Cowboy Casanova (Rough Riders #12)(129)

single ladies only talked to me in hopes I’d introduce them to Chase.”


“I don’t believe that.”


“It’s true. Which is another reason I’ve stayed away from dating those types of

women. I was never sure if they were interested in me for me. I’m just a plain, boring

rancher. I don’t have interest in bein’ anything else.”


Something like sympathy spread across her face.


“Besides. Aggressive women like that don’t take direction well.”


“And you’re all about that.”


He grinned. “Yep.”


“Okay, Ben. What’s up? Why the surprise lunch date?”


Ease into it? Or just say it. “I need a loan.”


Any warmth in her eyes evaporated.


“Look, it’s a…delicate situation so let me explain before your eyes slice me to

ribbons.”


“I’m listening.”


Rather than admitting the truth—he had his eye on a piece of land about to be

repossessed—Ben did something he rarely did: he flat-out lied. Not only had he

promised Rielle discretion, he’d promised his cousins that same discretion. Ainsley

wouldn’t question this reason for needing the money since it was personal. Given all

he’d told her about McKay ranching practices, she’d know something was off that he

wasn’t including his entire family on the possible land deal. “You know I dabble in

carpentry. I’ve built custom furniture for different places. Some previous customers

have contacted me, wanting other pieces. Seems I have a chance to expand and get the

challenge of creating something new. To do that I’ll need more equipment and keep a

wider variety of building materials on hand. And that is expensive.”


“When did you decide this? Because didn’t you just tell me you’re happy being a

simple rancher?”


“Yes, I am. But my woodworking hobby has become something more. It’s personal.”


Her eyes softened, no doubt thinking of the carved cat he’d given her, so he laid it

on thick. “That’s why I don’t want to go to Settler’s First. Because I know Slim

Jim Beal, who handles the loans, will tell Steve Talbot, who will contact my uncles or

my cousins and give them a head’s up.”


“That’s against the law.”


“But that’s how it works here. Sucks, but it’s true. I can just imagine my cousins

confronting me, worried I won’t be pullin’ my weight on the ranch because I’m too

busy building furniture.”


“I can see where that might bring up questions.”


“Questions I’m not ready to answer. But I don’t want to lose out on a good

opportunity. I’ve got equity in my house. A steady income. Ties to the area. I’d be a

good bet.”


“I imagine. And you came to me because…”


Her hard expression said, Because you expect as your sub I’ll automatically say yes.

“Christ, no. Don’t look at me like that. I came to you because I trust you’ll be

discreet. I’m not askin’ for any special favors beyond discretion in the loan

application process.”