Bighearted Cowboy (Tarnation, Texas Book 5)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  “Have you spoken with your aunt Lucy?”

  Charlotte rolled her finger around the rim of her glass and looked across the table at Betty Sue who was nibbling on a thin stirrer while humming to the music playing from the jukebox. “No. I’m sure it’ll take her some time to get over the fact that I left.” Charlotte felt a stab of guilt. “I did call, but she didn’t answer.”

  “I bet she didn’t send back the check you sent her, did she?” Betty Sue’s overly groomed brow shot up.

  “No, but she needs it. She’s not working.”

  “And she won’t as long as she has you supporting her. Wasn’t the whole reason to get away was so you could stop enabling her and concentrate on finding yourself?”

  “A big part, yes.” “Well, you know she’s wrong. You have a right to live your life. My God, you’re thirty years old. You never asked to be dropped off at her house.”

  “Let’s change the subject. I’m enjoying my job at the clinic. It’s small enough that I can give my patients the attention they need, but busy enough that I feel challenged. I like my co-workers, especially Meka. We work a lot of shifts together. Dr. Healey is skilled. How can I ever thank you enough for helping me see that I needed to come here?”

  “I should be thanking you, Charlotte.” The spaghetti strap of Betty Sue’s cami slipped down her shoulder and she dragged it back into place. “I enjoy having you here. I know we’ve haven’t been close in a long time, but it’s not too late. I believe you’re a good influence on me.” She winked.

  Charlotte laughed. “We’re a perfect balance.”

  “So, since this is your birthday, Cuz. We need to celebrate.” Betty Sue lifted her glass.

  Clinking glasses, Charlotte took a sip of the strong cocktail and winced. “What is this?”

  “A Zombie. It’s a birthday tradition. The tale is, if you can drink it all without getting drunk then you’ll have an exciting, adventurous year.”

  “That sounds like a fake superstition.” She fanned her hand in front of her face. As the crowd gathered in the room the temperature rose. “Just like I’ve heard the rumors about the magical cliff where if you kiss a lover you’ll stay together forever.”

  “You mean Lover’s Cliff. Look, I’m not into all those wacky delusions either, but a lot of people say that the rumors of the cliff hold true. Honey, you’re going to experience a lot here in Tarnation. I have a good feeling that you’re going to have the time of your life. We might be a small town hidden in Texas, but we’re all about experiencing life. And hot cowboys. We can’t forget them.” She laughed and slurped up a third of her cocktail.

  “I’m not looking for the latter. Relationships are messy and I’m safer single.”

  “Oh, you say that now, but talk is cheap. Every birthday girl needs some male attention. Take a look around. I’m sure there’s at least one handsome Texan who tickles your fancy.”

  Leaning against the back of the chair, she scanned the bar, wishing she wouldn’t have allowed her cousin to talk her into coming out tonight. She would have been just as happy staying at home and watching a horror flick. Her life was boring—just the way she liked it.

  Betty Sue had insisted they come and listen to the band. Charlotte highly suspected that Betty Sue had a crush on the lead singer who looked a lot like a country version of Bon Jovi.

  While Betty Sue cousin flirted with a cowboy sitting at a table next to them, Charlotte turned her attention to the crowd, her gaze falling on a cowboy sitting at the bar, a guitar at his knee. At a glance he would have looked like all the other cowboys in the place, but this one looked familiar. He shifted and the muscles of his broad back flexed as he emptied a shot glass then motioned for another. One more person drowning their sorrows at the bottom of a bottle. She’d seen that enough with her aunt.

  Cowboy swiveled on his stool, propped his boots on the footrest and resituated his Stetson. Tufts of hair touched the collar of the blue checked button down and he had a wide set jaw covered in whiskers. He turned his chin and her lungs deflated.

  “Oh shit!” She brought her hand up to hide her face. “I know him!”

  “Who?” Betty Sue turned to examine the room.

  “Don’t look.”

  “Whatever has come over you?”

  “The man at the bar with the guitar.”

