by Lacey Wolfe
“It’s no biggie. It happens to us all.” Braden pushed off the wall and pulled down a saddle.
“You gonna use Izzy for the lesson?” Tucker asked.
“Planning to.”
“We need to start using Rosie more. The vet was here last week and Izzy is showing signs of arthritis.”
“That’s not good. Can they help?”
“Of course, but I think she just needs a little break.”
Braden nodded. Izzy was up there in age, but a damn good horse. “I’ll take Rosie out today.”
“She’s all white. A little girl will love her.”
He walked toward the exit of the barn, but Tucker’s hand came down on his shoulder.
“I’m sorry Courtney turned you down. You’re a great catch. It’s her loss, okay?”
“I guess. It’s just hard. I’ve liked her for so long.”
“The right girl is out there.”
Braden left the barn. It just sucked when the woman he wanted didn’t want him back. His brother was right. There were plenty of women. It was time to start dating.
Thirty minutes later, the sound of gravel crunching caught his attention. Courtney was there with Anna. The little girl jumped out of the backseat, a big grin on her face. He’d seen the child a few times at the bar, but it amazed him how much she looked like her mother. Red hair with a slight wave to it and that same pale skin that almost seemed translucent.
“Hey.” Courtney climbed out of the car. “Sorry we’re a little late. Anna insisted on boots, and the pair she had didn’t fit anymore, so we had to make a pit stop.”
Anna marched up, placing a hand on her hip, and held a foot out for him to admire. “I got pink ones.”
Braden smiled, taking in the bright pink boots with silver sparkles. “I like them. Did they have any in my size?”
Anna giggled. “Boys don’t wear pink.”
“They don’t?” He placed a hand over his heart, pretending to be shocked.
The little girl laughed some more. Braden didn’t have much experience with kids, but he assumed they weren’t much different than adults. Just smaller and cute. This would be a good lesson for him since he’d be an uncle before long.
“Are you ready to get started?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“Follow me and you can meet Rosie.”
When they got to the horse, Anna turned to him and asked, “Why isn’t she pink?”
“Pink?” He rubbed his temple.
“Yeah. You said her name was Rosie.”
He glanced at the pure white horse. “I guess her name doesn’t really fit her.”
“Nope, but I still like her.”
“Good. Would you like to give her a carrot?”
“I would!”
“How about you?” He glanced at Courtney.
“Sure. It’s been a long time since I’ve been this close to a horse.”
Braden pulled out a plastic bag of carrots he’d put in his back pocket earlier. “We’ll let your mom go first so you can see that the big mouth on the horse is gentle.”
He handed one to Courtney, who stepped in front of the horse. “Any tips?” she asked.
“If you’re nervous about the horse’s teeth getting close to your fingers, hold your palm flat and offer the carrot that way.”
Courtney held the carrot out and Rosie took a small step toward her. He resisted the urge to chuckle when Courtney tensed up. The horse took the treat and Courtney rubbed the animal’s nose.
“She’s really gentle and her mouth tickles a bit,” she said to Anna.
Anna went up to her mom after taking a carrot from Braden. Courtney bent down behind her so her face was level with her daughter. Anna was a champ. She lifted the snack right to the horse and smiled wide the whole time.
“That was awesome.”
“All right. Let’s get started then. Have you sat on a horse?” he asked.
“No.”
He found that hard to believe, being where they lived. With all the ranches around, it shocked him that both of them had such little experience. “That’s gonna change today. Well, after your mom signs a few pieces of paper for me. Would you like to go in the stable and meet all our horses?”
The girl nodded big. He led them toward the stable and Anna wasted no time checking out the horses still in the stalls. That child didn’t have a shy bone in her body.
“You’re really good with kids.” Courtney moved close to him and her fruity fragrances circled him.
“I don’t have much experience with children.”
“I’d never be able to tell. I think she likes you too. She doesn’t usually warm up so quickly.”
He never would’ve guessed that as friendly as Anna had been. Grabbing a clipboard, he handed it to Courtney. “This is just a waiver saying you won’t sue us if she gets hurt, and you’re giving me permission to teach her.”
“Is that necessary?” She took the clipboard. “I’d never sue you.”
“We have to cover our asses, sweetheart.” Shit, had he just called her sweetheart?
If Courtney caught it, she didn’t let on. Instead, she signed on the line and handed it back, not making eye contact. He was pretty sure his cheeks were bright red, because his face was hot.
* * * *
There was something happening inside of Courtney as she watched Braden with Anna. This warm, fuzzy feeling circled her heart, and at one point, her eyes welled up with tears. She took a deep breath and rubbed her eyes, hearing her dad in the back of her mind. Don’t give me tears. Be strong.
This moment wasn’t about being strong. She couldn’t will the way she felt away, and she didn’t want to. Her daughter seemed to get along with Braden better than she ever could have imagined.
Usually, Anna was timid and shy and clung to her mother’s leg. Not today. She’d strutted her stuff and gone straight to him with no problem. Hell, Anna had even told Courtney to go away while she had her lesson, so now Courtney sat on the outside of the ring and watched.
