Two To Wrangle (Hotel Rodeo #2)(47)

“I dunno. Hundred twenty-eight maybe.”

“Beats mine by at least five.” He was still regarding Zac as if he were a bull on the auction block.

“What the hell are you looking at?” Zac snapped.

“You, Zac. Just wondering what kinda breeder you’d be. She says she wants above average I.Q., tall and athletic. Seems to me you got that part in spades. I’m just wondering if it’ll offset your lack of looks and nonexistent sense of humor.”

“Fuck you, Ty.” He snatched up the glass Gabby slid in front of him.

“I’m serious. You once had a thing for her. Maybe you should volunteer?”

A thing? You have no f*cking clue.

Zac met his gaze. “And what if I decided to do just that?”

“Hell, Zac,” Ty laughed. “I’d consider it a personal favor. I’d even buy your damned ticket to Oklahoma. Come to think on it . . . how’s that hand?”

Zac set down his drink and held it up. His fingers were purple and sausage-like. “Why?”

“There’s a good chance I’m going to need a new ranch foreman.”

“Wait a minute,” Zac said. “Isn’t that Delaney’s domain now?”

“It’s not Delaney’s place I’m talking about. It’s Tom’s. Or rather, mine now.”

“Yours? So Tom left you the ranch? What are you looking to do with the place?” Zac asked, trying not to betray his intense interest. Ty was not only offering him a new start doing what he knew best, he was also giving him a second chance with Delaney.

“I want to expand the operation and get back to where I started.”

“Contracting, Ty? Thought you moved out here to get out of it.”

“I did, initially,” Ty said, “but things have changed. My plans have changed. If things work out for this hotel as I hope they are going to, I’m going to need bucking stock. I figure some of ’em might as well be mine.”

“What about ol’ Bart? Doesn’t he run the place?”

“He’s ’bout ready to retire. I’d be happy to leave him in charge of the beef operation, but I need someone who knows how to handle a rank bull. If you’re ready to hang up your bull spurs, the job’s yours.”

“I’d like more than just a paycheck, Ty. I’m thinking about my future too and right now it ain’t lookin’ so bright. My place needs too much work. It’ll take every cent I just won just to get it back in operational shape. If you’re looking to contract again, I’d be willing to sell out and invest as your partner.”

“You would?” Ty asked with surprise.

“Damn straight. Bulls are what I love, Ty, but at this stage in the game, I’d be content to flank instead of ride.”

“Hell, Zac. I don’t know what to say. I’d be honored to take you on as a partner.”

Zac’s eyes held Ty’s as he slowly drained his whiskey. Setting the shot glass down, he offered his hand with a smile. “I think you just made me an offer I can’t refuse.”