Cougar in Texas (Rugged and Risque 3)

Sam laughed. “She hasn’t met my stepmother yet, hmm?”

Changing the subject, Caleb asked, “Did Dad bitch about me coming down here? Were you sent to talk me out of this?”

“Yes and yes. But I only nodded my head and said I’d pop on by and see what was what. From the looks of things, I’d say he’s not going to have an argument to win you back. Beautiful property, beautiful woman. Christ, Caleb. Breaking family tradition suits you well.”

“What exactly is the family business?” Reese asked.

“Oil,” Caleb said.

Her eyes widened. “Seriously? You’re real-life Ewings?”

Both men laughed. “Maybe if we were greedy SOBs who thrived on family drama,” Sam said. “But I left the house when I was eighteen and enlisted. Caleb went to college and vet school after he graduated high school. Our trust funds will help our kids along someday, but we’re not the sort to spend that money. At least not on anything frivolous.”

“That is so commendable,” she said, once again wishing she had some greater calling in life.

Caleb asked, “Who wants a walkthrough of this massive acreage I’ve committed myself to?”

They followed him to the stables and then the corrals. He told them of his plans for the med facility and the additional stalls. When they made it to the house, Reese was so impressed she was speechless. Sam, however, had plenty to say.

“I know you well enough to know you already have your staffing plan in place, but damn. If you need another pair of hands, I’m your man. This is an incredible idea.”

“Not a lot of money left over for the hired help,” Caleb warned him.

“Oh shit. I don’t give a damn about that and you know it. This is a good-sized house you’ve got here. If there’s a room for me… I’d be game.”

“Are you serious?” Caleb asked.

With a nod, Sam told him, “My time with the military is up. Frankly, I’m tired of getting shot at. I’d like something more low-key. And you know I’m good with horses.”

Caleb grinned. “I would’ve asked you sooner, but I didn’t want you to accept out of obligation.”

“This isn’t Dad’s company where we’re supposed to follow suit without wanting to fulfill any other sort of meaningful purpose. The thing is, he’s got more than enough experienced people to run the business. Our cousins, even. He’s not lacking for executive vice presidents to groom. And those people are infinitely more passionate about making money than we are. I’m good with what I’ve got, without even touching more family finances.”

“Well, that’s inevitable, because the money runs our way regardless. But I agree with you. I’m saving it for my kids, so maybe they can also do what they want to without feeling the pressure of following in my footsteps. They can be whatever the hell they want to be.”

Reese had to press her lips together to keep her jaw from dropping at the admirable notion.

Sam said, “Dad gets it, some of the time. He fully supported me becoming a Marine. But Judith still wants clones. She wants us to imitate Dad and she wants our wives to be just like her.”

“I’m guessing Judith is your mother?”

“Mine,” Caleb said. “Sam’s mom was a waitress in Lubbock. Dad hooked up with her years before he married my mother. It wasn’t until she died of breast cancer that he found out about Sam.”

“The illegitimate child of the family,” he said with a laugh. Though a flicker in his dark-green eyes told her he missed his mother. She could certainly relate.

“I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Thanks,” he said. “So how’d you meet this bum?”

She smiled. “I own the B&B he’s staying at.”

“Ah, convenient.” He nodded knowingly at his brother, making Reese’ face flush.

To change the subject, she asked, “What are you going to do with this enormous property?”

They stood on the back porch. Sprawled before them was a lush carpet of green grass. A clearing down the middle led to a sensational view of the lake and the mountains in the distance. Edging the clearing were tall, mature trees of varying kinds, all majestic and magnificent. The grounds were immaculate and breathtaking.

Caleb’s gaze swept the area before he shook his head and said, “I haven’t the slightest idea.”