In The Cowboy's Arms

“He is. They all are. Many years ago Herb and I started taking in boys with nowhere else to go. Most of them ended up calling us Mom and Dad, which pleases us no end. We couldn’t have kids of our own and now we’re blessed with a huge family. We love it.”

“Wow. So this ranch used to be a foster home?”

“Sure did, although once again, the boys usually dropped the word foster after they’d been here awhile. The ranch was just home.”

“That’s wonderful.” She was beginning to realize how little she knew about Matt. But she doubted Rosie had walked out here to give her a quick history lesson.

“It has been. Listen, I know you’ve had a long trip. I’ll bet you could use some food and something to drink. Why don’t you come in?”

Whoa. Talk about falling down the rabbit hole. “Uh, because Matt doesn’t want me to?”

“You’re right, he doesn’t. He’s embarrassed about the mess with Briana Danvers and hates how it’s affected his life. He made the trip without going back to his apartment because he didn’t want to be waylaid. He asked me to shop for him today so he’d have a few clothes and some toiletries.”

“Poor guy.”

“He’s hurting, that’s for sure. And he doesn’t want any of it touching his family.” Rosie paused. “But unless you have paparazzi hiding in your SUV, I can’t imagine how bringing you inside would involve us in the scandal.”

“I promise I’m not dragging a gaggle of reporters behind me. Sheridan isn’t the easiest place in the world to access by air. Matt’s not a big enough story to warrant suffering through long layovers and tiny planes.”

Rosie laughed. “I love that about this town. But in spite of the inconvenience, here you are.”

“Because I really have to talk to him.”

“I’m sure you do. Just because Matt doesn’t go online doesn’t mean I haven’t. I’ve sent that woman an email letting her know what I think of her shenanigans, not that she’ll ever see it.”

“No, she probably won’t. I’m sure her PR people filter out the negative ones. I do the same for my clients. If I thought this would go away I’d ignore her, but she’s escalated the attack. That’s why I need to discuss it with Matt.”

“Then let’s make that happen. You’re lucky we were having a party or we all might have been in bed.”

“Oh! I didn’t think of that!”

“I’ll bet nobody goes to bed at ten in Los Angeles.”

“Not anyone I know. Plus it’s an hour earlier there. I forgot about the time change, which isn’t like me. I apologize.”

“As it turns out, it doesn’t matter. But I should warn you that ranch folks get up at dawn so we don’t tend to be night owls unless it’s a special occasion.”

“Then I won’t stay long. And I really don’t need someone to lead me back to town and find me a hotel. I can manage.”

“No reason for you to do that. We have plenty of room.”

Geena was stunned. “You’re suggesting I stay here?”

“I am.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Actually, it’s a fine idea. I assume you have a bag with you?”

“Yes, but—”

“Then let’s get it.” Rosie started toward the SUV.

“Wait a minute. Matt will hit the roof. I knew he’d be upset but I had no idea how upset. After I talk with him I’ll drive into town like he suggested. I don’t want to cause problems.”

“Trust me, there will be no problems.”

“You’re sure?”

“Absolutely sure.” Rosie opened the passenger door and reached for the overnight bag.

“Oh, no, let me get it.” Geena edged her out of the way. “It’s bad enough that I arrived unannounced and uninvited. I won’t have you schlepping my luggage.” She pulled out the small carry-on and closed the door.

“The way I figure it,” Rosie said as they started back toward the porch, “you came unannounced because you had to. If you’d told Matt, he would have met you at the airport and sent you right back.”

“Guaranteed.”

“I realize there’s a crisis here, and it’s a shame you and Matt don’t see eye-to-eye on how it should be managed.”

“Yes, it is.”

“Just so you’re clear on my position, I agree with him that he shouldn’t have to make a public apology. He didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I know that now.” Geena lifted her bag so it would clear the steps. “It’s one of the things I want to tell him.”

Rosie glanced over, her expression eager. “You have proof?”

“Unfortunately not. But when I started thinking about what a gentleman he is, I knew he wouldn’t have deliberately embarrassed a woman in public.”

“Ah. That’s a good start. You’re beginning to see who he is under the pretty packaging.”

Geena choked on a laugh. “Excuse me?”

“Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed that he’s a beautiful young man, because I won’t believe you.”

“Okay, I’ve noticed.”

“I’m sure that Briana noticed, too. I have a feeling we don’t have the whole story, but like you said, Matt’s a gentleman. We might have to get the info out of Cade.”

“Cade?”

“One of Matt’s brothers. He’s inside with his fiancée, Lexi, so you’ll get to meet both of them, plus my husband, Herb. This is all working out for the best.” She opened the door. “After you.”