Maybe she’d been wrong to turn Braden down. He was a good friend with a caring heart. He’d never brought a date to Long Necks. Sure, he’d danced with women on occasion, but he was nothing like his brothers.
Had he been under her nose all this time, admiring her and waiting for his chance, just for her to turn him down? Shit, she felt awful. Dating was something she’d never been good at, but no one had ever made her want to date. A big part of her wanted to try with him, but then she was worried she’d lose this—the friendship.
Hell, she couldn’t go back to just a friendship with him, not knowing he liked her. She’d gotten so jealous the night before when he was talking to another woman. Just imagine if he did date someone. No. She couldn’t have that.
“Mama, we’re done.” Anna ran up.
She stood. “Excellent. Did you have fun?”
“I did. Do I get to come back?”
“Of course.”
Braden walked over. “Your daughter is a natural. I’m very impressed.”
“A natural?” She laughed. “No idea how that happened.”
“She’s a fast learner. Very smart.” He tousled Anna’s hair and her daughter leaned into him.
Oh God, there went her heart again. “Well, Anna, we really have to get going. I’m sorry to run like this.”
“It’s no problem. I’ll see you next Sunday, Anna.”
“Will you be in to Long Necks this week?” Courtney asked.
“Maybe. With Dad out of commission, I have a lot more to do around here than usual.”
“I hope you do find time.” She took Anna’s hand and went toward her car.
After closing Anna’s door, she went to her side of the car. Glancing toward Braden, she gasped at how handsome he’d become. She’d always found him attractive, but now her gaze wanted to undress him and see what was underneath that white shirt.
Chapter 4
Braden entered his parents’ house just before the usual family
Sunday meal. He made a pit stop in the hall bathroom to scrub his hands clean.
Lauren’s laughter echoed through the house along with his mother’s. The two women had been instant buddies, and it didn’t hurt that Lauren longed to learn all the Carver family recipes.
He wasn’t in much of a mood to hang out with the whole crew today. Instead, he wanted to go home and lie on the couch while he put his feelings for Courtney into perspective. Anna was the sweetest little girl he’d ever met. She was easy-going and had a great sense of self. She was going to be a good rider once she got the hang of it. He’d caught Courtney staring at him a few times. She’d told him she wasn’t interested in him, yet her actions were telling him different.
Or maybe he was overthinking this.
He went into the living room, plopped down in a chair, and stared at whatever was on the TV.
“What’s up, dude? How’d the lesson go?” Tucker was lounging in a recliner.
“Good. I think Anna will have the hang of it in no time.”
“You seem out of it,” Tucker said.
“I’m fine.”
His brother chuckled. “Now you’re acting like a woman.”
Irritation coursed through him. “Don’t start with me. I’m not in the mood for your immature ways.”
“Whoa.” Tucker stood. “Someone is quite pissy.”
His brother was carefree and fun all the time. Braden didn’t feel like anyone in the family really understood him. They always called him the emotional one. Was there something wrong with that? Did everyone else in this family not feel things the way he did? Maybe he was adopted, because he was nothing like the rest of the Carvers.
“Hey, Braden.” Lauren rubbed the top of his head. “Dinner is ready, so you boys come on.”
He smiled at his brother’s wife before making his way to the dinner table.
As soon as his mom came into the room and set down the tray of rolls, she asked, “Braden, honey, what’s wrong?”
Tucker chimed in, “He’s fine, Mom.”
“He’s not fine. I can see it all over his face.”
“Leave him alone,” his father said as he took his seat. “The last thing he wants to do is talk about it with all of us.”
Maybe he’d take back the thoughts about being adopted. In all the years growing up, his dad did seem to understand and often stood up for him.
“Mack, something is wrong,” his mom argued.
Braden sighed. “If you all must know...” He set his hands on the table. “I asked someone out and she turned me down.”
“Oh my God, you asked Courtney out?” Melissa covered her mouth. “I can’t believe she did that. What’s her problem?”
He and Melissa had always been close since they were only a year apart in age. She was going to hound him later for not telling, because they always confided in each other. She knew how much he admired Courtney, but he couldn’t bring himself to tell her he’d been rejected.
“It’s no big deal,” he said. “She doesn’t have to say yes.”
His mom placed chicken on her plate then passed the dish to Tucker. “It’s time to start seeing other girls. You’ve been infatuated with her way too long.” Braden’s mom had never supported his crush on Courtney.
“You don’t have to worry about her being here for Sunday dinner anymore,” Braden said. “Not that you ever were.”
“I hate that you’re upset.” She frowned. “But it’s for the best. Mary Ellis down the road has a daughter your age. How about we set you two up?”
The dish of chicken came to him and he removed one. “No. I don’t need to be set up.”
“Well, you need to get out there and date.”
“Leave the boy alone,” his dad said.
His mom let out a loud sigh, obviously annoyed, which set the tone for the rest of the meal. Usually Sunday lunches were filled with happiness, but today wasn’t one of those. Everyone was quiet and kept the conversation on safe topics.
