Cowboy All Night (Thunder Mountain Brotherhood, Book 5) by Vicki Lewis Thompson Read Free Book Online

laughed. “Are you saying I’m scary?”
    “Don’t knock it,” Cade said. “Last semester’s kids were pretty good, but they tested me. You look like a nightclub bouncer. Once they meet you, they’ll behave.”
    “I’m not crazy about playing the role of enforcer, but if it helps you out, brother of mine, I’ll do it. Is this cabin within walking distance of the bathhouse?”
    “No need. It has plumbing.”
    “Why didn’t you say that in the first place? For a cabin with plumbing I’ll gladly flex my muscles and look forbidding.”
    “Thought so.”
    “But I trust you didn’t mess with tradition and install plumbing in the old cabins.”
    “Of course they didn’t,” Lexi said. “I think it’s ridiculous, but the guys all insist that walking to the bathhouse in the dead of winter builds character.”
    Aria made a face. “And did all sixteen students from last semester agree?”
    “Most did,” Cade said. “We had a couple of whiney pants in the beginning, but peer pressure is a wonderful thing. After the first week the spoiled babies realized they were losing points with the others and shut up about it.”
    Lexi skewered him with a glance. “If trudging to the bathhouse is such a character-builder, how come you have a full bath with a tub and shower, plus a towel warmer and a heat lamp?”
    “Oh, man.” Brant shook his head. “You’re getting soft, Gallagher. I’ll take the high road and not use those particular amenities while I’m here.”
    “It’s almost June, bozo. You don’t need them in the summer. Besides, those extras aren’t for me. They’re for Lexi when she stays over.”
    “Oh, no, they’re for him,” Lexi said. “I made some surprise visits this past winter and if I happened to catch him in the shower, he’d have them both cooking.”
    “Just testing them out to make sure they were up and running for you, sweetheart.” Cade pushed back his chair. “And now that we’ve taken that subject and stomped it to death, let’s clean up these dishes so I can escort Brant over to the cabin he’ll call home.”
    “I need to scoot on down to the barn and check on Linus and Lucy.” Herb glanced over at Rosie. “Shouldn’t be long.” Then he winked at her and left the kitchen.
    “Ooo-wee!” Lexi gave Rosie a thumbs-up. “Your man is feeling frisky tonight!”
    Rosie seemed genuinely flustered. “I had no idea coq au vin would have such an effect on him.”
    “Want to learn how to make it yourself?” Aria picked up the empty skillet and carried it to the sink. The meal had turned out better than she could have imagined. Thank goodness she’d suggested it, even if the evening had created complications regarding one Brant Ellison. She’d let down her guard and now she’d have to deal with the consequences.
    “You know, maybe I should.” Rosie’s color was still high, but there was a gleam of anticipation in her blue eyes. She looked years younger.
    With extra motivation to get the job done, everyone had the kitchen shipshape in no time. Giving Rosie hugs, they all left the house and headed for the barn. Ringo was on mice duty every night, so he trotted along beside Cade.
    They met Herb on his way back. “Both mama and baby are doing fine,” he said. “Linus is fast asleep and Lucy’s dozing.”
    “Would it be okay to look in on them?” Aria didn’t want to leave without seeing them one more time.
    “Sure thing.”
    “Thank you, Herb, for all you’ve done.” Aria gave him a hug.
    Herb hugged her back. “You’re more than welcome. That meal was amazing.”
    “Rosie wants to learn how to make it.” She considered that a professional victory.
    He looked surprised. “She does? Even with the flaming brandy?”
    “She does,” Lexi said. “I heard her say it. Listen, I have an idea. Since we all loved it so much, how about a private lesson here at the ranch? I’m thinking this coming Tuesday night if you’re available, Aria. On Wednesday the students will