Chapter 2
Rhett
Where did she go?
One second, I’m staring into a pair of gorgeous blue eyes, the next, Mr. Devon is all up in my business. Now, she’s disappeared and I don’t even know her name.
Who was that girl?
“Rosaleigh is ready for a man to saddle her down so she can start poppin’ out some big fat babies.” Mr. Devon’s voice snaps me back to reality. “Mrs. Devon and I are ready to be great-grandparents. We’d be the first in our group of friends. I’m tellin’ you, boy, my Rosy is ready for child bearin’.”
I hate the way he calls me, boy. It’s demeaning.
“Did I mention she’s only eighteen? Nice and real ripe.” He gestures to his chest with one hand, palm open as if groping a woman’s breast.
Fuck, that’s disturbing.
“She’s been savin’ herself, too. And oh, she’s not like those misguided girls who use anal sex as a diversion to hide the fact they’ve lost their virginity.”
Like I care.
“No, sir. My Rosy is as pure as the driven snow—front and back.”
God, that sounded so, so wrong.
“Mr. Devon. I just settled back in town—”
“But it’s been six months.”
“Perhaps, but I’m only now settled in.” People like him are why I’ve been a recluse.
“Of course. You need some time.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
“Keep in mind, boy, the sooner you get back on the saddle, so to speak, the better.”
“Don’t call me, boy. I’m not your child and I don’t work for you. As for getting back on the saddle, that’s a low blow.”
His eyebrows lift in surprise. “You’re right. I should watch my mouth.”
Not quite an apology, but then again, this is Mr. Devon we’re talking about.
“Maybe next week you can come over the house for dinner...?”
He just ignored everything I said.
“Rosaleigh is a real good cook and she’s been talkin’ about you being back in town for good.”
For the love of God. “Mr. Devon, no disrespect, but she’s too young.”
He gazes back in wide-eyed bafflement. “What do you mean?”
“I have ten years on her. She’s only eighteen.”
“Old enough for babies. You know what I mean?” Mr. Devon slaps me on the shoulder so hard, I jerk forward. “Look at those wide hips. She even has large and heavy jugs like her grandma and her ma. Wait ‘til those are full of milk. Whooee!”
I cringe, disgusted by the crass comment.
“We were both only sixteen when I planted my seed deep into Mrs. Devon’s womb.”
Way too much information.
“Got twins right out of the gate. Not bad for a kid.” He roars.
“Times have changed.”
“Not like you’ll be banging rodeo groupies anymore.”
I always had a good head on my shoulders to stay away from buckle bunnies. Those women hunt rodeo riders on the circuit like it’s an Olympic sport. Too many other guys became daddies after just one fuck.
“I can take care of my sex life,” I say. “Don’t need your help.”
“I’m just sayin’ Rosaleigh is prettier than all those loose women who used to pine for your cock. My Rosy isn’t a walkin’ STD.”
Some topics should be off base when it comes to family.
At fifty-four, Cassidy Devon is a worse gossip than the old women down at the church on bingo night.
“Does your granddaughter know you’re trying to marry her off?”
“Course she does. I have her blessing.”
He’s in the pimping business now? “I didn’t realize this was a family conspiracy.”
“That’s the operative word.”
I knit my eyebrows. “I don’t follow.”
“Listen, if you were to date Rosaleigh and things became serious—which I’m sure they would—I mean, look at her.” He sticks his phone in my face. “You get with Rosy, and we’d become your family.”
“Mr. Dev—”
“You and I both know any hopes to your former career as a rodeo king are shattered.”
Condescending asshole.
“You can come work for me. Business is booming for our family-owned plant farm.”
“Mr. Dev—”
“A man can’t live alone… neither can he make it solo.”
For God’s sake.
“I already have a family—my friend Jenkins and his sister April.”
“Oh, come on, Rhett. The Williams are nice enough folks, but t they aren’t real family. They’ll get married soon and where does that leave you? Alone. You ain’t got no one else in the world since the passin’ of your ma.”
I don’t give two shits what you think, old man. “Mr. Devon, I have to go.”
“Oh, okay.” He flinches. “Let me know when you’ll be coming over. Rosaleigh will be waiting.”
“It’s unlikely to happen,” I say, walking away.
“Then your future’s lookin’ a little mundane.” He throws his parting words over my shoulder.
I stop in my tracks, turning to look around.
I pin him with a hard stare. “What do you mean?”
He offers a sly smirk. “Word has it you’re starting a new job at Jake and Hunter’s ranch.”
My God, the man is nosy. “So?”
“It’s a huge step down from your glory days. Can’t be easy being a nobody again.”
What a callous comment.
I fight to keep the cold punch of insult from showing on my face.
“I’m still a somebody, Mr. Devon,” I say through gritted teeth. “I just have a different career now.”
“A career in which you’ll have to kiss bye-bye to easy pussy, fame, and high-rolling earnings.
” He smirks. “I offer you a sweet alternative and a good position in the family business… one where you don’t have to get your hands dirty and smell like sweat.
What do you do? You piss all over it. Instead, you’d rather shovel manure and fuck whichever skank winks at you. ”
Self-righteous son of a bitch.
“We’re done with this conversation.”