* * * *
Later that afternoon, Courtney drove back toward Carver Ranch. Anna had dropped a bracelet during her lesson, and lo and behold, she had to have it back. Courtney didn’t remember even seeing her daughter with the bracelet on, so she wasn’t all too sure she was telling the truth. But tears and a massive temper tantrum meant they were in the car.
She dialed Braden’s cellphone number from the card he’d given her today and waited for him to answer.
“You shouldn’t talk and drive, Mama.”
“I know, dear, but I need to let Braden know we’re coming back.”
After the third ring, he answered, “Hello.”
Her stomach twisted and her breath caught. What the hell? “Braden, it’s Courtney. Anna lost a bracelet during her lesson today, and we’re coming back to look for it.”
“I’ll head down and see if I can find it.”
“You don’t have to. I just wanted you to know we’d be on the property.”
“It’s no biggie. See you in a bit.”
“Okay, bye.” She pressed the end button and dropped the phone in her lap.
“I’m telling Papa you were on the phone while you were driving,” Anna said.
“And I can turn this car around because of your sassy attitude and not get your bracelet.”
Anna didn’t make another peep the entire ride to the ranch.
As soon as the car was off and Anna spotted Braden, she jumped out of the car and ran toward him. Courtney still couldn’t believe how much her daughter liked him. There was a slight chill to the air and she rubbed her arms, wishing she’d brought a sweater.
“Hey,” she said as she got close to Braden and Anna.
“He found it, Mommy.” Anna held up the pink and purple beaded bracelet. So her daughter hadn’t lied.
“Thank you. Where was it?”
“In the barn. Must’ve fallen off when she was checking out the horses,” Braden said.
She locked gazes with him a moment before letting hers wander to take in the tight navy t-shirt that showed off his toned chest. Did he have a six-pack to match?
“We won’t keep you. I’m sure you’ve got plenty to be doing.” She reached for Anna’s shoulder.
“Can I go see the horses again?” Anna asked with a wide smile.
Her daughter loved the horses.
“Sure. Just don’t be too loud and get them riled up,” Braden said.
Anna nodded then took off into the barn.
“She really likes you.” Courtney shivered again, unsure if it was Braden that caused it or the cooling temperatures.
“Cold?”
“I’ll be okay.” She walked toward the entrance of the barn so she could keep an eye on her hyper child who was in conversation with one of the horses. “How was your day?”
“Crappy,” he replied without much emotion.
“How so?”
“My mom wants to set me up on dates.”
She cleared her throat, that possessive feeling coming back. “Oh, yeah?”
He nodded, but didn’t say anything.
“Are you going to let her?” Please say no. Not that it should matter since she’d turned him down.
He shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess I need to date since, uh, you…” He didn’t finish his sentence, instead shoved his hands in his pockets.
The awkward phase was setting in. “Maybe we could try one date.”
He glanced at her, but didn’t give her that adorable smile she was used to. “I’m gonna be honest. I’ve liked you for a while. If all we can have is a friendship, that’s fine. I don’t want you going out with me because you pity me.”
Ouch. “I don’t pity you.”
“But you don’t like me that way.”
I do. Did she?
“We’re friends. That’s all. I get it.” He trudged off toward Anna and knelt beside her while he spoke to her.
Her heart melted at the sight. She liked this man. He was bringing things out in her that she’d locked aw
ay. A tear welled up in her eye, but she refused to let it drop. Knowing she’d hurt him made her heart ache.
“Anna,” she called. “We need to get going. I have inventory at the bar tonight and I have to get you to Papa’s house.”
“Can’t I stay here with Braden?”
You and me both. “No, honey. Braden doesn’t want to babysit you.”
“I don’t mind,” he said.
“See, Mommy. I can stay here with the horses.”
“That’s nice, but I’ll be late and you always sleep at Papa’s on Sunday nights. He’ll miss you.”
“Oh, you don’t want to make Papa sad,” Braden said.
“Can’t I sleep at your house?” she asked.
Braden shook his head. “Nope, sorry.”
“Why?”
He chuckled. “It’s a mess. Maybe when I get it clean you can come over, but right now it’s a big, big mess.”
“It wasn’t too big a mess for you to babysit me.”
“Anna, enough,” Courtney demanded, embarrassed by her daughter’s persistence.
Anna slumped and walked to her. “Thank you for finding the bracelet for us.”
“It was no problem.”
“I don’t want to go, Mama,” Anna cried.
“Please, don’t start.”
Braden stepped back. “I’ll see you ladies next Sunday for another lesson.” He went back into the barn, leaving her to deal with her spoiled daughter. She couldn’t blame him.
Taking Anna’s hand, she tugged her toward the car.
“I like it here. I don’t want to go. He said he’d babysit me.”
“I know, but he can’t tonight.”
“When?”
“I don’t know.”
“I like him. He’s nice.”
Courtney opened the car door. “I like him too. He’s very nice, I agree.”
“Why don’t you marry him?”
She closed the car door and went around and climbed in. “It doesn’t work that way, Anna.”
“Why not?” she continued to argue.
“It just doesn’t. You have to fall in love.”
“Then do that.”
Courtney started the car. “It’s not that easy.” Why am I even having this conversation?