Grumpy Cowboy (Single Dad Collection)

So, taking this job for one of Mr. Kaminsky’s closest friends seemed like a win-win situation. Even if it comes with some struggle.

“I’m sure I’ll be able to handle whatever Rhett throws my way.”

“Now that’s the kind of attitude I like to hear.” Tex’s grin grows, and he reaches out to slip his cowboy hat back on. “I’d say it’s a good time to get you settled into your cabin, and then you can head on over and meet Rhett and start doing your smart doctor thing.”

“That sounds like a plan, but if you don’t mind my asking, is Dr. Namath Rhett’s current ortho physician?”

Tex nods.

“I’d love to get his phone number so that I can give him a call and get a full briefing on your son’s case. Mr. Kaminsky assured me that I would be able to get that done before I officially started to take over his care.”

“That won’t be a problem, darlin’,” he responds. “How about you write your number down here, and I’ll get in touch with Dr. Namath for ya?”

“Perfect.” I nod and quickly jot down my cell number with pen and paper he slides across his desk.

“Now, the cell service around here can be tricky at times, but I’ve got a good map for you that shows all the best spots to make calls if you find it difficult from your cabin,” he states and stands to his feet.

Best spots to make calls? I think to myself. That doesn’t sound promising.

But he doesn’t give me any time to question it.

With him to his feet and already on the move, I have no other option but to follow his lead out of his office door.

By the time we step outside the lodge, he hands me a map, a sheet of paper with important phone numbers for the ranch and staff, and a set of keys. “You can borrow my Jeep while you’re here to get around. But I should warn ya, this ranch is over two thousand acres, so make sure you keep this map handy until you get the lay of the land.”

Over two thousand acres? That’s insane.

I can’t even calculate how big that actually is. I just know it’s a lot of land.

Surely it’s enough to put at least one Starbucks out here…

“That’s my Jeep,” he says and points to what has to be the oldest working Jeep in the fucking world right now. Its doors are rusted out, and it has more layers of dust and dirt than ten car washes could remove. “Just filled the tank for ya, so you should be good to go.”

I nod and try to hide my shock over driving this deathtrap around.

“I circled your cabin—cabin number three. It’s a straight shot from the lodge, only a mile up the road.” Tex pats my shoulder. “And I also circled Rhett’s house on the map for ya, so once you get settled into your cabin, you can head on over to his place.”

Rhett’s house? He doesn’t stay in the same house as his dad?

“I’ll make sure my wife Jenny stops by to see you later today. If there’s anyone who can make ya feel at home around here, it’s her. But don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything. My number is on the sheet.”

“O-okay, Tex,” I stutter out, my mind bouncing around to all the things he keeps flinging my way.

“Now, if you don’t mind, I gotta head back inside and get back to work,” he states at rapid-fire pace. “Real glad to have you here, Leah, and I’m sure I’ll see ya later tonight. There’s no doubt in my mind, my Jen will want to have you over for dinner.”

All I can do is nod. Though, inside, I’m a ball of fucking anxiety. I feel like I’ve been tossed to the proverbial wolves and now my only option is to sink or fucking swim.

Tex’s boots crunch against the gravel as he turns back to the lodge, and I hesitantly make my way over to the Jeep in hopes I can figure out how to drive the damn thing.

I lift my fingers to the door handle but pause when Tex’s voice fills my ears again.

“Oh, and by the way, Rhett doesn’t know you’re here,” he calls toward me. “So, if he gets pissy with ya, tell him I’ll be in my office and more than happy to have a word with him.”

Wait…what? He doesn’t know I’m here?

I blink several times, but before I can even inquire further about that mind-blowing statement, Tex is back in the lodge and out of sight.

And I’m just left standing here, staring at the keys and map in my hands.

Holy hell. What have I gotten myself into?

Tex

“What are you doing over there?” My wife’s voice startles the hell out of me, and I quickly back away from the curtains and try to act like I’m doing something manly like checking the strength of the lodge’s foundation.