Page 32 of Waiting for the Rancher
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“When will you admit you love Hazel?” Tanner’s question echoed in the quiet kitchen.
In the middle of taking a sip of his coffee, Maverick choked, then spluttered coffee across the table.
Tanner’s grin only kicked up, as if he’d gotten the reaction he’d been shooting for.
Maverick ducked his head so that Tanner couldn’t read the truth in his expression and eyes. He was thankful Clarabelle was feeding Ma her breakfast and Clementine was out doing laundry.
He was also relieved at times like this that his pa had always provided their ranch hands with separate living quarters and their own cook, so that their family could have privacy and remain close... or at least, they had remained close while Pa was alive.
Just this past Christmas, they’d all been home and had filled the large kitchen table. Even Weston, his oldest brother, and his new wife Serena and their little boy Tate had ridden up from Fairplay to be there. During the celebration, they’d laughed and joked and talked with all the boisterousness and love that had always been present in their family.
That was the last time they’d all been together.
Maverick sighed, feeling the weight of his pa’s death all over again. Even his ma’s absence in the kitchen was hard to get used to. Although the room was still cheerful with its white furniture, wide window, and colorful curtains and wall hangings, it never felt quite right without Ma there.
“So?” Tanner held his mug to his lips, his eyes filled with knowing.
Maverick set his coffee down with more force than necessary. “My relationship with Hazel is none of your business.”
Tanner rolled his eyes as he took a big slurp.
Maverick reached for another sweet roll from the plate Clementine had left at the center of the table. The yeasty aroma of the rolls along with sugar and cinnamon lingered in the morning air with the scent of the coffee.
He wasn’t hungry for more, especially after the eggs, sausage, and toast Clementine had already fixed. But he knew his sister was trying to make things seem as normal as possible, especially now with the strained relationship with the Nobles.
He hadn’t told anyone about his conversation with Sterling earlier in the week—hadn’t wanted to upset his family any more than they already were about everything. A part of him wanted to mention something to Hazel about riding over to talk to Sterling and trying to get permission to pursue her. But he hadn’t wanted to put her in a position where she had to choose between him and Sterling. That wouldn’t be right either.
Instead, he’d steered clear of her. From what he could tell yesterday when he’d ridden up with Tanner, she was hurt and probably confused by his brusqueness. No doubt she’d wondered what their kiss had meant.
Maverick exhaled heavily.
Now it appeared she was ignoring him in return.
She’d also obviously learned her first flirting lesson well, from the way she’d unleashed her womanly charm on Tanner. The eye contact, the smiles, even taking off her hat and letting her hair down had all been excellent tactics. The whole time, Maverick had stewed inside, hating that she was using her wiles on Tanner and not on him.
She’d been so stunning with all her fair hair cascading over her shoulders in the sunlight that he’d been irrationally jealous yesterday that Tanner had gotten to see her with her hair down like that.
Tanner took a final swig from his coffee, then pushed back from the table and stood. “Guess if you don’t love her, then you won’t mind if I have a little fun with her.”
“Whoa, now.” Maverick shot up from his chair. “Don’t you dare go near her.” That same irrational jealousy came roaring back like a beast let loose from its cage.
Tanner shrugged. “If you’re not claiming her, then she’s fair game for anyone.”
“She’s off-limits, especially for you.” Maverick fisted his hands, ready to take a swing if necessary to prove his point.
“No. Sorry.” Tanner reached for his coonskin cap on the peg near the back door. “You don’t have a right to prevent her from finding happiness with someone else.”
Maverick’s muscles tightened, but he kept his fists at his side. Tanner was right. Except that Maverick didn’t want her to find happiness with anyone else besides him.
But with Sterling’s ultimatum, what could he do? He had to prove to his friend that he valued their relationship, that he wasn’t selfish, that he hadn’t meant to interrupt the wedding with his foolishness. If staying away from Hazel would repair his friendship, then he had to do it, didn’t he?
Tanner shoved his arms into his coat. “You’ve had it bad for Hazel for years. Don’t know why you can’t see it.”
“I see it.”
Tanner froze and turned to face him, his grin fading.
