Page 19 of Taming the Wild Cowboy

“When did this happen?”

“It started just about the time that Brooke told her lie. It took a while for it to end and when it did, well, Mom and I didn’t have a lot. She has since married an old beau who isn’t even close to rich, but she’s happy.”

“Does she know that you’re in a spot?” he asked, using her terminology.

“I don’t want to worry her. She didn’t do well with the Frank thing, and like I said, they aren’t in a position to help, so why involve her unless things get dire?”

“This isn’t dire?”

“It’s close,” she admitted. “But I’ll give it a little longer. My new stepdad runs his own business and with the current economy they’re lucky to make payroll each month. I’m not adding to their concerns.”

“Well, sorry I called you rich,” Trev said in an attempt to lighten the mood.

“I’ve been called worse,” she said flippantly.

Somehow Trev doubted she’d been called many names. He stroked Roger’s sturdy neck, then asked a question that he probably shouldn’t. “What was your read on me back then?”

Mac gave him a look. “How honest do you want me to be?”

“Honest.”

“Okay … I thought you were hot and charming, and got away with murder because of it.”

Trev coughed into his fist. “Okay then.”

“No offense,” she said earnestly. “It’s just that the stuff you and your brothers got into with no apparent consequences led me to believe that all of you guys banked on good looks and good nature.”

“What kind of stuff are you talking about?”

“Come on. You all had a fierce drink-hard, play-hard reputation until Brooke got hold of you.”

The reference to Brooke changing him jabbed more than he liked. The truth hurt.

“You’re saying we banked on good looks and good nature?”

“And how is that different than getting away with things because of money?” Her eyebrows lifted as an awkward silence settled over them. She pressed a hand to her forehead as if suddenly realizing that she may have said too much. “Am I fired?”

Like he could let an extra pair of hands go, even hands that had no calving experience. “I’m putting a warning letter in your file.”

“Guess I’d better watch myself in the future.”

“Guess so.” But he kind of hoped she didn’t. It was fascinating to see the feisty side of this woman come out. What else was she hiding beneath that standoffish surface? “We should head back.”

“Right.” She gave Spot one last pat.

When they returned to the ranch, they once again walked the herd of pregnant cows, this time without Mac being threatened by Killer Moo. Two calves had hit the ground during their absence, and both were actively nursing, so they didn’t need further monitoring. He jotted down the numbers of the mothers in his notebook, then slipped it in his pocket. He and Wade would tag them in the morning along with any other newcomers. “Quitting time.”

“Seems like we barely started,” Maclyn quipped.

It had indeed been a long day, but a productive one. As they approached the house, Maclyn’s chin came up. “Where’s Raisin?”

Where indeed? The yard was empty. Maclyn called the dog as she hurried to the gate, called again, her voice rising. Nothing. She whirled around, scanning the area around the trucks and the barn. “Raisin!”

A little curly head appeared at the bay window. Trev put a hand on Maclyn’s arm. She shot him a look and he pointed. “Found your dog.”

Mac’s mouth dropped open. “Is she standing on the table?”

“Looks that way.”