Beau (Remington Ranch Book 4) (4 page)

Mason grinned. “I couldn’t have put it better myself. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to take Gypsy in and get back to work.”

“Thank you so much,” said Corinne. “What do I owe you?”

Mason shook his head firmly. “Not a thing. If Ruby’s going to live here, she needs to know how to ride. He tipped his head back and looked out at her from under the brim of his hat. “You should, too.”

That took her by surprise. “Oh. I…”

He smiled. “You can join Ruby’s lessons if you want to.”

“I don’t know if I’ll get time. I need to see how the job is going to work out. But, thank you.”

Mason nodded. “We’ll work something out.”

“Thanks again. Come on, Ruby. We need to go, and Mr. Mason needs to get back to work.”

Mason started to walk away, but Ruby tugged on his sleeve. He looked down at her with a smile.

“Thank you, Mr. Mason. I had fun.”

Corinne was relieved that she hadn’t forgotten her manners.

“You’re welcome, I had fun too.”

The smile on Ruby’s face melted Corinne’s heart. She didn’t think she’d ever seen her daughter look so happy. As she smiled up at Mason she crooked her finger and beckoned him to come down to her level. Corinne thought her heart might overflow when Mason bent down to her and she planted a kiss on his cheek. He straightened up with a big grin on his face. Apparently even broody and commanding could be melted by her daughter. Even if tall, dark, and handsome couldn’t. Oh, well. At least Ruby was winning over one Remington brother. One of the two most important ones, since Mason and Shane were the ones she’d be around the most.

Ruby took hold of her hand as they walked back up the path. “I saw Beau.”

“So did I.” Corinne didn’t like the idea of Ruby being so enamored with a guy who didn’t like her. “And you had a good time riding with Mason?”

Ruby nodded. “Yes. I like Mr. Mason.”

“I do too.”

“I like Beau more though.”

Corinne sighed.

“You don’t like him? Do you like Mr. Mason better?”

“I don’t really know him. I like Mr. Mason because he’s been kind to you. And to me.”

“Beau’s kind, too.”

“He is?”

Ruby nodded sagely. “He’s a good guy. He’s just got his head up his ass.”

“Ruby!” Corinne was caught between the urge to laugh and shock at hearing her daughter say such a thing.

Ruby shrugged. “That’s what Cassidy said.”

Corinne bit back a smile. She could just imagine that. Cassidy wouldn’t be one to bite her lip, and she didn’t come across as someone who was used to being around little kids—or watching what she said when she was. “Maybe so, but you know you shouldn’t repeat what you hear people say.”

Ruby simply shrugged again. They carried on walking in silence for a few minutes and were almost back to the cabin before she looked up and asked. “What does it mean?”

“What does what mean?”

“That he’s got his head up his ass?”

Corinne wanted to laugh again. “Well, first of all that’s a word you shouldn’t be using.”

“Ass?”

“Yes, that one.”

“But what does it mean?”

“An ass is like a donkey.”

“Oh! I thought it meant his butt! But how could he get his head up there?”

Corinne
did
let out a little chuckle at that, she couldn’t help it. There was no pulling the wool over Ruby’s eyes.

Those eyes widened as Ruby pondered. “So he’s got his head up his donkey’s butt?”

“No! It’s just a saying. It’s not real.”

“But what does it mean?”

“It means that…” Corinne had to think what it really did mean. “It means he’s not always aware of the people around him. Or of how he affects them with the things he does.”

“Does that mean he’s mean?”

“No. I don’t think so. Just that he might seem mean even when he’s not trying to be.” Corinne considered her own words along with Ruby. It was insight into Beau’s character that she wouldn’t have had. So maybe he wasn’t trying to be mean about Ruby before he knew he was talking to her mother. She sighed. What did it matter anyway? And besides, apparently he had his head up his ass. Just one more reason that she should steer well clear of him—in case the fact that he didn’t like her daughter wasn’t enough!