  “That’s Brennan Colt.” Betty Sue shrugged. “Why do you look like you just saw the man naked—oh my, my, my! Is Brennan Colt the man who passed out on you and then flashed you his jewels?”

  “Shh!” She peeked toward the bar.

  “Go say hello.” Betty Sue wagged her brows.

  “Not happening.” Charlotte felt her heart skip a beat.

  “Listen, honey. When we see a man that looks that good naked, we introduce ourselves.”

  Charlotte sucked some of her Zombie up through the straw. “I did introduce myself to him.”

  “You introduced him to Nurse Charlotte. Now introduce him to the naughty nurse.”

  “Betty Sue, you’re terrible.” She couldn’t help herself. She had to look. Brennan had his back to her—a nice stretch of back too. Although he was a bit clumsy at the clinic, truth was, she hadn’t stopped thinking about their little run in—or should she say “large” run in. Even now, sweat beaded between her breasts and goosebumps scattered her skin. It wasn’t as if she’d never seen a man naked before, but what bothered her most was that she was a nurse and it was her duty to be a professional not experience throbbing inner thighs.

  Her face warmed and she started to slurp up more of her cocktail, but instead pushed it away. The one thing that could make this situation worse was getting tipsy. She could get loose-tongued and fancy-free.

  “The Colt men are all sexy as hell. Too bad they’re all hitched or bound, except for Brennan that is. He’s mighty delish, isn’t he.” She rolled her tongue over her crimson lips.

  “Is there something wrong with him?”

  “Does there look like there is something wrong?” Betty Sue scooted her gaze toward Brennan.

  “Well, the way you said it—”

  “He’s a bit too big hearted for my tastes, unfortunately. I like my men a little on the naughty side.” She tapped her fingers on the table.

  “Of course you do.”

  Brennan downed another shot.

  “Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him without a smile. Must be getting to him.”

  Charlotte narrowed her gaze. “What do you mean?”

  There was a long hesitation before Betty Sue leaned in and whispered, “I’ve heard that he and his brothers didn’t move to Tarnation of their own free will.”

  “No one can be forced to move somewhere.”

  “I know. It sounds crazy, and it’s just a rumor. They came here right after their father, Buzz, died.”

  “Do all his brothers look like him.”

  “Oh, honey. Do they ever.” Betty Sue played with her large hoop earring, tapping it lightly with her finger. The band returned to the stage and the crowd erupted into cheers. “Come on, let’s go dance.” She stood and tugged on Charlotte’s hand.

  “You go. I’ll watch.”

  “See you later.” Betty Sue moved her way to the dance floor, taking a position close to the stage. The lead singer gave her a broad smile and wink.

  “Can I get you another one, sweetie?” the pretty waitress stopped at the table and asked.

  “No. I’m still nursing this one.”

  “Just holler if you need another.” She winked and hurried over to the next table.

  Charlotte felt a tap on her shoulder. She looked up—way up—into the handsome face of a cowboy with green eyes.

  “Hello there, ma’am. Can I get you another?” He gestured to the Zombie.

  “No, thanks.”

  “Care if I take a seat?” He didn’t wait for an answer. He pulled out the chair and sat, removing his hat and placing it on the seat Betty Sue had occupied. “I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure. I’m Ben.
”

  “I don’t think we have.”

  “What’s your name, little lady?” He scooted his chair a few inches closer.

  “Charlotte.” Although she thought Ben was quite handsome, he had on enough cologne to wake the dead.

  “How about we cut a rug? I like this song.”

  “I’m sorry. I bet you’re a very good dancer, but actually, I was getting ready to head out.”

  “You don’t want to do that, sweetheart. The night’s still early. You still have some drink left.”

  “I have to work tomorrow.” She held her ground.

  Some of his smile faded. “Fine. You have a nice evening, ma’am.” He stood, grabbed his hat and situated it on his head then touched the brim.

