Page 57 of Lost Trust

“Burn,” Cabe says, impressed by the barb.

“He did,” I confirm.

Ryder nods. “Blackjack’s a rank bull. He got you caught up and hurt you that last ride. You’ll do better next time.” He reaches over and pats my leg as he delivers the blow.

Axle’s eyes go wide, and we both stare at the tiny cowboy.

How the hell did he know that?

“Thanks, little man,” I mutter.

“Ruby! Ryder!”

Shelby’s voice cuts through our shock as she approaches to wrangle the children.

“There you are. Come on, you two. Grandma Evelyn has cake waiting for you.”

Ruby grabs Ryder’s hand. “Cake!”

The two of them take off.

Shelby watches them go before turning back to us. “You big boys want cake?”

I lift my whiskey. “Nah, I’m good.”

“Hey, Shell.” Axle nods after the kids. “You know why Marina and her boy are here?”

“Yeah,” she says. “Marina and Bryce are friends. He ran into her when he was in Dallas and invited her to the wedding weekend. He’s hoping he can convince her to come work for him at the academy.”

My attention snaps back to her. “He is?”

“Yep. She’s an expert rider and a champion barrel racer. Thinks she’d be a great addition to the team,” she says, then lowers her voice. “Apparently, Ryder’s father is a jackass who left them high and dry. She’s selling their place in Dallas, and she needs the job and a place to land.”

“What a douche,” Cabe mutters.

Shelby nods. “He hasn’t even seen his son in over a year.”

He has a kid who looks just like him. Who’s obsessed with rodeos and bull riding, even watching him on television. And he hasn’t seen the boy in over a year?

Un-fucking-real.

“Think she’s gonna stay,” Shelby says.

“Nice,” Micah says, glancing toward Marina.

“Don’t even think about it,” I snap.

Silence.

Every one of their heads turns toward me.

Including Shelby’s.

And they are all wearing curious expressions.

Shit.

Micah slowly raises both hands. “Whoa there. I just meant that the students deserve not to have to only look at your ugly mugs.”