the man already has a job. He doesn’t need another one, I’m sure.”
“Actually, I’d love to help out.”
That made her head whip around so fast she temporarily blinded herself with her hair. “You don’t have to do that.”
“No. It’s okay, but I have a favor to ask in return.”
Her brother eyed Bren expectantly. “Name it.”
“I do some volunteer work down at the VA and I know someone who could really benefit from a program like this. Any chance I could bump his name to the top of your guest list?”
“You got it,” Jax said. “Frankly, we’re so new we don’t even have one yet, but your friend is first.”
Bren came forward, hand outstretched. “Deal.”
And that was when Lauren knew she’d be seeing a heck of a lot more of Bren than she wanted to.
* * *
BREN SPENT AN HOUR working with her son, an hour during which Lauren stood off to the side and watched. Her brother didn’t seem to mind helping out. He acted as spotter when Bren started Kyle on trotting. Jax wasn’t afraid to dive in and work, something he admired about the man. He didn’t act like someone with a pile of money, either, and that impressed Bren, too. There were two types of people in the world: those who had money and liked to let everyone know it, and those who had money and kept their humility. Jax Stone was the latter.
“You getting sore up there, buddy?” Bren asked as the dust the horse kicked up settled around them. It was getting dark, not that it mattered. He was sure the place had lights.
“I’m fine.”
That’s what he said, but Bren knew differently. They’d been working him pretty hard. He’d taught the kid the distinction between sitting on an animal and actually moving as one with a horse. He’d taught him signs to look for in not just a horse but a steer, too. A tipped head gave clues as to what direction an animal would take. Ears could indicate anger or fear or interest. Animals communicated in a hundred different ways if someone just took the time to pay attention, and it was that type of knowledge that could help you in competition.
“He won’t quit unless you tell him to stop,” Lauren said quietly.
They leaned against the wooden rail that surrounded the arena. He’d turned Kyle loose a few minutes ago on Rowdy. He didn’t know who’d picked out the ranch’s livestock, but they’d selected a winner in Rowdy. The horse was patient and kind and knew how to treat a stone-cold beginner like Kyle. As for Jax, he’d taken off a short while ago to answer his cell phone. It was just the three of them inside the massive space.
“I have a feeling he gets that from his mom.”
She glanced up at him and he could tell she was no more comfortable around him now than she’d been a half hour ago. If anything, less so now that her brother was gone.
“His dad was stubborn, too.”
And there it was again. The spark in her eyes. The one that flared for a second and then seemed to be snuffed out, almost as if her memories smothered it cold.
“I’m sorry about your loss.”
The flash returned again, but there was something more than just a flash. Was it anger? Sadness? Disappointment? Whatever, it was something that made him lean forward a bit as he waited for her response.
But all she said was “Thank you.”
That wasn’t what she’d wanted to say. He would bet his life on it.
He stared at her son, the boy catching his glance and grinning from ear to ear. “Must be tough raising a kid on your own.”
Her hands clutched the rail in front of her, blanching the knuckles and turning the tips of her fingers bright red. “You have no idea.”
No. He didn’t. He’d never felt the urge to marry. He told himself it was because he hadn’t found the right woman, but deep down, he knew the truth. He liked being single. He enjoyed his freedom. He liked to go wherever he wanted, whenever he wanted to do it, and so he respected people who, like Lauren, were willing to sacrifice such a huge part of themselves to raise another human being. Actually, respect didn’t begin to cover what he felt.
“You did the right thing moving here.” He had no idea why he said the words, but he knew he’d hit a nerve when she turned toward him. “It’s a great place to raise kids.”
She flicked her chin up. “Thank you for your approval.”
And now she’d taken his words wrong. “I just meant a lot of people move here to raise kids. We have good schools and good people and a community spirit that’s hard to beat.”
“So says the sheriff that’s up for reelection.”
Did he sound like a politician? Man, this had gone from bad to worse. “I love my hometown.”
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