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“The event at the last ranch—a talent show,” she said.

“No,” I replied immediately, my tone firm.

“Yes,” she countered, crossing her arms over her chest, the movement drawing attention to the way her dress accentuated her curves.

“It’ll get people involved, be fun, and give you a chance to show the pleasant side of you I know is dying to come out,” she added, her voice teasing.

I growled in response, my patience wearing thin.

“Down, boy,” she purred, clearly enjoying the back and forth.

“You can do the talent show,” I said, leaning forward slightly, “but I’ll be staying far away from it.” The idea of performing on stage in front of people sounded like my worst nightmare—outright stupid and utterly unappealing.

“Oh, come on, it’s one day. It’ll be a hit,” Eleanor pushed, her tone light but persistent.

“I said no,” I replied, my voice final, cutting through the air.

She scoffed, standing up and walking to the front of my desk. Her movements were deliberate, every step made with precision. She glanced down at her nails, red polish gleaming as if mocking me with its brightness, her fingers moving slowly, casually.

“If you’re scared…” she challenged, still avoiding eye contact, her tone laced with just enough taunt to make my blood simmer. She knew how to get under my skin with an intent that felt almost practiced. “I can find another grumpy cowboy to do it instead.”

I inhaled deeply and held myself still with every muscle braced. My eyes locked on her every move. As she paced before me, I caught the quick, subtle glance she threw my way, a flicker of satisfaction in her gaze.

“I’m not scared,” I replied, my voice low, steady.

“It sure sounds like it.” She stopped in front of my desk, facing me now, with her chin tipped upward just enough to dare me to look away.

“Do you know how much you piss me off?” I asked, tilting my head slightly, my elbows pressing into the desk as I leaned forward, closing the space between us.

“Ditto,” she shot back, leaning in closer, our faces inches apart. The tension was thick and palpable, a mix of irritation and something more potent.

“I’m not getting up there by myself. Plus, I don’t even have a—” My protest was cut off by a knock at the door, a sharp interruption that grated on my nerves.

The door creaked open without waiting for an invitation, revealing Cooper. His timing, as always, was impeccable—impeccably bad.

“Hey, Colt, I’ve been thinking—”

His eyes flicked to Eleanor, still leaning over my desk, and then to me, leaning into her space.

“Cooper, how many times do I have to fucking tell you? Just because you knock doesn’t mean you can come in.” I bit at him.

Eleanor straightened, turning to face my brother, arms crossing over her chest, her posture unyielding. She studied him from across the room, her gaze sharp, assessing. Her stance gave me a perfect view of her curves, a distraction I didn’t need but couldn’t resist.

“Oh my,” Eleanor laughed, bending slightly as she took in the sight of the two of us. “You two are identical!” She whipped around, eyes darting to me then back to Cooper, her amusement evident.

Cooper took a step toward Eleanor, his grin charming as he extended his hand. “I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Cooper,” he said, his voice smooth—almost too smooth.

Eleanor smirked, her eyes glinting with mischief. “And such a gentleman,” she replied, placing her hand in his. Cooper brought the back of her hand to his mouth, planting a soft kiss while locking eyes with her, playing the role of a perfect prince.

For fuck’s sake. My jaw clenched as I watched the scene unfold, irritation bubbling under my skin. Watching my brother fawn over Eleanor like a schoolboy was unbearable.

“What do you want, Cooper? Just say it and get out,” I barked. I had to put an end to this before it drove me insane. I’d never intended for them to meet, knowing full well Cooper would act exactly like this.

Cooper glanced at me, then back to Eleanor, clearly enjoying the situation. “The conversation can wait. Right now, I’m curious about this lovely lady.”

“Eleanor,” she said so sweetly it would give someone a damn cavity, which only made my irritation more lethal. I couldn’t take staring at her backside any longer, an odd thought coming from me. I stood from my desk and moved to her side, a silent but deliberate attempt to stake my claim without crossing any obvious lines.

I took a wide stance, narrowing my gaze at Cooper, who chuckled at my futile attempt to remain composed. He knew me too well and could see right through my thin veil of composure.