Chapter 10

With Sullivan out of the way, the next few days were quiet. Collin and Tank settled into a routine, and he found himself moving to Tank’s schedule. Collin began getting up earlier to work with Tank. They repaired one of the stalls and mended a leaky shed roof, and in the afternoons, Collin worked with Barney, who was making good progress. He was still skittish, but the horse was coming to trust him, and that was good. Collin didn’t think he would ever be able to be ridden. That was probably beyond Barney’s ability at this point. But if he calmed down enough for breeding, then he’d be a good addition to the ranch.

“He’s looking good,” Tank said as Collin brought the training session to an end. He had tried to use Barney’s natural equine curiosity against him, and it was really working. Each little task was met with a reward, and Collin was gentle with him, letting Barney run and work out his anxiety rather than penning it up.

Collin led Barney over to where Tank stood, coaxing him with soft words when he hesitated. “There are still some issues.” He held Barney in place a little ways from Tank, who held out a carrot. “Just stay still. I really want him to take it on his own.” Collin gently patted Barney’s neck, and after a few seconds, he came up and munched the carrot. Tank put out another one, and Barney took that one as well. Then it was Tank’s turn to gently pat his neck.

“You are a good boy,” Tank crooned and smiled. This was something Collin hadn’t thought possible when he first started working with Barney, but he’d hoped. The horse had been all fear and wildness, but now he had settled a lot.

“He is. And given care and some attention, he’ll be a good addition to your operation. He certainly has the bloodline to be bred.”

Tank nodded slowly. “Let’s get him inside. He’s earned his oats today.” Tank backed away, and Collin felt his eyes on him as he led the horse off.

He had been here a little over a week, and things on the ranch seemed much brighter. Collin wondered what Tank was going to do when he left. They had only six more days together, and then Alan, George, and Collin were returning to England. Tank would be alone once more. Collin had spent years on his own, and that had been fine. But there was a difference between being alone and being lonely, and Collin knew that once he went home, Tank was probably going to be the latter. Heck, Collin was going to miss the huge guy like a lost tooth. Not many things scared him, but that sent a cold wave up his back, even though it was hot and getting warmer under the bright July sun. Collin knew there was nothing he could do about it, though. He had his life back in England, and Tank had his here. He couldn’t ask Tank to give up his family legacy any more than Collin could let go of his.

There were times Collin wished he could simply walk away, say to hell with it all, and build a life of his own.

Collin put Barney into his stall and made sure he had plenty to eat and drink. He stroked him gently before closing the door behind him. Being here on the ranch was wonderful, and he loved being able to get away from his pain-in-the-arse father for a while. But he had obligations he couldn’t walk away from. The people on the estate needed him to make sure that his father didn’t let everything go to wrack and ruin. They depended on the place for their livelihood, and when things got tough, his father would simply cut back rather than trying to grow their operations. That kind of thinking was something his father had never been able to do. Ever since he turned eighteen, Collin had been the one to see to it that the actual business was being conducted properly. It had been a lot to take on, but Collin had realized that if he didn’t, there would be nothing left once his father was done.

“What has you so deep in thought?” Tank asked. Collin realized he’d been standing there staring at a bale of hay.

“I’ve got six more days,” Collin said softly before sighing. “I know I can’t stay, but I wish I could.” He swallowed hard. “I like it here.” He tugged Tank down into a kiss. “And I like you.” That was the real crux of what was happening. Collin had come to the US to try to find a man like Alan, and instead he’d found someone different—Tank. Now, if he had met a cowboy, maybe they could have resettled in England together. But no, he’d met a man as tied to the land here as Collin was there. “I wish you could come back with me.”

Tank swallowed hard, nodding slightly. “Do you think your friends would like a rough guy like me?”

“My friends like Alan. Everyone knows him. He’s made quite a name for himself there.” Collin looked around the barn. “I know it’s a stupid idea, though.” If there was only a way to pick up the ranch and everyone to move them near home.

