Country Monsoon: King Creek Cowboys, #5

By Cheyenne McCray

Can a jilted cowboy find true love when his cowgirl keeps one foot out the door?

 

Abby Buchanan enjoys her job as a rep for her family's fencing company, traveling to different locations and meeting interesting people. But the pressure is on during this trip to the small town of King Creek, Arizona. Her father and the employees she's known all her life are depending on her to bring in enough business to save the struggling company. When she meets sexy rancher, and potential client, Brady McLeod, she never expects to fall for a man rooted to his land.

 

Brady is intrigued by the leggy redhead and can't get her out of his head. He finds any excuse to spend time with her even though her desire to travel for a living reminds him of the woman who left him at the altar. When the bed and breakfast she's been staying at burns down, he offers her a room on his ranch.

 

What starts out as a short-term stay, evolves into something much more.

 

Tragedy strikes and Abby turns her back on what might have been with Brady. Now it's up to him to prove they can still be together and that she needs him as much as he needs her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cheyenne McCray LLC
• Release date: Dec 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9781956103199

Cheyenne McCray

Cheyenne McCray is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author who grew up on a ranch in southeastern Arizona and has written over one hundred published novels and novellas. Chey also writes cozy mysteries as Debbie Ries. She delights in creating stories of suspense, love, and redemption with characters and worlds her readers can get lost in. Chey and her husband live with their two Ragdoll cats and two small dogs in southeastern Arizona where she enjoys going on long walks, traveling around the world, and searching for her next adventure and new ideas, as well as hand embroidering crazy quilts and listening to audiobooks. Find out more about Chey, how to contact her, and her books at https://cheyennemccray.com.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Cicadas buzzed in the trees outside the small church and warm June sunlight poured through the high arched windows. The sky looked clear and as blue as forget-me-nots.

Brady McLeod’s chest tightened as he stood looking down the long aisle between the pews. The air smelled of the abundant pink roses and carnations and the musty smell of the church that was as old as the town of King Creek, Arizona.

He’d finally done it—he’d decided to take the plunge with a woman he’d grown up with and had known since he was three years old. Elena Garcia was smart and beautiful, and everyone said they made a good match.

She had a firecracker temper and a streak of impatience a mile wide, but Brady’s laid-back personality balanced out their relationship. He was looking forward to their honeymoon cruise in the Bahamas and spending the days on white sand beaches eating his fill of fresh seafood and drinking Mai Tais.

It was hard to believe that pretty soon he’d have a wife. He had a ranch of his own that he would have up and running in no time, and she could give the home a woman’s touch. Elena liked to shop, so no doubt she’d fix up the place on the inside while he worked on the outside. She wasn’t much of an outdoors woman, but in relationships you had to compromise.

Colt, one of his four brothers and Brady’s best man, leaned closer. About time, bro. First comes marriage, then comes—

The music they’d picked for the bridesmaids started, jarring Brady, and cutting off Colt. Brady’s guts twisted into knots and his heart thrummed as he waited for the woman he was about to marry to come walking down the aisle behind her bridesmaids.

The song continued and his heart only beat faster. He never knew it could take the women so much time to come out of the back chamber and head down the aisle.

He sucked in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Not long and he’d be a married man.

It appeared like every person in the church now looked over their shoulders, and murmurs shuffled around the room. The organ player missed a key, and the murmurs grew louder.

Brady held back a frown. Where were Elena and her bridesmaids?

The rear door opened and a blonde in bubblegum pink with pink flowers in her hair strode down the aisle, her jaw set—his younger sister, Haylee.

His heart dropped as he watched his sister grasp the skirts of her bridesmaid gown in her fists and hurry toward him.

Haylee reached him, her cheeks flushed with anger. She blew out her breath, her harsh words following. Elena up and left for the airport. She’s going to Austria to be with a man she met on the Internet.

Brady’s gut bottomed out.

The organ player crashed to a stop.

The entire assembly went so quiet you could have heard a church mouse’s squeak.

The preacher let out a humph of disapproval.

Colt grasped Brady’s shoulder. I’m so damned sorry, Brady.

Brady barely heard him as Haylee’s words bounced around the insides of his skull.

Elena had jilted him at the altar.

CHAPTER 1

T he place is comin’ along, son. Caesar Garcia looked over the modest herd of cattle grazing in the pasture.

Brady McLeod nodded as he stood beside his old friend and mentor, and at one time his future father-in-law. Gettin’ there, little by little. He glanced from the cattle to Caesar. I can’t thank you enough for coming out of retirement to give me a hand in getting my ranch going.

For you, anything. Caesar’s dark eyes crinkled at the corners as he clapped his hand on Brady’s shoulder. And you know Charlene and I appreciate you letting us live in the bunkhouse until we rebuild our home.

I’ll always be here for you both. Brady smiled. Caesar had already been working for him when the old man’s home burnt to the ground. Brady was just glad he’d been able to help give them an interim place to live. He’d offered the guest room in the big house, but Caesar had insisted the bunkhouse was perfectly fine, and Charlene had agreed wholeheartedly. She’d proceeded to make it a nice little home.

