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

“There’s Josh to think about in the immediate future, and once he’s better, I’ll concentrate on getting my cooking school up and running. That’ll take years.”
    “I understand.” Lexi kept her voice down, too. “I built my riding clinic business myself, and you get really protective after putting in all that time and effort. Any guy you’re involved with has to realize that you won’t be the little wifey who caters to his every whim.”
    “Does Cade expect that?”
    “Not really. Once in a while he’ll say something that comes from outdated thinking. But I’m tough to please. I’ve been making my own decisions for quite a few years.”
    Aria nodded. “I’m pretty much the same. I know what I want and I’m not looking for some guy to provide it. On the other hand...”
    “Brant Ellison is pretty to look at?”
    “Yeah.” Aria glanced over at Lexi and smiled. “Yeah, he is.”
    They both stopped talking as they reached the birthing stall. Standing side-by-side, they gazed silently at the newborn curled up beside his mother. Aria felt a tug of love so strong it was almost painful. Surely, Josh would soften once he met this little guy.
    Lucy’s head was up but her eyes were closed. When Aria turned sixteen and was allowed to have her own horse, she’d chosen the mare for her golden coat. Dramatic color had been important to her at that age, but Lucy was a great deal more than a beautiful horse. Gentle and sweet, she’d become a cherished companion.
    Three years ago Aria’s mom and dad had sold their small ranch and moved to Texas, which had meant boarding Lucy. Aria had vowed that someday she’d buy horse property and have both Lucy and her cooking school on site. Maybe Linus, too.
    “I hear Cade’s truck,” Lexi murmured.
    Male laughter drifted in through the open barn door, but once inside, the guys toned it down. They even managed to walk quietly on the wooden floor, which had to take skill since they were wearing boots.
    As they drew closer, Aria and Lexi moved away from the stall door and motioned them forward. Aria was blessed with a tantalizing view of Brant’s wide shoulders and tight buns. He had the slight bow-legged stance of most cowboys who spent time on horseback, and Aria found that endearing.
    Lexi was right—he was pretty to look at. Feelings she hadn’t entertained for quite a while warmed her. Even if nothing could come of those feelings, she was glad to know they weren’t hopelessly buried.
    The men stepped back from the stall door and gestured for Aria and Lexi to walk out ahead of them. Aria held up her hand so she could go over for one last look.
    “Lexi and I will just head out, then,” Cade murmured.
    She wondered if Brant would go with them, but instead he joined her at the stall door. They stood very still, not quite touching, but she inhaled his earthy, masculine scent with pleasure. No designer fragrance for this guy.
    Desire uncurled and stretched within her, creating a sweet ache that made her shift her position. She accidentally brushed against him. “Sorry.”
    “No worries.” His low voice worked as effectively as a caress.
    As heat shot through her body, she shivered.
    “Cold?”
    “A little,” she lied.
    “Let’s go.”
    She nodded and walked beside him down the wooden aisle. The air seemed to crackle between them, but maybe she was the only one who could feel it. She wished he would take her hand. No, she really didn’t. That would be the beginning of something she shouldn’t want.
    He chuckled softly.
    “What?”
    “I thought they’d be gone by now, but apparently they’re having a little tiff.”
    She’d been concentrating so hard on Brant that she’d missed the sound of voices. The argument didn’t sound serious, though. Lexi and Cade were both laughing.
    “Okay, here’s the guy who can settle this,” Cade said when they walked outside.
    “Settle what?” Brant closed the door and slid the bar across.
    “Lexi seems to think