“We’ve known each other for little over a week,” Tank said.

Collin nodded. “I know. It’s stupid to get my heart all tied up in knots.” He knew very well that going home would be one of the most difficult things he had ever done. But his mother had taught him that he had a duty to the family and to the estate. He couldn’t simply turn his back on that.

“I understand, because I feel the same way. We’ve spent most of our time together since you arrived.” Tank sighed and sat down on a bale of hay across the aisle. “I’ve spent the last few years since getting out of the service on my own. Sullivan tried to bring charges against me, that I had abandoned him on the battlefield. It didn’t hold water, but guys thought there could be some truth to it. So I wasn’t trusted, and I left as soon as my time was up. I once thought Sullivan was my friend, but I didn’t know after that.” He hung his head, and Collin sat next to him, taking his hand.

Collin didn’t say anything; he simply wanted Tank to know that he was there for him. Gently, he stroked Tank’s work-roughened palm. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be,” Tank said more forcefully. “The last thing I want from you is pity or you to feel sorry for me. I don’t think I can take that. Not from you.” Collin nodded and wished he’d followed his initial instinct and kept quiet. “After years in the service, I came home. My dad was still running the ranch, but he was having trouble and had for a while. The herd was almost gone, and he was leasing out land to try to bring in some money. I worked hard, brought back the herds, started breeding horses, and plowed every cent I had into the ranch. Things were just turning around when Dad died.” Tank squeezed his hand. “After that, I….”

“Grew quiet and figured you were the only person you could really rely on,” Collin supplied, and Tank nodded. “You poured your energy into the ranch and keeping this place going.”

“That’s about it. I thought I didn’t need anything else, and then along comes this high-and-mighty British viscount….” He pronounced it like it rhymed with discount , which made Collin smile. “I thought he was going to be a stick-in-the-mud, but I was wrong.” Tank swallowed hard, and Collin leaned against him. Tank released his hand and slipped an arm around him, drawing Collin tighter.

“What are we going to do?” Collin asked.

“I don’t know. Make the most of the time we have. You’re going to have to go home and deal with your father, because anyone who hires someone like Sullivan just isn’t right in the head.”

“No. And that’s got me wondering what else he’s been up to.” Collin would figure all that out when he returned. He had thought about calling his father to talk to him, but that just made his stomach churn. His father would only spout his usual selfishness and make Collin worry. Whatever was waiting for him would be there when he returned. “But I’m not going to let him throw a wet blanket over things.” His father also knew how to get in touch with him. “And yeah, I have six more days. Let’s make them special.” He leaned closer and kissed Tank.

A throat clearing made Collin pull away. “Sorry, boss. I didn’t know you were getting busy in here.” Denny’s smile was wicked.

Tank growled, and the smile vanished in an instant.

“Tank,” Collin said.

“What do you want, Denny?” he asked.

“Where did you want us to move the south group of cattle? You said you were concerned they might be overgrazing.” He was a younger man, but he had intelligent eyes.

“Bring them north to the next range,” Tank told him, and Denny hurried out of the barn. “Do you want to help move some cattle?”

“Seriously?” Collin asked.

“Yeah. You can work with some of the herd today, and tomorrow we’re going to Cheyenne to the rodeo. Alan and George got tickets, and the four of us are going. Did you forget?”

“I think I did.” Collin had lost track of the days. He stood up. “Let me get my gloves and I’ll meet you outside with the guys.” He hurried inside and got himself set for work. Then he made sure the dogs had food and water before joining Tank in the yard. Tank was already on the ATV, and Collin jumped on behind him and they took off.

“I have to ask,” he said over the purr of the engine. “Does this make me a real cowboy?”

“We’ll see,” Tank told him as the other men joined them, all of them zipping across the land.

“You know, these things sort of kill the mystique.” Collin hung on tightly, loving being this close to Tank.

“Maybe, but it gets the work done faster,” Tank yelled back as they approached the large swing gate. The men ahead of them opened it wide, and they all passed through. One of them veered off to the left and got off, then took up at position near the gate, while the rest fanned out around the back side of the herd. Then they got in a line and began moving forward.