Lady, Brady’s three-year-old Border collie, trotted up and plopped her butt down beside his boots. He absently rubbed her head. I’ve got a lot of work to do to pull this place together.

I’ve got faith in you. Caesar slapped the dust out of his old straw Stetson on his thigh before snugging it on his head. In the meantime, I’ve got to work with that yearling. He gave a nod to Brady and headed for the barn that was so old no paint remained on the weathered gray wood.

Brady blew out his breath. When he’d left his family’s large ranch to strike out on his own, he’d known he had a tough road ahead to get this place into shape, but it was his own. He’d sunk a big chunk of his savings into buying the property from a wizened old rancher who’d retired and moved to Wyoming with his son. The old man hadn’t wanted to leave Arizona, but his arthritis had gotten too bad to ranch on his own any longer, so his son finally got him to pick up his roots and go.

Brady hooked his thumbs in the front pockets of his Wranglers and let his gaze drift over the barn, the pasture and fields, the bunkhouse, and finally rest on the ranch house that was his home. A sense of pride filled his chest with warm heat. This might be a piece of property that needed a lot of work, but it was his.

The sound of a powerful motor signaled the arrival of a truck coming up the dirt road to his place. He turned to see dust roiling up from the tires of his sister, Haylee’s, fire engine-red 4x4 truck. Lady trotted at his side as he walked out to the circular drive and stood beside his own silver king cab truck while he waited for her.

Haylee brought the vehicle to a hard stop, and Brady waved the billowing dust out of his eyes. She jumped out of the truck, rounded the front, and parked herself in front of him. Hey, big bro.

Brady rocked back on his heels. What’s up, sis?

She shrugged and leaned back against the hood of his truck and slid her hands into her front pockets. Advice on men.

Brady chuckled. You’re asking me? I’m the one who got dumped at the altar.

She gave him a little smile. Glad to see you can laugh about it now.

He settled with his back to the truck and crossed his arms over his chest. It’s been just over a year, so I’ve had some time.

Haylee cocked her head, her long honey-blonde ponytail falling over one shoulder. Are you ready to start dating again?

Brady let out a harsh breath. I’m about the least lucky with love man around. Hell, I’ve been dumped and cheated on more times than I like to count. Jill told me my chooser’s always been broken, and I have to say she’s right. He shook his head. I don’t think a decent relationship is in the cards for me, and I’m not settling for just anyone. So, I’d have to say that makes a definite no.

That sounds like our sister. Haylee gave a slow nod. I do get it, though. I’m not so crazy about dating after the last loser, but I’m not ready to give up yet. She tossed him a grin. After all, our brothers have sure found the right women for them.

Brady snorted and rolled back his shoulders. They got lucky, all four of them. You don’t find love like they have with their wives just anywhere.

Haylee smirked. You also don’t find it at all if you throw in the towel.

Well, I have. Brady scratched behind Lady’s ears. This is the only female I need in my life.

Haylee laughed. I guess she can keep your bed warm.

If I let her sleep on it. Brady smiled at his dog before looking back at his sister. So, what kind of advice could you possibly want from this confirmed bachelor?

She flashed him a smile. You might have a broken chooser, but you are a man.

Glad you still count me among the male species and haven’t relegated me to mere older brother status, he said dryly.

She looked up at the clear blue sky before glancing at him again. I met someone.

Brady studied her. And?

I might be interested in him. Haylee played with the end of her long ponytail. He recently moved to King Creek and works for his dad, Bill Taylor, who just came to town and bought the feed store.

I know who you’re talking about. Brady gave a slow nod. Clint Taylor is Bill’s son. I met him the last time I got feed for the horses.

Haylee looked hopeful. What do you think of Clint?

Brady blew out his breath. He seems nice enough.

What do you really think? Haylee asked.

He hesitated. He wasn’t sure he should answer the question because he didn’t think his little sister would like what he had to say. She’d probably think he was overprotective, and maybe he was.

Go on, Brady. She frowned, but looked receptive. I want to know your honest opinion.

He gave a not so casual shrug. His dad, Bill, appears to be a respectable businessman, and I like him. I think he’s a good addition to our town.

I’m not talking about his daddy. Haylee gave Brady her pointed stare Clint. Tell me your feelings about him.

Brady looked at his boots before meeting his sister’s gaze. I’ve run into him and have had a conversation or two. The way he talks about his daddy and the old man’s business, and his comments about the town—it’s like he’s thinking on how to turn a situation so that it benefits himself.

As Haylee started to speak, Brady raised his hand. I know you can say that about a lot of people, but in Clint’s case, I think he’s in it for whatever he can get for himself. I think he’s standing on his daddy’s coattails and has his hand held out to take whatever he can get without earning it for himself.

Wow. Haylee looked amused rather than perturbed. Don’t hold back now, Brady. Tell me how you really feel.

Brady grinned. I’m glad you can take it when you ask for it.

