Page 26 of His Reluctant Cowboy

Josiah poked at the food on his plate for several long moments before looking up. Meeting Michael’s eyes. “The last time I accepted help from someone, it cost a lot more than I expected it to.”

The heartbreak in Josiah’s voice made every protective instinct inside Michael sit up and take notice, and he barely resisted the urge to hug the younger man. “All I’m asking for and offering back is friendship, Josiah, I promise. I know how it feels to have some take and then break your trust. And I won’t do that to you.”

“I believe you.” He speared a piece of broccoli but didn’t eat it. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. And if you are losing your place and need help moving your stuff, let me know. I’m off tomorrow, and Brand is great about time off.”

“I’ll let you know when I know for sure. Last night was probably just a stupid fight, but it helps knowing I have a place to go if I need it.”

Last night. The same time Josiah had hurt his ribs. After being late for something. Maybe Michael was being overly suspicious, but everything about this felt wrong. And he made a silent promise to get to the bottom of what was going on with Josiah’s “roommate.” One way or another.

Chapter Eight

Michael didn’t make it eight feet into the Woods Ranch barn before Jackson’s slightly broader frame nudged him away from a stall door and against the wall. He’d only known the guy for a week and didn’t completely trust him, but Michael also didn’t feel threatened by the gesture, or he’d have probably hauled off and shoved Jackson onto his ass.

“I’m gonna ask you something, friend, and I need you to be honest with me,” Jackson said.

“Ask,” Michael said right away, curious.

“Is Josiah Sheridan in a safe place right now?”

The question threw him for a few seconds, and Michael stuttered finding his words. “I...yes? I mean, he’s perfectly safe in my house. My dad’s house. All I can say is Josiah thinks he might be losing his spot rooming with Sheriff McBride, but Dad and I offered him the trailer in the yard. He’s safe as far as I know. Why?”

Jackson grunted. Looked over both shoulders, but other than some of the horses they were alone. “I’m just being cautious. I knew someone once who was in a bad place, downplayed how serious it was, and things got bad. Really bad. Don’t wanna see that happen again to someone else I know.”

“I get that on a different level. I wasn’t physically in a bad place, but I put my heart and trust in someone who blew both up. I’ll keep an eye on Josiah and whatever’s going on with him.”

“Okay. I’ll hold you to that.”

“Please do.” Jackson’s intensity over this surprised him a little, but Michael also appreciated knowing Josiah had more people in his corner than he probably realized. “Thanks, Jackson.”

“Sure. You and your dad take care of each other.”

“We will.”

After helping Jackson muck a few horse stalls, Michael walked over to the bunkhouse for a prescheduled meeting with Brand and Wayne on rebranding the Woods Ranch website and beef, especially for local venues like the Founder’s Day Picnic and farmers markets. Even though the bunkhouse was technically where Brand and Hugo lived, both men said to just knock hard and come on inside. Felt odd to Michael, but he did.

The door to Brand’s office stood wide-open, so Michael stopped just outside it. Brand was on his cell and he waved Michael inside. Finished up his call while Michael sat in a chair opposite the desk, much like he had the day he was hired. Being in an office space surrounded by bunk beds was a little weird, but whatever. The situation worked for the men who lived here and that was good enough for Michael.

“Hey, everything okay at home?” Brand asked.

“So far so good. Might have a new tenant for the trailer soon.”

“This about Josiah’s personal crisis?”

“Yeah. I don’t wanna spread his personal business around, though, you know?”

“Sure, I totally understand. But if you or he needs any extra help, please reach out. I don’t know Josiah well myself, but Hugo considers him a friend, and I help out friends.”

“Thank you. I mean it. Your family is, well, you’re giving me a chance on the ranch, and I appreciate knowing we’ve got some backup here.”

“Of course. I’ve always liked your dad, and you have worked your ass off since I hired you. You just keep proving I’m a really good judge of people’s character.”

Michael laughed. “I’ll do that. Now, the ranch branding?”

“Yeah, drag that chair around. Let’s see what we’ve got.”

As much as Michael enjoyed being outdoors and working with his hands, he smiled as he settled in to work with his very favorite thing: numbers and codes.

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