Page 22 of Dusty Spur Ranch Cowboys

Together we head toward the house, where the smell of dinner is already drifting from the kitchen.

Emmett’s cooking, which means nobody’s in danger.

The last time I cooked, Red claimed the smoke detector worked harder than I did. I still think that criticism was excessive.

The second Arizona steps through the front door, I notice something interesting.

Red looks up from the table. Arizona looks at Red.

Neither one says anything unusual.

The problem is I’ve spent years reading crowds, riders, livestock, and people. It’s part of the job. You don’t survive long in rodeo if you can’t spot trouble before it starts.

And those two? Those two definitely know each other.

Interesting.

I glance at Red, and he notices me glancing. His eyes narrow as mine widen.

No words are exchanged. An entire conversation still happens.

I have absolutely no proof.

I also have absolutely no doubt.

Arizona, meanwhile, appears completely unaware that she’s just become the most entertaining mystery on the ranch.

Before I can enjoy that discovery properly, Emmett appears from the kitchen carrying a bowl.

The man spots Arizona and smiles before he’s even fully through the doorway. “Oh, hey, you’re here…”

“Hey, Emmett.”

The smile she gives him is warm enough that poor Emmett visibly brightens.

I have front row seats to this disaster and I’m enjoying every minute.

“You’re making that face again,” Red says from across the room.

I look over innocently. “What face?”

“The one that means you’re about to become a problem.”

“That narrows it down exactly zero.”

Arizona presses her lips together. She’s trying not to laugh.

Emmett notices too. Unfortunately, that only makes him look more uncomfortable.

Red points at me with the kind of patience usually reserved for dangerous animals. “Whatever you’re thinking, don’t.”

“Wow,” I say. “The lack of trust in this household is hurtful.”

“You’ve earned every bit of it.”

“That feels judgmental.”

Before anyone gets the chance to say much else, the front door flies open hard enough to rattle the frame. “Daddy!”