Cowboy Casanova (Rough Riders #12)(122)

imagine how Gavin felt. “Did anyone give you a hard time?”


“Not really. Keely was the most obviously curious. But she disappeared fast when Jack

and I started talking business.”


“Keely might come on strong, but she’s fiercely loyal to all her McKay cousins. Just

because you don’t have the same last name, you have the same blood, so she considers

you hers too now.”


“Great. She isn’t by chance the mother of the ringleader of the McKay kid posse?”


“No. You’re probably talkin’ about Kyler. Keely is his aunt. Why?”


“That kid cornered me and asked if I was rich.”


Good thing Cord hadn’t heard that or he would’ve kicked his son’s butt. “What’d

you say?”


“I told him no and asked if I could borrow five bucks.”


Ben laughed. Gavin had a better sense of humor than he’d given him credit for. But he

could just tell by looking at him that the man was stressed out. “What else is goin’

on, on the family freak-out front?”


“I’ve enjoyed spending time with Charlie and Vi. Here and when they came to Arizona.

It was great going to the PBR and watching Chase ride and meeting Ava. I spent

yesterday morning over at Quinn’s and he gave me a tour of the ranch. Libby’s

definitely got her hands full with those two kids. But as far as the rest? Sorry.”


“Don’t be. I get what you’re saying. You’re tryin’ to figure out where you fit in

just our lives, and then you get thrown a hundred other puzzles pieces.”


“Do I sound like a whiner?”


“No, you sound like a man who ain’t about to get railroaded into doin’ something you

’re not ready for.”


Gavin leveled a serious look at him. “I hope your family appreciates your insight,

Ben. I know I do. I’d intended to swing by your place this morning to catch up, but

you beat me to it.”


That mollified Ben some, although he was aware of being the last on the list since he

was the least interesting of his brothers.


A muffled ringing sound became louder as Gavin pulled a cell from his front pocket. He

said, “Give me a second.” Then, “Hey, sweetheart. Why are you up so early on a

Sunday? Uh-huh. No. I didn’t know. Sounds like you had a good time. What’re you doing

today?” He was silent for a minute and his face turned red. “No. Absolutely not.

Stop. Right now. Don’t threaten or bribe or try to sweet talk me because it won’t

work. My answer is no. I don’t give a sh—damn what your mother thinks. Because you

are fourteen years old! Put her on the phone. Now.”


Ben wondered if he should leave the room.


A pause. “You listen to me, Ellen. If you sign the consent form, I’ll be at my

attorney’s office first thing tomorrow morning, filing for sole custody of Sierra,

without visitation rights. Because she doesn’t need to get her goddamn eyebrow

pierced! Or her nose or her lip or her belly button. Don’t try that bullshit argument

with me. End of discussion. And I’d better not see one f*cking piercing on her body

anywhere when I pick her up tonight, we clear? Put her back on.” Gavin paced. “Hey.