“Oh, and honey?” Frank gives me a pointed look. “You’re gonna need some snow boots.”
Yep, everyone seems to be noticing my ridiculous outerwear. “You got any, sweetheart?”
I shake my head. “No, sir.”
He looks at Zane. “Get her sorted out at the outfitters today.” He turns his attention to the sky. “Storms comin’ in, snow will be as thick as a bison’s ass by the weekend.”
I roll my lips. I really like Frank.
“Got it, Dad,” Zane sighs.
Then he takes off on Butterscotch. I watch after him, then say, “That did just happen, right?”
“My dad,” he explains. “If you didn’t guess, he’s a cowboy, albeit a semi retired one. After thirty years on this very farm, he still loves it like it’s his first day on the job.”
“He seems like a lot of fun, and he clearly loves it,” I agree.
“He’s the best ranch hand this side of the mountain, a hard worker, and he likes to meddle, just like my grandpa.”
“Well, I think he’s very sweet.”Why didn’t you get that gene?
“Don’t feel obliged about the Christmas thing,” Zane says. “He’s like that to all the newcomers.”
Everyone is so welcoming, not like New York, where nobody gives a shit where you’re from or where you’re going. The Lawless family, minus Zane, all seem quite lovely.
“Oh, I’ll be sure to pop in for a bit,” I say wildly. “It would be bad manners not to accept an invitation over the holidays.”Ass.
He flexes his jaw, and I roll my eyes as he turns. “So, that’s the farm.”
“Great. Oh, and just so you know, I’m really good at snowball fights, just in case you thought I was kidding.”
Anything to try and get him to smile. I’m sure his face could light up like one of his beloved Christmas trees when he tries, but I’m not going to be privy to that.
He stops in his tracks, then turns his huge body to look over his shoulder down at me. I don’t know why a little thrill runs through me, but it’s hot.He’shot.
“You’re gonna regret saying that.”
I lift a brow. “Is that a challenge?”
He shakes his head. “Oh, Manhattan, you’re in for a world of hurtin’.”
The way he saysManhattan.
I stand my ground. “I’ll remember you said that.”
His lips twitch and we stare at each other for a fraction too long. He clears his throat. “Outfitters.”
“Lead the way.”
CHAPTER 13
Zane
She keeps checking her phone, and every time she does, there’s that frown again. I don’t like that somebody is making her smile disappear. It’s been the highlight of my day. Until my dad came along on his horse, acting all cowboy. I know what he’s doing; I saw the twinkle in his eye. Dad loves to try and match-make, and he likes to brag he holds the town record for getting people together. Just because he introduced Rich and Teresa, as well as Doris from the Lonely Star Outfitters and her old man, Jasper, doesn’t mean that he’s got a cupid’s arrow. But Dad’s in full flight once he gets going, and one of the few that know how I tick. George may be my best friend, but my dad is something else.
We’ve always been able to tell each other anything, but when my world fell apart all those years ago, I shut down. I don’t handle betrayal well, and my family lets me have my space to heal. We’re proud people, I guess that’s what it comes down to. I’m a man of my word.
When I say I’m gonna do something, I do it. I’m loyal. Devoted to my family and this farm. And when I’m with awoman, I’m with her, not skirting around behind her back trying out other women to see if I like them better. It may have been a while since I was in a relationship, and six months since I hooked up, but I’m not getting involved with Sadie.