Beau jumped down from Troy and patted his neck. They’d been out for a couple of hours and it had done them both good. He took the saddle off and carried it into the tack room. Troy followed and waited at the door for him. He came back and slid the bridle off, too. He’d never liked to tie Troy up. He wasn’t going to wander off; he always waited patiently and followed Beau around like a dog. Troy was the one person he did trust, even if he was a horse.

Beau came back and gave him a mint before he started to brush him down. Troy turned to watch and tried to nibble his butt, making him laugh. “Would you quit that, buddy?” He straightened up and came back to rub his nose.

“He’s telling you he missed you.”

Beau hadn’t spotted Mason standing in the shadows. He smiled. “I’ve missed him, too. I just didn’t realize how much till I got out here.”

“You should get out here more. It’d do you good.”

He nodded. “You’re right.”

“Wow. No arguments? No telling me that you don’t like to be around here?”

That took Beau by surprise. He was normally the one to go there while Mason tried to steer clear of the touchy subjects.

“Not today, Mase, no. Today’s a good day. I don’t want to argue. I want to enjoy being here. And besides he’s not even around. Maybe that’s why I feel more comfortable.” That last part wasn’t true at all. He hadn’t even given Chance a thought until now. He couldn’t resist making the dig though.

Mason shook his head. “Why can’t you just let it go? He’s never done a damned thing to you.”

Beau clenched his jaw. His fist curled into a ball at his side. Then he deliberately relaxed. “I’m trying. I know you’re right. But it’s hard.”

“Why? What’s so hard about it? I don’t get it. I never have.”

Beau shrugged. He wasn’t sure he got it either. Why did he resent Chance so much? Their dad had brought Chance to the ranch when Beau was still a teenager. Chance had done a stint in prison. He had some murky, tragic past and their dad had wanted to give him a second chance. He was a great guy like that. Beau loved that about him. He liked to help people improve their lives, improve themselves. He was ashamed to admit it, but he’d been jealous of Chance. He worshipped his dad and had spent his childhood doing whatever he could to try to impress him. To win his love, his approval, his affection. It just didn’t seem fair to him that he’d worked so hard to earn all of that from his own father, while Chance had screwed up his own life and still benefitted from Dave Remington’s love and generosity.

“Sorry,” said Mason. “I don’t want to push it. Not when you’re out here to enjoy yourself for once. I guess I’m just getting antsy about the whole deal with the wedding coming up. I know you don’t like the idea of me and Gina taking over the big house. To be honest, it weirds me out. It belongs to all of us.”

Beau shook his head. “No, it’s right. With Mom and Dad going down to Arizona for the winter, it’d be weird for the place to stand empty. I don’t really have a problem with you guys moving in there at all.” He hesitated, wondering whether he should let Mason in on his plans. What the hell, Mase was trying to open things up between them, to talk honestly about the changes they both knew were coming. Their dad was going to divide the ranch between them all. The four brothers and Chance. Beau’s problem with Chance getting an equal share didn’t have anything to do with the cottage though. He smiled. “I’m going to tell you something if you can keep it under your hat till I’m ready to tell the folks.”

Mason raised an eyebrow. “You’re pregnant?”

Beau had to laugh. “Nope. I’m relieved to say I’m not. Though sorry to say that it’d have to be an immaculate conception if I was.”

Mason patted his shoulder. “Poor Beau. You just need to get laid, that’d help you chill a bit I’m sure.”

“Yeah. Whatever. Do you want to know what I’m up to or not?”

“Course I do.”

“Okay. Well, since you and Gina are going to be moving out of the cottage, I’m going to give it to Mom and Dad.”

“Wow!
Give
it to them?”

Beau nodded. “What do you think?”

Mason nodded slowly. Then looked up at Beau with a grin. “I think it’s awesome. I mean it’s one thing me and G living in the big house while the folks are down in Arizona for the winter. But I have been wondering what we’re going to do when they come back in the spring.”