His younger sister was a knockout, and when she smiled Brady knew she had the men around her on their knees, lapping up any attention she was willing to give them.

Thanks, Brady. She actually looked relieved. He asked me out, but I said I was in a hurry and I’d get back with him later. He’s a good-looking guy and all, but I didn’t have a feel for him. I was hoping you would. I appreciate your honesty.

That’s my job, he said with a mock glower, to chase off all the lowlifes.

She giggled, a light, happy sound. I’ll repay you by finding you a good woman.

He rolled his gaze heavenward. And here I thought you appreciated me. He looked at her with all seriousness. You can repay me by chasing off any woman who might come my way.

She patted his arm. Hang in there. Someone good will come along.

He resisted rolling his eyes again. As for you, there are a lot of good men in this county. Just hold on and the right one will come along.

Haylee snorted out a laugh. What’s good for the goose—

He cut her off. Don’t you have somewhere to be?

She glanced at her watch and looked horrified. Holy crap, I didn’t realize it was so late. She gave Brady a quick peck on the cheek. I gotta run ’cause I have a client to meet with. A bride of all things, to plan her wedding.

Better you than me. He stepped back and Haylee patted Lady’s head before jumping in her truck.

She buzzed down the window. See you Sunday. I’m gonna whip your butt fishing.

Don’t be late, he said, but she was already backing up.

Haylee’s tires spun in the dirt, and she was off like a shot. Brady watched after his little sister, amused. She was too great a catch to stay single for long. He just hoped the right man would come along, a real good man. Otherwise, he might have to kick the SOB’s ass.

As for himself, he would happily remain a bachelor for the rest of his life.

Abby Buchanan plopped down on the edge of the mattress as she talked with her sister over the phone. The bed wasn’t too bad comfort-wise for a small town two-room bed and breakfast. She was currently the B & B’s only guest, but the owner said another would be arriving soon.

She pressed her mobile phone to her ear and listened to her sister’s cheerful chatter.

We ordered the cake, too. Emma sounded over the moon, which she’d been since her fiancé proposed two months ago. Three tiers, marbled on bottom, a white layer in the middle, and chocolate on top. Frosted white, of course. Oh, and James picked raspberry filling between the layers.

Sounds yummy. Abby flopped back on the bed and stared up at the whorls on the ceiling. I get the chocolate layer.

Emma giggled. That’s for James and me to stick in the freezer to eat on our one-year anniversary, silly.

Abby sighed. She knew nothing about wedding planning, not that she really cared to know. But her little sister was excited and that’s what counted. I didn’t know you actually order the cake a year in advance.

Some people plan two or three years ahead. Abby imagined her sister shaking her head as she spoke. No way can we wait much past a year to be married.

Elope to Las Vegas and then you don’t have to wait at all. That would thrill Abby to no end, because then she wouldn’t find herself in a ridiculously over-the-top bridesmaid dress.

Never. Emma huffed. You just don’t want to be in the wedding.

Redheads look terrible in lavender, Abby whined. Frills and ruffles make me look like a fluffy glob of purple frosting with a cherry on top. Our sisters are just as redheaded as us—they can’t possibly be any more thrilled than I am.

Emma laughed. You will all look wonderful in those dresses. All the single ushers in the bridal party will be asking you to dance, Abby.

They’ll be asking me if I need help being rolled across the dance floor, Abby grumbled. I’ll be the spinster of honor. I’m too old to be called a maid.

Thirty-five isn’t old.

Says the twenty-year-old.

You need to find yourself a man, Abbs. Emma sounded thoughtful. Then you’ll settle down in one place instead of traveling around to every ranch in the region.

I like my life, thank you very much. Abby studied her chili-red painted fingernails. I’m overdue for a manicure. I sure hope there’s a place in King Creek. I could use a pedicure, too.

Emma let out an exasperated huff. As much as you like dancing and flitting from one appointment with sexy ranchers to another, it’s a wonder you haven’t found a man who trips your trigger.

Abby snorted with laughter. Believe me, honey, not every cowboy is hot, unless you’re counting them having to work out in the heat. But then they’re sweaty and smell of testosterone. She considered it for a moment. I guess that’s not bad in all cases.

Eww. Abby could picture her sister wrinkling her nose. All that sweat and testosterone?

Depends on the man. Abby grinned. Speaking of cowboys, I’ve got to get out and visit a few of the local ranches. Daddy made sure I understood how much we need some big sales, so I’ve been working my butt off. I’ve found a couple that really need good fencing.

And we sell the best. Emma sighed. I need to get back to invoices and going over the books—we’ve just got to get back into the black. The sound of rustling paper came over the line. I need a new job.

You have a great job with the family business, Abby said. What other employer would allow you doodle hearts in the margins of the annual reports?

You have a point. Emma laughed. Kiss a cowboy and tell me all about it.

Abby rolled her eyes. Text me Elmer’s number, will you? I’m going to check in with him to make sure he doesn’t mind being a reference.

He won’t. Give me a sec. Emma paused. There you go.

Abby’s phone dinged and she looked at the screen to see the