chance?” CaDee lifted her brow.
“Oh, it’s there. But just like every year since the auction started it won’t get bid on.” Her smile faded.
“And why is that?” CaDee couldn’t believe no one would bid for a date for someone as amazing and beautiful as Ursula.
“Because Ely was the local hero. Although he’s been gone for a while, men have loyalty in these parts. They feel like asking me out is disloyal to someone they cared for and respected.”
“I understand honor and respect that, but you’re beautiful, smart, and available. There might be someone who sees that Ely loved you and would want you to be happy and cherished.”
“Small town politics.” She shrugged.“Oh well. I’m lucky I have my kids.”
The bidding started.
“Who’s that?” The pretty woman who’d been talking to Sharp earlier was standing on stage holding her pie. It didn’t take long for cowboys to push up the bid.
“Emily Maines.” Ursula droned.“I’ve never liked her, not even when she was madly in love with Sharp.”
“Oh?” This grabbed CaDee’s undivided attention.“Are they…?” Why did it matter? She’d made it clear—crystal clear—to Sharp that she wasn’t looking for a relationship. He only knew half of the situation with Dante, and it was a story that most men would shy away from. Although Sharp didn’t seem like he’d cower away from much.
“No,” Ursula crooned.“God, no. She’s about as fake as that pie. She didn’t make it. I was in the city yesterday taking the twins to their checkup and there was Miss Prissy Pants coming out of the bakery with guess what? That pie she’s showing off. It would only serve her right if she tripped and landed face first in that phony pie.”
“So, you like her huh?” CaDee laughed.
“Trust me, she’d love to sink her claws back into Sharp.”
“But?”
