I sigh. “I gotta look at the budget.”
Wesley gives me a look. He damn well knows more help is in the budget. And we’ve got plenty of room.
I sideways glance at him and push off the bench, knowing I’m going to regret this. But Wes has been there for me through some tough times. This is the least I can do.
“Six weeks.”
“Eight.”
“Six. I’m not committing to the full summer.”
“Deal. She can stay with me.”
I shake my head. “I’ve got an extra cabin.” Wes doesn’t live on the ranch. He’s got a one-bedroom apartment not too far out of the gates.
My friend hesitates.
I sigh. “Oh, is a cabin not good enough? Too country for her?”
Wes drags his hand through his hair. “No, it’s just—she’ll be all right here? Alone?”
I nod, understanding. My cowboys might be pricks to each other but they’re respectful of women. Any sign of disrespect, they’re off my field.
The only thing that could hurt her is if there’s another attack from our rival. Last summer, the Callahans set a trap to spook our guests. A gun went off during a big event and riled up the livestock. It was a disaster. Slowed us down for weeks. “I’ll keep an eye on her. Come to think of it .?.?. I might give her Millie’s old cottage while she’s here.”
Wes glances back at the house, where we assume my brother is still asleep. “You sure?”
“It’s meant for long-term, really. Ginger used to live there before Millie. It’s fine.” I point a finger at him. “But she’d better be ready to work because I’m not going easy on her.”
Wesley’s grin returns in full force. “She’ll be ready. I know shewill. I think she needs a break from the city, you know? She’s always so jumpy when I call or ask to come visit. Maybe when she’s done here, she’ll calm down. Hell, maybe a bull ride will give her enough thrill to keep her satisfied for a while.”
I grin. “Or send her packin’.”
Wes drops the subject of his sister and starts talking about the week’s menu. But I’m barely listening.
I can’t shake the nagging feeling that I’ve just agreed to a whole new level of chaos for the summer.
2
Rose
My brother’s voice carries a mix of exasperation and worry as it booms over the phone.
“Rose, unless you’ve got a better idea, this isn’t up for discussion. I got you a summer gig here in Colorado—what’ve you got to lose?”
I squeeze my eyes shut and lean against the kitchen counter of my miniature New York City apartment.
I hate to admit how tempting it sounds. Getting out of the city, breathing fresh air for a change .?.?. or hell, justchange.
Change is healthy, right? Even if it’s temporary.
Not to mention my feet could use a break from having to walk home twelve blocks from my bartending job downtown at two in the morning because I don’t dare ride the subway that late.
Or get in a car with a stranger .?.?.
But what would itmeanif I go?
That I’m failing miserably here in New York and need my brother to rescue me? I can’t do that.
