Randall Pride

Elizabeth knew what her friend was seeing in her mind. A tall man, muscular, but rangy, with a singular grace, light brown, almost golden eyes, dark hair, strong features…and a beautiful smile that varied between cocky and sympathetic. The desire to be the center of his universe, to have that smile all to herself, had long been her secret wish.

“How’s your class today?” Elizabeth asked, desperate to change the subject.

For the remaining minutes before Abby’s next class, they discussed work. But when Abby left, the next arrivals wanted to talk about Toby, too. One of the teachers had taught him years ago and always thought of him as that same little boy. At least that was a better image than Toby in a kissing booth.

When she was ready to go home, she checked her calendar for the next day and saw the note she’d written about Bill Johnson. Otherwise, she would’ve gone straight home, her mind focused on Toby.

She drove the short distance to Bill Johnson’s office on the main street of Rawhide. He never used a receptionist or secretary, so she knocked on the open door of his office and he looked up from his desk.

“Oh, Elizabeth, thanks for coming by,” he said, rising to shake her hand. “Sit down, please.”

Elizabeth did so and waited for him to speak.

“Uh, Mr. O’Banyon came in yesterday afternoon, you know. We’d corresponded, of course, and he has excellent skills.” He paused and stared at her.

“And?”

“Elizabeth, I’ve been friends with your family for a long time. I’d do anything I could to help them, but—” He broke off again.

Elizabeth smiled. She realized his dilemma. “You don’t think you can work with Cleve?”

Relief filled his face. “Not just me. My customers—they wouldn’t come back. He, uh, sneers at the way people dress here. He actually made fun of Mr. Holliwell when he came in while O’Banyon was here.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry, Bill. But deciding not to hire him won’t affect your friendship with my family. Have you spoken with Cleve?”

Bill nodded. “Yeah. He didn’t take it well.”

“I’m not surprised. He thinks he would be an asset to any company.”

Bill looked at her sharply, and she knew she hadn’t hidden her disgust well.

“Uh, well, I appreciate your understanding.”

“Do you still need help?”

He stared at her warily. “Yeah, but—”

“I was going to suggest you talk to my cousin, Russ.”

“Russ is looking for a job as an accountant?” Bill asked, surprise in his voice.

“Not exactly. But he majored in accounting, and I think he’d like to work in town part-time.”

“I had no idea. That’s a great idea! I’ll call him this evening.”

“Mmm, could you wait until next week?”

“Why?”

“I need to talk to my family after I’ve talked to Cleve, and I won’t be able to manage all that until the weekend.” She really felt she should tell Cleve first that she’d changed her mind.

“Okay, as long as you don’t think anyone else would snap him up. He’ll be perfect.”

“How do you know? He might not know enough accounting,” she pointed out.

“Randalls breed true, Elizabeth. There hasn’t been a bad one yet.” His grin was wide and warm.

Elizabeth smiled back. But she realized she might’ve broken that chain if she’d married Cleve and had his children. Why hadn’t she realized that earlier? She stood. “Thanks for your cooperation, Bill. We’ll have everything settled very soon.”

“I appreciate that, Elizabeth.”

DARK WAS STARTING to come earlier, and Toby was glad. His first day back in the saddle took a lot of stamina. He was strong and skilled, but he was tired.

“Good job today, Toby,” his Uncle Pete said, pulling up beside him. “I figure we got a lot more done today with your roping skills.”

“You’re no slouch yourself, Uncle Pete.” His uncle was the only one of the Randalls before Toby who had rodeo experience.

“I wanted to tell you I appreciate you not encouraging the boys to head out for the rodeo, too. Rich has mentioned going several times, but Russ always reminds him about what you said.”

Toby grinned. “I didn’t want them making that their life. It’s too hard, and it can lead them down the wrong path.”

“True. So why did you stay so long?”

Toby stiffened. He hadn’t been prepared for that question. “I wanted to earn enough to pay for my own place.”

“Oh. Have you talked to your dad about land around here? I’m sure he’d be glad to help you.”

“I’m in no hurry.” He’d already decided if Elizabeth and Cleve settled down in Rawhide, he wouldn’t be doing the same. He told himself she’d be married then, but it didn’t seem to affect his hormones.

“Your dad—”

Toby interrupted. “I’d appreciate your not mentioning this to Dad just yet. I want to enjoy being home with the family for a while.”

“Sure thing, boy. Jake loves having you home.”

“I love being here,” Toby returned as they reached the barn, and he caught sight of Elizabeth’s car. She was home. He started trying to stifle the desire that rose up in him. Damn, he only had to know she was there, without even seeing her, to start yearning for her.

After taking care of his horse, he headed for the Pad with Russ and Rich, telling his father he was going to clean up.

“Okay. Red will ring when dinner is ready,” Jake assured him.

With a wave, he walked with the cousins.

“Hey, we didn’t have a chance to ask last night,” Rich began. “You haven’t told us about any of the women.”

“What women?” Toby asked, his mind on Elizabeth.

“The women that chase all the rodeo guys,” Russ explained.