  Relieved that he was gone, she brought her chin up and met the most mesmerizing blue eyes. She almost swallowed her tongue. Brennan had his gaze on her. He nodded in greeting and because she didn’t want to be rude, she smiled and waved but then politely turned her attention back to the dance floor. Heaven help her, the man certainly could shake her up.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Brennan downed the shot and squinted as it burned its way into his gut. He’d long lost logic in exchange for a drunken haze. He didn’t care. When a man had the weight of the world on his shoulders, he had no choice but to find solace somewhere. Whiskey seemed the perfect remedy on a night like tonight.

  A dark cloud loomed over his head. It had been there since he’d arrived in Tarnation and had learned that he and his brothers had six months to marry or lose everything. If he only had himself to worry about then he’d say a big “fuck you” and move on, but he had his brothers to think about. They’d made a pact and a cowboy never went back on a promise, especially when it came to blood.

  He’d ignored the stipulation for as long as he could and now, he had to face the cold hard facts. He was up shit creek without a paddle, or a boat, and swimming with alligators. It couldn’t get much worse than this.

  His brothers were all married, and he was the lone bachelor.

  If he didn’t get hitched in three weeks, he’d be the match that burned down the proverbial house. And unfortunately, they’d lose their ranches, including Grinning Spurs and everything on it. He’d grown to care for the place and the hands that had dedicated their lives to the land. Where would they go? What would happen to the ranch?

  How could Buzz expect them to marry within six months?

  He rubbed the bridge of his nose where it had been broken when he was twenty and expunged the urge to slam his fist down onto the pockmarked bar. Everything was on his shoulders.

  The bartender brought him another round and he gulped the liquid therapy back, this time not as affected by the burn. Good, he didn’t want to feel a damn thing. In the morning he’d figure out what he needed to do, but tonight he wanted to just forget.

  Swiveling on the stool, he looked out into the growing crowd, surprised. He must have been sitting there for a while because when he came in there’d been only a handful of patrons. Now the joint was elbow to elbow and the band had started playing again. He’d met the lead singer, Benny, a few weeks ago. They shared a love for music. Brennan had come in earlier while they were warming up and played a couple tunes with them.

  Although Brennan had given up a career in music a long time ago, there were moments when he missed the adrenaline rush. He’d ridden pissed off bulls that had never given him the same rush as he got while on stage. Singing did something for him. Destressed him. Tonight he needed something.

  Benny pointed from stage and Brennan realized all attention turned to him. “I’d like to get someone up on stage with us to play a song. Man, you have to hear this man sing. Come on up, Brennan Colt.” Benny motioned for Brennan.

  The crowd whistled and hollered, and Brennan waved as if to say, “Hell no!” but Benny wasn’t having it. “Don’t play shy, my man.”

  Fortunately, Brennan was no longer walking with crutches. Unfortunately, he still had a limp, so it took him a little longer to weave his way from the bar stool to the stage. Once he took his position, feeling the heat of the lights on him, he strummed his fingers down the strings of his favorite guitar.

  As he sung a popular song by Johnny Cash that caused the crowd to go wild, Brennan’s gaze naturally found the pretty nurse that was still sitting at the table. Because the lights were in his eyes, he couldn’t make out her facial features, but he could see her silhouette and knew she was watching. Maybe he’d been too quick to decide not to pursue her.

  The song ended and he smiled at the applause, took his leave off the stage and was greeted by a voluptuous blonde who leaned in so close her large breasts rubbed his chest. “Hi, Cowboy. I love your voice. Can I get an autograph?”

  Once upon a time he’d loved receiving that sort of request after a show, but years had passed, and this seemed surreal. People had no use for his autograph these days, but he didn’t want to let her down. He accepted the pen. “Do you have paper?”

  “No, but I have this.” She turned and bent over, pulling her jean skirt up high on her waist, showing off the itty-bitty thong and a whole lotta ass. Brennan was a red-blooded man and couldn’t deny that it did something to a man’s ego to touch a woman’s sweet bottom, especially when he hadn’t in almost seven months. He signed her skin as she wished then he handed the pen back and made his way to the stool with his guitar. That’d be the only sweet thing he’d be touching tonight. He had no use for one-night stands because nothing was ever one night.

