Sometime around five in the morning, she pulled herself out of bed. She went to the bathroom first thing and grimaced, quickly noting that cleaning it would take priority today. Then she tip-toed down the stairs after she got dressed. The boys were bound to be hungry and if the amount they ate last night was any indication, she needed to cook a lot. But coffee first. Nothing sat well with her before coffee. The sun was just rising in its yellow, orange and red glory. The summer season was certainly here.
The house felt a bit warm but she didn’t dare turn on the air conditioning. Who knew what the rules around here were? She made coffee and pulled the last of the eggs out of the refrigerator. Someone would have to go shopping. She really wasn’t up to going into town if she could help it.
She should probably just tell Holden before someone else did. Who knew what version he would get? She’d grown up in Carlston and had never been in real trouble. Her folks were hard working and so was she. But somehow her reputation was shredded all in one night. One awful night. A shiver went through her as she thought about it.
“Cold?”
She needed to be more aware of her surroundings. Somehow Holden had snuck behind her and startled her. She put on what she hoped was her poker face and turned. Sexy was the first word that came to mind. His hair was sticking up and he had a day’s growth of stubble. Definitely sexy.
“No. In fact I was thinking it was a bit warm in here. It’s supposed to get pretty hot today. Do you open the windows, use fans, air conditioning?”
“I’ll set the air before I get dressed. You’re up early.”
“Not really. I lived on a ranch most of my life before my parents died. I’m used to the hours.”
He tilted his head as though he was trying to figure her out. “You ride?”
“Probably better than you.” She couldn’t help the smile that graced her face. “When I wasn’t in school, I was in the saddle. In fact I didn’t even know how to cook until Paul, the owner at my old job, taught me.”
“Where are your folks now?”
“They both drowned two years ago.” She shrugged her shoulders, but in truth her heart broke every time she told someone.
“I’m sorry, Summer.” His eyes reflected a kindness that had been scarce in her life lately.
“You didn’t get much sleep. Why don’t you go back to bed?”
Holden reached around her and poured himself a cup of coffee. “It’s been eons since anyone cared about my sleep or lack thereof. I’ll be fine. The boys and I need to work with the horses and I have a small herd of cattle I need to check on this morning.”
They both leaned back against the counter, sipping coffee. Surprisingly, the silence was comfortable. “I have a bathroom or two to tackle today. I might as well get some laundry done too.”
After a bit, he set his coffee cup on the counter. “I’ll be back in time for breakfast. I’ll be in the barn if you need me.” With a quick nod, he left.
She wished she had taken the opportunity to tell him. She had the feeling that calm moments were a fleeting thing here.
A half hour later, the sound of footsteps and good natured banter soon confirmed her feeling as four boys came piling head long into the kitchen. They saw her and each straightened. Matt finger-combed his hair.
“Morning,” she sang out. “Just in time.”
John’s eyes grew wide as he eyed the table. “Oh boy, a real breakfast!”
Summer smiled. “What do you usually eat?”
“Toast. Usually we have toast. If we don’t get up on time, then you just get bread.” John told her solemnly.
Summer wanted to laugh at his dramatics. “That’s just plain awful, the bread and water treatment. Just who is in charge around here?”
“That would be me.” Holden closed the door behind him and winked at her.
She flushed and got busy putting the bacon, eggs and toast on the table.
“So, who here drinks coffee?” It surprised her when they all chimed in. “Luke, John, you drink coffee? How about some milk?” Luke’s hard look made her realize that she said the wrong thing.
“Coffee. Black,” Luke said, slow and loud while he gave her a hard stare.
Matt hit Luke’s shoulder. “Have some manners.”
Luke turned red and hit Matt back. “At least I don’t have the hots for the woman.”
Holden stepped between them. “Matt, no hitting. Luke, you apologize to both your brother and to Summer. She is not ‘the woman.’ She has a name.”
Luke hesitated and Matt threw down his napkin and slammed the door closed as he left.
“She thinks I’m some kid. If I want coffee, I expect coffee. Who is she to be asking anyway?”
“Luke,” the warning in Holden’s voice was evident.
“You are far from perfect,” Luke spouted before he high-tailed it out the door too.
Mark and John appeared shell shocked. They sat straight up in their chairs staring at each other.
Summer sighed. “I’m sorry. I made a mess of things.” Part of her wanted to cry, but she knew better than to cry at work. Tears never solved anything.
Holden shook his head. “No darlin’, you did nothing wrong. I’m sorry that Luke’s anger was directed at you. We’ve all been a bit touchy since… well since the move. I’ll talk to them and have them apologize. For now let’s eat. I’m starved and this all looks amazing.”
She put the coffee pot on the table. They could pour their own after that fiasco. Sitting, she peered at Mark and John. They appeared decidedly uncomfortable but ate anyway. “I hope you like it.” She tried to smile but she knew she didn’t succeed. With this many males there were bound to be some stepped on toes. Men thought women were touchy. Obviously they didn’t realize the truth.
“This is really good,” John said with a full mouth.
Holden had his mouth open, probably to admonish him, but Summer picked up a piece of toast, leaned over and put a corner of it in Holden’s mouth. His eyes widened in surprise for a second before he took a bite and they all laughed. The tension in the room broke and he sent her a look of gratitude. It made her smile.
“Really, this is good and I appreciate it.” Holden wiped the side of his mouth with his napkin. “I have to get to the office. Mark, tell Matt that I don’t want him trying to ride Yukon just yet. That horse still needs some work. John, I need the western fence line checked.” John opened his mouth. “Before you argue, I don’t care who does what. I just want it done.”
Both Mark and John nodded.
“I should be back in time for dinner. Summer, I’ll call and let you know.”
Summer nodded too. “I have more than enough to keep me busy. Have a good day.” She got up and cleared the table. One by one the others left. It was just an adjustment, she hoped. They really were just boys.
Continue Reading
About the Author
Sexy Cowboys and the Women Who Love Them...
Finalist in the 2012 and 2015 RONE Awards.
Top Pick, Five Star Series from the Romance Review.
Kathleen Ball writes contemporary and historical western romance with great emotion and
memorable characters. Her books are award winners and have appeared on best sellers lists including: Amazon's Best Seller's List, All Romance Ebooks, Bookstrand, Desert Breeze Publishing and Secret Cravings Publishing Best Sellers list. She is the recipient of eight Editor's Choice Awards, and The Readers' Choice Award for Ryelee's Cowboy.
Winner of the Lear diamond award Best Historical Novel- Cinders' Bride
There's something about a cowboy
Other Books by Kathleen
Lasso Spring Series
Callie’s Heart
Lone Star Joy
Stetson’s Storm
Dawson Ranch Series
Texas Haven
Ryelee’s Cowboy
Cowboy Season Series
Summer’s Desire
Autumn’s Hope
Winter’s Embrac
e
Spring’s Delight
Mail Order Brides of Texas
Cinder’s Bride
Keegan’s Bride
Shane’s Bride
Tramp’s Bride
Poor Boy’s Christmas
Oregon Trail Dreamin’
We’ve Only Just Begun
A Lifetime to Share
A Love Worth Searching For
So Many Roads to Choose
The Settlers
Greg
Juan
Scarlett
Mail Order Brides of Spring Water
Tattered Hearts
Shattered Trust
Glory’s Groom
Battered Soul
The Greatest Gift
Love So Deep
Luke’s Fate
Whispered Love
Love Before Midnight
I’m Forever Yours
Finn’s Fortune
Glory’s Groom
Stetson's Storm Page 22