Page 50 of Cowboy Seeks Husband

“Guys,” John called out. “This isn’t exactly making for good TV. Either act more jealous, Ben, or talk about something else. And Ben if you want to lose the shirt at any point, please do.”

“Lose the shirt?” Ben looked adorably confused and a little embarrassed. “Why?”

Walker rolled his eyes at John. “Because he’s a jerk. And because you’re supposed to be seducing me.”

“Oh.” Ben went red to the roots of his hair. “Um.”

“I’m joking, and ignore him.” Walker slapped the tire of the tractor. “So what’s your verdict?”

“You’re going to need to order some parts I’m afraid, but if you get them in I can replace them for you.” He grinned even though his face was still bright red. “You can pay me in kisses.”

Walker laughed, startled, and looked Ben over deliberately. He sure filled his clothes out nicely. He was taller than Walker. Broader too, with a face that wouldn’t go amiss on a male model. Sharp cheekbones. Full lips.

“I don’t think that’ll be a hardship,” Walker flirted, but he felt a twinge of apprehension.

Thiswas for the show, he realized. This flirtation. But last night with Roan? That hadn’t been for the show at all.

Fuck. He was already in too deep.

Out of thewhole damn ridiculous show, John was probably the only person on the crew he liked but right that second Walker wanted to throw something at him. He was sitting on the large wraparound porch of his parents’ farmhouse, thunder rumbling in the distance while the cicadas buzzed louder than any car alarm. There was a sound guy present but Walker guessed they’d have to edit over the noise later anyway. They’d given him a stack of the contestants’ photos to consider for a potential one-on-one date.

“You look like you’re searching for your next murder victim, not potential date,” John said. “I know you don’t like this, but Andy told me to stand here until we get a shot of you looking whimsical or some shit.” He sighed. “Okay, who are you definitely not taking?”

“Davis,” Walker said instantly.

“Okay, who else?”

Walker flicked through photos of a few others he could barely remember, and eliminated Victor and Chad for date consideration. When he came across Roan’s picture—a frankly ridiculous shot of him looking into the distance while holding on to a pair of fake glasses—he paused. He’d snorted at the picture the first time he’d seen it too, but now that he knew Roan, knew the line of his thighs underneath those silly red velour pants…

He abruptly turned the picture over, realizing John was filming him almost fondling it.

“Okay,” John said, “I got what I need. Now we have to talk about your morning date with Ben and then your decision to keep Roan over Bellamy at the first elimination.”

Walker groaned and pushed himself up to his feet. “Fine. But I need a drink,” he said, and disappeared inside.

As he wandered down the narrow hallway, he peered into the living room. Dad was lying on the couch, feet propped up on the opposite end, snoring softly. Every once in a while, his fingers twitched against his chest.

Walker sighed, headed into the kitchen, and opened the fridge. He reached for the pitcher of sweet tea, caught sight of his dad’s insulin pens, and gently closed the fridge again. He leaned his forehead against it for a second, but then he straightened, poured a tall glass, and went back out to meet John.

“What do you want to know?”

“How’d it go with Ben this morning?”

“Fine.”

“C’mon, Walker, we have an audience to entertain. Give us something.”

Walker rubbed the back of his neck, and finally said, “Ben was useful as hell with the tractor. Obviously, with a ranch to run, having a man around who can pitch in when needed would be great. Ben’s a good helper. A team player.”

“And hot, too.”

“He’s a looker. That’s for sure.” He sipped his sweet tea and sighed.

“Sexy.”

Walker shrugged and pressed the cold glass to his hot cheek.

“Oh? Not sexy?”