Tied Up, Tied Down (Rough Riders #4)(26)

“My sisters-in-law have hope the next McKay out of the chute, so to speak,” AJ


grinned cheekily, “will be the stem-less variety.”


“What about you, AJ? Since Channing and Macie have both birthed boys, you itching to be the one to break their streak?” India teased.

“God no. Ky is plenty for us to handle right now. Besides, Cord and I’ve only been married since December. We’re breeding horses for the time being, not kids.”


Footsteps echoed from the back room. A deep male voice asked, “India? You seen my wife?” Cord McKay crossed the threshold.


Skylar stared. Good God. Was every single one of the blasted McKay men so sinfully good-looking? No question this man was related to Kade—same dark hair, same vivid blue eyes.

But Cord only had eyes for AJ. Hungry eyes. “Hey, baby doll. I was lookin’ for you.”


“And you found me.”


“Appears you found your way to the babies again,” he murmured and angled over her shoulder to examine Eliza.

“I can’t help it. Isn’t she the sweetest thing?”


“Yes, she is. Least that’s what her daddy says.” Cord’s eyes met Skylar’s, almost in challenge.

Sky’s mocking look challenged him back. “Kade is a sucker. He’s already promised to buy her a pony.”


“I imagine so.” He thrust out his hand. “I’ve seen you around, and I know India, but we’ve never been introduced. Cord McKay.”


She shook his hand. “Skylar Ellison. Do all you McKay cousins and brothers look alike?”


“The wonder twins notwithstandin’, I don’t see the resemblance, but other folks do. I imagine we all oughta wear name tags tomorrow, so you don’t get us mixed up.”


“What’s going on tomorrow?”


“The big rodeo. Kade and Colt are competin’. Everybody’s talkin’ about it. I figured you’d be there so Kade could show off the baby.”


“He hasn’t mentioned it, but he’s been pretty scarce the last couple days.”


An awkward moment followed.

“Well, I’m sure Kade’ll tell you about it when he finds time.” Cord set his hand on AJ’s shoulder and squeezed. “I came to remind you we gotta get Ky pretty quick.”


AJ stood and handed the sleeping baby to her mother. “Thanks for letting me have my baby fix. See you tomorrow.”


The couple barely cleared the backroom when AJ gasped and a low masculine laugh answered. The connecting door slammed.

“Those two. I swear they’re always doin’ it in her studio. I think it’s the only chance they have to be alone without rambunctious Ky underfoot.”


“Kids do have a way of messing up the best laid plans.”


“Sounds like you have some experience with that?”


Rather than respond, Sky wandered. She was too restless to sit and half-afraid if she quit moving Eliza would wake up. Her thoughts wandered to Kade.

Why hadn’t he told her about the rodeo? Because he’d planned on taking Eliza, but not her? Because he expected come Saturday she’d pass on his intriguing offer and that part of their relationship would be over? They’d be friends, Eliza’s parents and nothing more to each other? That thought made her sort of ill.

“Sky? You okay?”


“Not really.Something’s been brought to my attention and I’m asking for your honest opinion.”


“Shoot.”


“Do you think I’m controlling?”


“Do you mean in control, or manipulative of others?”


“In control.” Sky faced her sister.

“Yes, you are in total control, at all times, of all things.”


“Is that bad?”


India shrugged. “Not necessarily. Unless you’re unwilling to bend a little, to loosen up once in awhile. We both know that’s not in your type-A personality, especially given your past association with jerk-off men. Why do you ask?”


“Kade mentioned he thinks I have control issues.”


“He’s right.”


India’s automatic agreement jarred Sky. “You’re siding with him?”


“I’d never side against you, Sis. Never. I am really proud of you for being such a great mom, even if I’m surprised you aren’t more controlling and psycho when it comes to Eliza.”


“What?”


“I honestly was scared you’d become one of those mothers who obsesses over every little thing.”


Sky’s stomach pitched. “You saying I don’t care?”


“No. You love Eliza fiercely, but it’s not an insane I-need-to-control-every-minute-of-this-kid’s-life kind of love that I expected from you.”


“I’m really like that?”


“With most things, especially your business. Case in point: you’ve finally hired an office manager after I nagged you incessantly, but do you let her manage? No. You still do it all, which drives me batshit. How long will Annie have to work for you before you decide to give her more responsibility?”