The cattle seemed a little curious, looking up from their feeding. Tank pulled to a stop and climbed off. “What do you want me to do?” Collin asked.

“Take over here and stay in line with the other men.” Tank walked between the vehicles, waving his arms and yelling. As they drew closer, the herd began to move toward the gate. The cowboys took it slow, and they continued moving the herd forward, some of them calling out.

This seemed really easy, and Collin smiled, pleased he could help. Just as they crested the rise near the gate, some of the cattle decided to go right. Collin veered off, revving the engine, and they second-guessed themselves, rejoining the rest of the group going through the gate. Once all the cattle were through, the gate was swung shut with a loud clang.

“There are stragglers. Go round them up and get them to join the rest.”

Denny saluted Tank, and the men took off back through the gate.

“You did good,” Tank said once the others were gone. “Real good.”

“It seemed like the right thing to do. The others were moving, and I hoped that if I got them turned, they’d follow in the end.” Collin pulled up next to Tank, who climbed on behind him. “What’s next?” He revved the engine, and Tank laughed gently in his ear.

“Water. Let’s check.” He pointed and then held on, and they were off.

Collin loved to drive, and without any roads, he didn’t have to worry about left or right. He did follow Tank’s directions and came to a secondary watering hole.

“Where does this come from?” he asked.

“The same creek as the other. All we did here was run a few pipes in and out so it creates a watering station.” Tank checked the water before climbing back on. “It’s good. I like to make sure that the water is flowing in and out, not stagnant.” He pointed back toward the house, but Collin wasn’t ready to go in yet. Instead, he pointed the ATV toward the creek, using the trees as a guide. “I take it you have something else in mind.”

Collin glided to a stop. “Is that okay? We can go back.”

Tank pointed toward the trees, and they were off once again.

It was hot, and the sun seemed merciless to a guy from northern England. As soon as they slid under the trees, cooler air washed over him, and Collin felt like he could breathe again. Near the water, he pulled to a stop and turned off the engine. Getting down, he slipped off his hat and then his shirt. At the water’s edge, the boots, jeans, and his underwear followed, and then he waded bare-assed into the chill water—but after three steeps, he slipped and fell into a hole.

Collin came up sputtering to Tank laughing from the bank. He frowned and then sent up a wall of water in Tank’s direction. It didn’t reach him, and Tank continued laughing.

“Are you going to join me?” Collin turned around, closed his eyes, and went under, the water cold but refreshing after the heat out in the open. When he came up, Tank stood shirtless in the same place, and Collin found himself breathless… because, damn. Tank was stunning, with his wide bare shoulders and thick chest. Collin walked to the shallows and then out of the water, not taking his gaze away from Tank. He got a smile, and then Tank came closer, crooking a finger in his direction. Collin came up to him and stood on the bank as Tank pulled him into his arms.

He loved petting the man. Tank was all muscle, and the black hair on his chest contrasted with the fact that Collin had none. He splayed his fingers, letting the slight roughness pass under them. Tank hugged him tightly, his lips working the base of Collin’s neck as Collin used his lips and tongue on one of Tank’s pert nipples.

Tank groaned—a lovely, sexy sound that sent a pure wave of passion running through Collin. He wanted Tank badly, and when Tank lifted him, Collin wrapped his legs around Tank’s waist, a huge hand supporting his ass as he kissed Tank with everything he had. “I want you, Tank. I want to feel you inside,” Collin whispered, loving how Tank quivered at his words.

“Not here,” Tank managed to whisper. “It’s too rough.”

Collin was almost too far gone to care, but Tank gently got him down on his feet. Collin breathed deeply, his entire body revved into high gear. He was so ready for Tank, he didn’t care where they were.

“That grass there is sharp, and I don’t have anything for us to lie on.” Tank reached down and picked up Collin’s slacks, then handed them to him.

