“He said he wasn’t in a hurry.”
“He is now.”
“I am?” Cord frowned. Trying to keep up with Sharon’s train of thought was always a challenge. Today was no exception.
Patting her hands dry with a dish towel, she tossed it on the counter. “You are if you want to catch Jessica before she leaves on the morning trail ride.”
“Why would I need to do that?”
She put her hands on her hips and tilted her head, studying him like she could read his mind, but it was in a foreign language. “Didn’t you send out an email last night, announcing that you moved the annual dance up to the Friday night of the rodeo weekend?”
“Yes. And today, I should get confirmation on the cover band.”
“Do you know who Jess eats lunch with almost every single day after the morning trail ride?”
He didn’t know, but he could guess. “Mason McCaffrey?”
His stomach twisted even before she nodded affirmation.
“Her big brother wouldn’t want her to go to the dance with Mason, would he? Didn’t you tell me you were guarding her for Nick?”
With great difficulty, he stopped his jaw from dropping open. How did she know this stuff? “I’m pretty sure I didn’t tell you that.”
“You didn’t?” Sharon frowned, tapping a finger on her cheek. Then her eyebrows shot up, and she pointed the finger toward him. “That’s right. Jess told me. Mad as a hornet about it, too.” She flapped a loose hand at Cord. “Doesn’t matter how I found out. The point is, Mason’s probably going to invite her to that dance if you don’t beat him to it.”
He picked up his coffee cup in trembling fingers and held it to his mouth, hoping Sharon wouldn’t notice it was empty. “Nick doesn’t want any guy from Sage River dating his sister. That includes me.”
Bucky waved for attention. “I don’t understand. What does all this have to do with the auction figures?”
“Nothing, dear.” Sharon leaned down with her hands on his shoulders and kissed him on his bald spot. “Go back to your paper.”
Cord saw Bucky’s eyes roll before the newspaper covered them again.
With her hand on Cord’s elbow, Sharon guided him up from the table toward the door. She spoke in a lowered voice. “It doesn’t matter what Nick thinks. Jess has a mind of her own.”
“Don’t you think Jessica would be mad if she knew you were interfering? She sure got upset when I tried it.”
Sharon heaved a heavy sigh. “I know I shouldn’t meddle. My children have fussed at me for years, but it’s such a hard habit to break.” Her hand gripped Cord’s arm. “I want you to ignore everything I said. Pretend you didn’t hear a word.”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll try,” he said, doubtfully.
“And don’t tell Jessica I said anything.”
“I won’t.”
“And forget that stuff I told you about Mason’s arrest record.”
“Arrest record?”
“I didn’t tell you? Good. It’ll be easier to forget. He’s a good kid, or Bucky wouldn’t have hired him.” Her hand covered her eyes, thumb and fingers rubbing her temples. “Doesn’t mean I want him married to my granddaughter, though.”
“Married? Don’t you think you’re jumping the gun a little bit? They aren’t even dating.” The blood pounded in Cord’s ears. “At least, I don’t think they are.”
Sharon’s hand applied pressure to his back, shuffling him through the door. “I’m sure you’re right, Cord. I’m just a doddering old lady. I know you’ll do the right thing.”
The door clicked shut, and he was standing outside, the sweat trickling down his back from something other than the oppressive Texas heat.
Cord was at his best when working with a plan, so he’d plotted a detailed course of action to win Jessica. He’d envisioned using their morning breakfasts to gradually get to know each other, culminating with the bull-riding competition to impress her with his bravery. But if Mason was actively pursuing Jess, Cord needed to step up his game. He couldn’t afford to wait four more weeks until the rodeo.