Page 31 of Love’s Silver Bullet

“Not necessary, Clay,” Finn said with a soldered smile, the firm press of his mouth a clear indication Mr. Fancy-Hat would not be teaching his niece to shoot. “I don’t want to impose, so case closed, but thank you for your offer.”

Battling the urge to gloat, Blaze ignored the sudden slump of Sheridan’s shoulders, figuring she’d thank him one day.

Clay rose with a gruff clear of his throat, offering Finn a respectful nod. “Well, it’s getting late, sir, and I should be heading back, but thank you for the home-cooked meal and the game. I assure you, it was a much-needed respite from endless weeks on the road, especially the company.”

He scanned the table with a polite smile, gaze finally lighting on Sheridan with the faintest curve of his lips. “I look forward to seeing you all next Sunday at 5:00 p.m. for our dinner with Uncle Bill, Annie, and Frank at the arena.”

“We’ll be there, son, so thank you.” Finn rose to shake the dandy’s hand. “And please extend my thanks to your uncle as well.”

“Will do, sir. Till next week, then.” Acknowledging their goodbyes with a tip of his hat, Morgan descended the porch steps and disappeared around to the front of the house, leaving Blaze’s mood as sour as his dinner.

Yeah, he had no doubt ol’ Clay Morgan was looking forward to seeing them again all right, especially Sheridan, but there was one thing Blaze knew that the dandy didn’t. He upended the last of his sarsaparilla with a hard gulp.

It sure in the devil would be the very last time.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

“I guess it’s time,” Jake said to his horse, Midnight, on the heels of a long and weary sigh. Shoulders slumped, he swayed side to side in the saddle as he rode into town at a pace a tad beyond standing still.

The moment that pretty-boy dandy had showed up to play horseshoes, Jake knew he needed to get out of town—or in—as the case may be. There was no way he was going to stand by and watch that Morgan character fawn over Sheridan through horseshoes and dinner, not when Finn and Blaze were there to keep him in line.

So, he did the only thing he knew to do—threw the blasted game to take a personal loss and gain an emotional win. Which hadn’t been hard to do since Shaylee was so new at horseshoes and Sheridan was pert near as good as Finn. Bowing out, he made his excuses to Finn and Blaze, telling them he had something important to take care of in town.

“What in tarnation can be more important than Angus’s barbecue?” Blaze had demanded, taking Jake aside. “And Gert’s homemade ice cream to boot?”

The memory of his conversation with Blaze made Jake sigh again as he rolled back and forth in the saddle while Midnight plodded into town, his body as limp as his mood. What could be more important?

Uh … the truth? After all, if Jake told Sheridan he was seeing Megan Joy, then by gum, he had to make it right whether he wanted to or not.

“What the devil do you mean, ‘it’s personal?’” Blaze had said as he followed Jake to the barn after his elimination in horseshoes. He scowled, obviously put off that his best friend was keeping secrets. “I consider it ‘personal’ you leaving me to battle the dandy on my own.”

“I mean it’s a private matter that I’d rather not go into, Blaze, so just let it go.”

Blaze grabbed his arm to whirl him around. The deep worry in his expression was like a sock in Jake’s gut, confirming just how close the two men were. “Just tell me one thing, Sully—are you in trouble?”

Yes.

“No,” Jake emphasized with a duck of his head, his direct gaze meant to allay Blaze’s concern. He huffed out a noisy blast of air, wondering if he shouldn’t just let his best friend know since everybody would find out eventually, given Megan Joy’s and her mom’s propensity to gossip.

He hesitated. “I promised Sister Fred I’d let Pee-wee and a few of the boys who earned it ride Midnight in back of the orphanage as an incentive to get their schoolwork done.”

Blaze’s eyes narrowed. “And that can’t wait till next Sunday afternoon, when we usually work with the boys here?”

Jake felt heat snake up his neck, well aware the excuse was pretty flimsy. Most Sunday afternoons, he, Blaze, and other cowhands worked with some of the older boys from the St. Mary Louise Orphanage anyway. Roping, riding, and general cowhand work to help train them for eventual jobs on Silver Lining Ranch or any other.

Jake gave an awkward shrug, figuring he may as well take advantage of this errand to see Megan Joy too, since she lived right next door. And escape the dandy’s flirtation with Sheridan. “Just killing two birds with one stone.”

Blaze folded his arms. “Really.” He arched a brow. “And just what other bird needs to die?”

Grinding out a groan, Jake swiped a hand down his face, almost wishing he wasn’t such a stickler for the truth, not to mention loyalty to a friend. “I’m hoping to see Megan Joy if you must know,” he said in a near growl, “and I’d rather keep it quiet.” He turned his back on Blaze to stalk toward the barn.

“Megan Joy?” Blaze trailed him in with humor lacing his tone. “And keep it quiet?” He chuckled. “Hate to tell you, old buddy, but those are two things that don’t quite go together.”

Tell me about it. Snatching his hat from the hook, Jake jerked it on low to cover his eyes before nabbing the curry comb.

“Humph. About dang time you’re showing interest in a woman,” Blaze said as he snatched a piece of hay from a nearby bale and put it in his mouth. “Because heaven knows the ladies of Virginia City sure have an interest in you, Sul, and Megan Joy’s definitely the pick of the pack.”

Jake made a valiant attempt to ignore him as he removed loose hair from Midnight’s body before brushing the underside of his pad. Putting the comb back, he slapped the pad on the mare’s back, hoping his best friend would just up and go away.