Now Collin felt like a fool. He yanked them on and pulled on his socks and boots before shrugging on his shirt. He had basically thrown himself at Tank and been rejected.

Tank pulled him into another hug. “Sweetheart, it’s just till I can get you back in the house.” He slipped his rough hands over Collin’s cheeks. “I won’t have anything happen to you or let you get hurt. This is the west, and even this close to the house, there are still wild things that can be dangerous, especially near the water.”

“Huh,” Collin said.

“We love the water and rely on it. So do other animals, including snakes and other inhospitables. Not to mention the fact that making love on the bare ground is not at all as romantic as the idea. Taking a roll in the hayloft is just as bad. I know they show it on television and in movies, but that stuff is pokey, and it’s the last thing you want to feel on your bare backside.” He smiled. “Now let’s finish getting dressed so we can go to the house, and I’ll show you just how much I want you too.” Tank kissed him hard and then released him to pull on his shirt.

Tank took control and drove them back. Denny met them and explained that all of the cattle were accounted for. “But we seem to have picked up three head.”

“What? How?” Tank asked. “Are they Maureen’s?”

“No. She has all her cattle tagged the way ours are. So does everyone else around here.”

Tank seemed confused. “What did you do with them?”

“I kept them separate from the rest of the herd. We found them as a group in the far east of the area. There’s that depression where there might have been a water hole years ago. They were down in there,” Denny told him.

Tank seemed perplexed, and Collin wondered what the heck could be happening.

“Good.” Tank turned on the ATV. “Go on inside. I need to figure this out.”

“I’m going with you,” Collin declared and climbed on behind Tank, holding tight. “Let’s go.” He nearly lost his hat as Tank took off, his body filled with tension. Tank seemed to know exactly where Denny was talking about, and after about fifteen minutes, he found the cattle in question.

“They look underweight to me,” Collin said once Tank pulled to a stop. The three head of mostly black cattle blinked at them from the other side of a corral. It seemed strange for this sort of small area to be way out here. “What is this?”

“Separation area. Dad built it for quarantine purposes years ago when there was a disease scare. Stay here.” Tank got off the ATV and walked over to where the cattle stood. He looked them over without touching them and seemed to give them a wide berth. Then he pulled his phone out of his pocket and made a call. Collin couldn’t hear what he said, but his posture was tense as all hell.

“What’s going on?” Collin asked.

Tank held up a finger and made another call. Once he was done, he returned to the ATV. “These cattle are sick, and we’re damned lucky they didn’t get mixed in with the rest of the herd.” His hand shook. “I called the vet and told him where they are.” He climbed back on, and as soon as Collin had a good grip, Tank was off like a bat out of hell. It was all Collin could do to hang on, and he was never so happy as when they got back to the house again.

“I called Doc Hasper, and he’s on his way out,” Tank told Denny. “Those cattle are sick. You can see it in their eyes and the way they seem unsteady on their feet. They’ve also had their tags removed. I could see where they had once been attached to their ears.”

“Jesus,” Denny said softly. “I kept the men away from them and handled those three myself. The other guys dealt with the rest of the strays. If they’re sick, the rest of the herd didn’t seem to be, and they can’t have been there very long. There is no water in that depression, and they were the only ones that weren’t ours and the only ones in the gully. They must have gotten into that gully right away, because they weren’t mixed in with the herd.”

Tank nodded as Collin’s mind raced to process what he was hearing. “Are you saying that someone tried to put these three sick head of cattle in with your herd?” Collin asked. “That could….” He put his hand over his mouth at the idea that someone would do that to try to infect Tank’s herd. “That’s despicable.”

“Yes, it is. Doc Hasper will be here soon, and he’ll be able to tell what’s wrong with them.”

Still, Collin could see the way Tank paled and knew this could be very bad. Tank paced the area, and Collin bit his nails, something that had been trained out of him years ago. Finally, the vet arrived, and Tank took him out to the cattle while Collin headed inside to wait and worry.