  Hell, the fact that he needed to find a wife stayed at the forefront of his brain. He skipped his gaze across the room that was full of beautiful women. He wished he’d find one that he wanted to marry, but truth was, he hadn’t found the right one.

  But the nurse certainly did come close.

  The band played and his intention was to watch, but his eyes were drawn on something much more interesting—and much prettier. Charlotte with wild curls, flawless skin, and perfect lips.

  He swiveled around to face the glass shelves lined with whiskey bottles behind the bar and stared at his reflection in the mirror. Man, time is running out.

  The pressure was real.

  He found her in the mirror and his breath caught as he watched her. He’d tried to forget that humiliating day, but for the last few weeks he’d thought about her a lot. Sweat beaded on his forehead and his throat ached. He’d made a flippin’ fool of himself with her and yet there was an urgency in his gut. He wanted to speak to her.

  He turned back, waiting until she finally brought her gaze up and he smiled. She pretended not to see him.

  Okay then.

  Rejection never felt good.

  “Oh my God! That’s a great guitar!”

  The squealing voice came from a brunette who sashayed up to him then gave a little jump in her stilettos that jiggled her breasts. Brennan gave her a humble grin. “Thanks.”

  “I’m Bambi.” She waved over the bartender. “How about I buy you a drink in exchange for a private concert later?” She smiled, showing off the silver hoop in her bottom lip. She was so drunk he could smell her intention. Although she was pretty, sexy in fact, Brennan had a rule. Drunk women were off limits. He thought all women should be treated like he wanted his sister, if he had one, to be treated. His momma had pounded into his brain that a woman deserved respect and appreciation, even if she wasn’t showing herself any.

  “Want another?” the bartender asked Brennan.

  “I’ll pass.”

  “You can’t pass,” Bambi whined and wrapped her arm around his neck. “It’s early and the band is amazing.”

  She was now so close that her braless breasts under the thin tank were in his face. She had enough cleavage he could dive in and get lost for days, but that wasn’t his style. He’d been told enough that he wasn’t like other men. Sure, Brennan knew a handful of men who’d think he was crazy if he didn’t encourage the woman’s affection, but he had no objective of pushing her to do anything but
call an Uber and sleep off her drunk.

  “Are you even old enough to be in a bar?” he asked.

  “I just turned twenty-one. I’m legal.” She giggled, leaning closer, placing her ringed fingers on his wrists. “Now how about that drink, Cowboy?”

  “I’ve had enough.”

  “Well, then.” She reached up and rolled a piece of his hair around her knuckle. “How about you buy me one?”

  “How about I instead call you a ride and I’ll pay the cost. I’d say that’s the best thing for both of us.”

  His words caught her momentarily off guard, but she pulled herself together fast. “Please tell me you don’t have a problem with young girls.” She tapped one of his buttons. “I say we skip the drinks all together and leave this place. Whatdya say, handsome?”

  Brennan started to open his mouth when a flash of dark brown hair and flawless skin made him look passed Bambi’s shoulder to disapproving amber eyes.

  In the next instant Bambi was pushed aside and the pretty nurse slipped up beside Brennan, then placed her hand possessively on his jeaned thigh. What the hell?

  “Hello, honey. I’m sorry I’m running late but little Johnny didn’t want to go to sleep.”

  He blinked and stared. Had he missed something?

  Bambi wrapped her arms around her tiny waist as her gaze narrowed in confusion. “Who are you?”

  “Isn’t it obvious who I am?” Charlotte saddled up closer to Brennan’s side, wrapping her arms around his shoulders like they were meant to cling to him. Her hair smelled like fresh blueberries and it triggered something below his belt. Something magnificent.

  “Tell her to go home to Johnny,” Bambi slurred, giving Charlotte an evil eye. “You don’t need a woman who has a man already. I’m free as a bird.”

  Brennan was almost embarrassed for the young girl who didn’t get that he wasn’t interested. Hopefully she woke up with a helluva hangover that taught her a lesson, but he doubted it. At least now he understood what Charlotte was trying to do. She was saving him, and he appreciated it, although he could have handled the situation himself.