“Exactly. I don’t see the four of you sharing the place. It’s big enough, but that’s hardly the point.”

“I know. Dad was talking about maybe buying a little house up in town, but I can’t see either of them being happy there.”

“I can’t imagine them not being on the ranch. I figure this is the best of all worlds. You’re going to be running the place, you should be here. But the cottage is right there.” He turned and pointed past the barn to where the roof of the cottage was just visible. They’ll still be on the ranch, still be around everyone, but not responsible for everything.”

Mason grasped his shoulder. “It’s a great idea, Beau. And I know they both love the place. Every time they come over Mom goes on about how sweet it is.”

Beau nodded. He should be happy at that news, but part of him couldn’t help thinking that they never came over to his place in town. That was dumb though. They went to the cottage because it was right there on their doorstep. “Well. Don’t say anything to anyone yet. I’m going to tell them in the next couple of days. I’m just waiting for the right time.”

“Of course not.” Mason turned at the sound of neighing inside the barn. He smiled. “That’s little Gypsy by the sounds of it. I’d better go turn her out.” He gave Beau a look he didn’t quite understand. “She’s got as much to say for herself as her little rider does.”

Beau made a face. “She’s not that bad.”

Mason laughed. “Neither’s Ruby really. She gave me a kiss after her lesson today.”

Beau shuddered at the thought, making Mason laugh again.

“I saw you chatting with her mom.”

Hmm. What was he supposed to say about that, he wondered. He didn’t know, so he just nodded.

“She’s a good-looking woman,” said Mason.

“She is.”

Mason raised an eyebrow. “Not your type?”

It was Beau’s turn to laugh. “Physically, she’s my type, but she’s the mother of the monster.”

“So?”

“So how in the hell could a guy take her out on a date?”

“Quite simple. You ask. You go out.”

“Yeah, right. And then you see each other a couple of times, and you want to do something fun on the weekend. What do you do? You have to take the monster with you anywhere you go.”

“And?”

“And where’s the fun in that? She’s a two-foot tyrant! A menace to society. You can’t have any fun with her around. She has to be the center of everything.”

“She’s five years old. That’s what they do.”

“Exactly!”

Mason chuckled. “So you’re not interested then?”

Beau shook his head rapidly. “No. I find Corinne attractive.” Talk about an understatement! “But not attractive enough to have to get involved with Ruby as well.”

Mason rubbed his chin looking thoughtful.

“Why?” asked Beau. “What does it matter to you?”

“Nothing. Doesn’t matter to me at all. I just wondered. Seems like most of the guys find her as attractive as you do. I don’t think they mind Ruby though.” He shrugged. “I guess I’m just curious to see what’ll happen. There aren’t too many young, attractive single women around here are there?”

“No.” Beau sighed. And it was just his luck that the one who had shown up had decided he was an asshole. And why wouldn’t she? He’d told her that her daughter was a monster who gave kids a bad name!

“I’d better get moving,” said Mason. “It’s good to see you.”

“You too.” Beau watched him walk back into the barn before turning back to Troy who had waited patiently while they talked. “Come on then, buddy. Let’s get you back out.”

Troy snorted and nodded his head as if in agreement, making Beau laugh.

After he’d turned Troy out, he made his way up to the big house and let himself into the kitchen. He was surprised to find Carter and Summer in there.

“Hey,” said Carter. “I hear you took Troy out.”

“Yup. We had a good time of it too.”

“Good for you. It does you good. At least I know it does me good. I’ve been riding a lot more since Summer’s been learning, and I’m loving getting to spend time with Jake again.”

Beau smiled. He was happy for Carter. “Yeah. I might not have as good a reason as you have for riding again, but it did do me good.”

“I can see it, darling,” said his mom who had appeared in the hallway. “You look more relaxed than I’ve seen you in a long time. You work too hard, you should play more.”

