“I’m gonna grab some more drinks,” Cleo muttered, shaking her head as she made her way to the bar. I wanted to beg her to take me.
“Ouch,” Case said, pulling back and laughing. “Tough fucking crowd. You her brother or something?”
I said, “Or something,” while Bishop growled, “Absolutely fucking not.”
Lord, give me strength.
“He’s the foreman at our ranch,” I clarified. “Known him my whole life.”
“Not your whole life,” Bishop mumbled.
“I mean, as good as,” I laughed. “What? I was like, four when Dad brought you on? Anyway, we’re practically family.”
The lie was bitter and horrible, like cough medicine being forced down my throat, but I swallowed it anyway.
“Black Springs, right? Heard some of the boys talking ‘bout it when y’all walked in. That’s a damn fine outfit. Y’all hiring?”
“Nope,” Bishop said, popping the P. “Even if we were, don’t think you’d cut it.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Case asked, puffing out his chest.
Bishop stared at him, the corner of his lips tipping up. “You ever rounded cattle?”
“Well, no?—”
“What about branded? Ever helped with that?”
“Not exactly, but?—”
“Have you ever driven a tractor? Or pulled anything in that fancy truck I’m sure you’ve got sittin’ out there?”
Case was silent, teeth grinding together so hard I swore I could hear them scraping against one another.
Bishop chuckled. “Then why the fuck do you think I’d hire you to work on my ranch?”
“It’s not your ranch, though, is it?” Case snapped back. “You may be the second in charge, but you don’t have a say in shit at the end of the day.”
I’ll say this about the kid… He’d found his balls but found them at the wrong time.
“Okay,” I said, dragging out the word. “Case, it’s been great—reallywonderful—but I think it’s time you head back to your friends.”
“Yeah, okay,” he scoffed, grabbing his beer. He muttered something under his breath, but I didn’t hear it. Or maybe I did, but I wanted to pretend otherwise.
“Lennox!”
I turned to see Cleo scurrying over with her drinks, but her eyes were wide. Panicked.
“What’s up? What’s wrong?” I asked, placing my hands on her shoulders.
“Ellis,” she panted. “He’s here. He’s at the door.” Her eyes slid to where Josie and Lincoln were cozying up on the dance floor.
“I’m on it,” I said, stepping around her. “Stay here.”
Josie needed to kick that asshole to the curb, but now wasn’t the time to do it. I didn’t know why Ellis was here, and I didn’t care. All I wanted to do was make sure my sister was okay.
She and Lincoln stood in the enclosed area, looking at one another like moon-eyed fools, lost in their own world. I almost hated to intrude.
Almost.