A knot of anxiety settled in Geena’s stomach as she walked into the living room carrying her overnight bag. Sure, she was good at handling awkward situations in the world of glitz and glamour. Somehow it was easier when a large number of the participants had an agenda, often a self-serving one.

She hadn’t spent much time around people who weren’t jockeying for a spot on the next rung up, people who got up at dawn to feed the chickens or whatever it was they found to do at that hour. She’d never set foot on an honest-to-God ranch, let alone a ranch that used to be a foster home.

Had she ever known someone who’d been a foster kid? If so, they hadn’t told her about it. Matt hadn’t told her, either. He’d obviously considered it private information and she respected that.

The comfy-looking living room furniture had been shoved against the wall, probably to create a dance floor. Even without a fire in the fireplace, the room had a cozy, lived-in feel. She could imagine how much it would appeal to a homeless boy.

The good-looking, dark-haired cowboy standing next to a woman with short brown curls had to be Cade, the one most likely to have the inside scoop on what had gone down between Matt and Briana. The woman must be Lexi, who fit right into the casual setting in her jeans, boots and long-sleeved yellow T-shirt.

Cade wore a cowboy hat indoors, like Matt always did. Apparently that was the custom around here, although the older gentleman wasn’t wearing one. She pegged him as Herb, Rosie’s husband.

For one awful moment there was total silence in the room. It made her realize that the heels, nifty black jacket and pencil skirt she’d worn on the plane were out of place on a working ranch, but she didn’t own Western wear and she’d wanted to look professional.

Matt was the first to move. “Let me take that.” He came forward and divested her of the bag.

“Thank you.”

He gave her a curt nod. “You’re welcome. Mom, where should I put it?”

“The green bedroom’s all made up.”

“Right.” He disappeared down a hallway.

“Hi, Geena.” Lexi walked over to shake her hand. “I’m Lexi Simmons and this is my fiancé, Cade Gallagher.”

Cade touched the brim of his hat. “Ma’am.” The greeting, polite but with no warmth, was identical to the farewell Damon had given her a while ago.

“I’m Herb, Rosie’s husband.” The wiry guy had kind eyes and a firm grip. “Welcome to Thunder Mountain.”

“Thank you.” She swallowed a lump of nervousness. “I’m glad to be here.”

“And we’re pleased to have you.” Rosie said it as if daring anyone to contradict her.

Geena couldn’t remember when she’d felt less sure of herself. “Look, you were all doing something before I barged in here, so please continue.”

“We were working on a dance step,” Lexi said. “I don’t suppose you’d want to learn—”

“Why not?” Geena nudged off her heels and put them in a corner.

“Before you get into that,” Rosie said, “are you hungry? Can I make you a sandwich?”

“I’m starving.” Her hunger pangs wouldn’t allow her to say anything but the truth. “I headed out here as soon as I picked up the rental.” Her gaze swept the room. “I knew it was late, although I didn’t realize how late. I apologize for that.”

“Then let me fix you something. Any issues? Food allergies?”

“I’ll be grateful for anything, but let me make it myself. I don’t expect to be waited on.”

Rosie waved her off. “Tomorrow I’ll put you to work, but tonight relax and enjoy yourself. What do you want to drink?”

“Water, please.”

“That’s it? How about an adult beverage?”

Geena considered where she was and what they might have on hand. Under the circumstances, alcohol would be welcome. “A beer would be great.”

Matt came back at that moment. “I’ll get it. You can sample my brother’s brew.” He said it with enormous pride before leaving the room.

“Cade?” She glanced to him. “You make beer?”

“Oh, no, not me. That would be Finn O’Roarke. He has a microbrewery in Seattle. Very successful.” His gaze issued a challenge. “We have a lot of talent in the brotherhood. Brewers, lawyers, horse trainers, firefighters. You name it, we got it.”

“Impressive. You called it a brotherhood. What’s that all about?”

“Nothing.” Matt arrived and handed her an open bottle of beer and a glass before turning to glare at Cade. “Absolutely nothing.”

“Yeah.” Cade exchanged a glance with Matt. “Just a figure of speech. Not important.”

Geena didn’t push it, but her PR instincts were telling her that if Matt belonged to a group calling themselves the brotherhood, she needed to pay attention. A public apology for the kiss didn’t interest her anymore, now that she knew Matt would have to lie in order to make one. But apparently he had a rich tradition of family and loyalty.

She could work the heck out of that angle. Fans would love to know that he was part of a close-knit group of foster brothers who’d grown up on a working ranch. Talk about wholesome. She wasn’t sure what would be the best promo vehicle to get the story out, but it probably didn’t matter. Judging from his reaction so far, he’d never let that story be told.

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