He nodded. “I’m trying. I took off work early yesterday and I came out to ride today.”

Summer smiled at him. “And you’re coming out to dinner on Wednesday.”

He nodded.

“Oh good.” His mom had an odd gleam in her eye.

“We’ve all been having dinner once a week for a while now, Mom. You know that.”

“Yes, but this week the numbers will be even for the first time.”

He cocked his head to one side, not understanding.

Carter grinned at him. “Shane’s new manager is going to join us. Corinne. She doesn’t know anyone yet, so the girls wanted to invite her.”

Beau didn’t know how to react. His heart was racing and his palms were sweaty. Just like the first time he’d heard her voice. But that had been because he found that voice, and then her appearance, very attractive. Now he wasn’t so sure how he felt. He’d made a fool of himself this afternoon talking about Ruby. And he’d no doubt pissed Corinne off in the process. Spending an evening in her company wasn’t going to be too comfortable after that. And it wouldn’t be comfortable at all if she was going to bring Ruby! How could that work? Their family dinners were a time to catch up and laugh—and talk freely, not mind their language and explain things to a five year old.

“Do you mind?” Summer was giving him a puzzled look.

He shook his head. “Of course not. It just hit me that I might not be able to make it on Wednesday. I have to go over to Billings and I’m not sure what time I’ll be back.”

That was bullshit and the looks on the faces staring back at him told him that they knew it. Well? What was he supposed to do?

“Anyway. I was just stopping in to say hi, before I left. I need to get going.” He went to his mom and gave her a hug.

“Your dad should be back any minute. Don’t you want to wait so you can see him?”

“I’ll catch him next time. See ya.” He turned around and let himself back out, then he ran back to his truck and started it up. He drove the length of the driveway and out onto East River Road before he let his breath out. What the hell was that all about? So he was disappointed that Ruby was going to spoil his night with his brothers. That was no reason to turn tail and leave, was it? He thought about it while he drove back up the valley toward town. No, it really wasn’t. But the thought of being around Ruby for the evening wasn’t really what had unsettled him. It was the thought of being around Corinne that had done that. He knew damned well that his brothers would immediately spot what was going on—how attracted he was to her. He didn’t need that!

~ ~ ~

Corinne had just got Ruby down for a nap when she heard a tap on the front door. She wasn’t sure she liked this. She hadn’t even been here a week, yet there was always someone stopping by. She wasn’t used to it. She had to smile when she opened the front door and saw Summer standing there. Summer was a sweet, kind person, but it was weird to be hanging out with someone she’d only previously known as a voice singing on the radio.

“Hi. I hope I’m not disturbing you?”

“It’s okay. I’ll step outside. I just got Ruby to sleep.” She pulled the front door to behind her.

“I’m sorry,” said Summer.

“It’s not a problem. It’s as much for your sake as mine. If she wakes up and sees you, she’ll want to keep you.”

Summer smiled. “She’s a little sweetheart.”

Corinne liked to think so. But what Beau had said this afternoon had upset her. And it did have her wondering. She knew Ruby was strong-willed. She encouraged her to speak her mind, but she tried to teach her to do so respectfully, and to understand that adults were the ones in charge. She was a character, but she wasn’t rude or naughty. At least that’s what Corinne had thought. Beau seemed to think otherwise. “Do you really think so?”

“Of course I do, why?”

Corinne sighed. “Sorry. It’s just someone said something today that made me wonder.”

“Oh no. Who? Said what?”

“That doesn’t matter. I just wanted a reality check. He had me wondering if I’m blinded by my love for her and if she really is a little monster like he thinks.”

“Beau!” Summer shook her head.

“How did you know that?”

Summer gave her an apologetic smile. “Ruby took quite a liking to him when she first met him. He didn’t know how to handle that. Or to handle her. It’s not that he doesn’t like her or anything. He’s just not used to kids. None of the Remington brothers are.”