Carrying the Rancher's Heir / Secret Son, Convenient Wife. Charlene Sands

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      Clay chuckled and shook his head. “You mean when you barked at me for not turning down The Hawk’s daughter? Nah. No hard feelings. I’ve never held Callie responsible for her old man’s doings. Even after you explained he’d just beaten us out of a big deal, I can’t fault her. She’s capable and more than qualified. Our mama didn’t raise no fool,” he said with a grin. “I know a good thing when I see it.”

      Tagg held his tongue as Clay continued, “Fact is, she came up with a great idea for the general store. The kids are gonna get tokens every time they complete a chore. And then they can barter them for something in the general store. She’s donating little prizes and gifts to put in there.”

      “That so?” Tagg had to admit it was a good idea. What child wouldn’t feel a sense of accomplishment being given a little reward for a job well done? His own father had instilled in all three of his sons the idea that hard work paid off. If you do a good job, you reap the benefits. “You should’ve thought of it.”

      Clay’s eyes gleamed. “Maybe, but I was smart enough to hire on a pretty gal who knows child psychology. I’m taking full credit for that.”

      Before Tagg could respond, his thoughts were interrupted by a burst of laughter coming from behind him. He turned around to find Callie Sullivan in the midst of a group of workmen by the barn, her head thrown back in amusement. All of the men in on the joke had their eyes on her, laughing along with her.

      Something churned inside his gut. Seeing her again, smiling and happy around the crew, put him in a foul mood. She looked beautiful, even in faded jeans and a soft plaid work shirt with her hair pulled into a ponytail. She didn’t need frills to get him hot and bothered. Didn’t need her hair wild and loose to remember how soft those strands felt falling through his fingers.

      She turned her head and caught him staring, then smiled wide, her dark eyes still glistening with mirth. She lifted her hand in a slight wave.

      “There she is,” Clay said. He immediately gestured for her to come over. “I was darn surprised when she landed on my doorstep the other day inquiring about Penny’s Song. I hadn’t seen her in years.” Clay narrowed his eyes and shot a glance Tagg’s way. “But then, she stopped by your place, too, didn’t she? Enough to get you riled.”

      Tagg bit his tongue. He’d seen enough of Callie Sullivan to occupy his dreams. “She didn’t rile me,” he said through tight lips. With Callie fast approaching, he couldn’t say much more to his brother.

      “Hi, boys.”

      Callie smiled at him then focused her attention on Clay. A piece of straw was stuck to her hair and Tagg had an uncanny urge to pluck it free. He focused on that strand of gold sticking out while Callie engaged in conversation with his brother.

      “I’m so proud to be a part of this, Clay. Don’t forget, I’ll be happy to help with fundraisers, too. I’ve got some ideas that might bring the community together on this.”

      “That’s real thoughtful, Callie.” Clay reached up and pulled that piece of straw from her hair. Tagg ground his teeth, watching Callie touch her hair and smile at his brother, like he’d just cured world hunger.

      “Oh, thanks.”

      Clay nodded and continued, “We’re depending on volunteers right now, but eventually, if all goes well, we’ll need more funds and have to hire on permanent help.”

      “Keep me in mind.”

      Clay smiled. “I surely will.” He turned to Tagg. “Actually, I’m glad you’re both here. I’ve got a job for the two of you.”

      Callie shot Tagg a quick look then focused back on Clay. “Okay, I’m ready for whatever you have in mind.”

      “We need to decide which horses will work best for the kids. Their ages range from six to thirteen. We need the tamest of the string, the horses with the most patience. We can’t afford to give up too many of our own trained cutting horses, but if you could select a few for now from our stables then we’ll go from there.”

      Tagg could do this with his eyes closed. There was no need to involve Callie.

      “I’d love to,” Callie said immediately.

      “I can get this done, Clay,” Tagg stated. “If you need Callie for something else.”

      Callie turned his way and he sensed her stare. He kept his gaze trained on his brother, not willing to see the recrimination in her eyes.

      Clay shook his head. “No. I need you both for this. You each know horses, but Callie’s worked with children. And since none of us Worths have been around kids much, the two of you will make a good team.”

      Tagg shrugged, giving up. Wasn’t as though he couldn’t spend an afternoon with Callie without jumping her bones. “Fine. We’ll pick out a few gentle mares from the string.”

      Clay glanced at his watch and winced. “I’m running late. I’m gonna have to leave the crew in your hands today. I’ve got an appointment in town. Tagg, keep those boys in line for me. Seems every one of them is already smitten with Callie.” Clay winked at her and the sound of her sweet throaty chuckle set Tagg’s nerves on edge.

      “Something tells me Callie can take care of herself.”

      Clay narrowed his eyes and the conversation quickly died.

      After a few seconds of silence, Callie chimed in, “Now, don’t you go worrying about me. Those boys are treating me just fine.”

      “Glad to hear it.” Clay darted them each a curious look as if trying to figure out something.

      Tagg set his jaw, waiting for his brother to leave.

      “I’ll be in touch,” Clay said finally, then bid them farewell.

      Tagg stood alone with Callie in front of the general store. They stared at each other for a few uncomfortable seconds until Callie’s smile brought him up short. “Well, I’m glad I stopped by your house the other day to break the ice. Because that wasn’t awkward.”

      Callie’s remark broke the tension. Tagg relaxed and sent her a smile. “Do you always blurt out whatever’s on your mind?”

      Callie smiled back and her caramel eyes lit up. “Yeah, most times I do.”

      “What about those other times, when you don’t? How does that work for you?”

      Callie thought about it for one second then replied, “It works fine. When I keep my words in check, it’s usually to keep the peace with my father.”

      “The Hawk,” Tagg bit out.

      “My father.”

      “Are you afraid of him?”

      “Heavens, no. Let’s just say it’s usually easier to deal with him without hysterical drama. Which is what it would be if I really let loose on him.”

      “So you hold back.”

      “I deal with him in my own way and, most times, I’m successful СКАЧАТЬ