Page 43 of Wrangled

I arched my eyebrows. “What’s up? I got ketchup on my face or something?”

He grinned. “I was just thinking how you rolled up and fitted right in, that’s all.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Compliment intended.”

He lapsed into silence, and I ate my chicken, enjoying the peace and quiet. What came to mind was the cabin down by the creek. There had been something… sad about the place.

“Hey, guys? Can I ask you something?”

Walt broke off from his conversation with Declan, and grinned. “Eight inches without choking.”

Splutters and violent coughing came from around the table.

“Christ, warn a guy before you say shit like that,” Teague growled, wiping his phone.

I rolled my eyes. “Funnily enough, that wasn’t the question.” Then I grinned too. “But I have to say… I’m impressed.” Walt laughed his ass off. “No, what I wanted to know was… this morning when I went for my early ride, and—”

“And got your ass escorted back by the boss.” Paul’s eyes twinkled.

“Yeah, okay. I followed the creek, and I ended up at this cabin, all on its own.”

The room fell silent, and the hairs stood up on my arms.

I frowned. “What have I said?”

“What about it?” Teague asked.

“Does it belong to someone? I mean, the trail that led me there was a well-used one, so I figuredsomeonemust’ve used it.”

“It used to belong to the boss’s mom,” Zeeb told me.

“You looking forward to the trail this afternoon?” Teague helped himself to the last piece of bread. “I think you’ll really like it.”

Declan gazed at the faces around the table, his brow furrowed.

He feels it too, as if they just shut down the conversation.

But why?

Chapter Ten

Toby

We rode in a line, Zeeb leading us, Declan behind him, then me, with Robert bringing up the rear. We’d been out of sight of the ranch for the last twenty minutes, but my surprise at his decision to join us hadn’t faded.

Did I persuade him? Or did he just need a break from his paperwork?

Whatever his motivation, I hadn’t been able to hide my smile when I caught sight of him strolling down the path toward the stables.

Beside me, Zeeb had cackled. “Now, what do you suppose made the boss decide to join us?” He nudged me in the ribs. “Except maybe it’s not a what—it’s awho.” Then he’d sauntered away.

The implication had been obvious. Robert was there because of me.

I was curious to know why.

I was also a little peeved that he was behind me. How was I supposed to get a glimpse of his ass when I couldn’t see it?