Free Second Song Cowboy (Second Chance) by Rhonda Lee Carver Page A

“Okay, I haven’t always made the right choices, but rumors are like snowballs. They get bigger and bigger.”
    “I guess all of the ladies needed to find out if the tale is true.” Deckland took off his hat and rubbed his palm across his forehead.
    “And what tale is that, Deck?” Dante asked against better judgment.
    “That you’re built like a horse. I’m sure there were a lot of disappointed women over the years.”
    “Screw you, Deck . You’re just jealous.” Dante bit back laughter to keep from encouraging his brother’s absurd humor. “Anyway, I can’t help that I was gifted. But just so we’re clear, I’m not looking to hook up. I’m too busy getting my shit together.” He scratched the thick stubble on his chin.
    “Then start this new change now and take our neighbor some eggs,” Deckland urged.
    He hadn’t told Deckland anything about his recent one night with April. Although , they talked about almost everything else. “No, you be the neighbor in shining armor and take them to April.” Dante shoved them across the table. “And then let’s head over to Shumaker’s and look at the horses he’s getting rid of.”
    “I’m busy today. I have to do some number scrunching before Dillon gets here. You, on the other hand, can take the day off. You’re going to work yourself to death and then who would I have to pick on?”
    Dante chuckled . “Look who’s talking. The man with the heart condition works harder than anyone I know. You keep saying you’re going to take a break, but it hasn’t happened yet.”
    “You may be built like a horse, but I’m as strong as one.” Deckland winked. “Still not going to tell me what happened in Houston?”
    “ Are you really this much of a nag? Seriously. Nothing happened in Houston. Not anything that matters anyway.” He averted his eyes, knowing his brother would see straight through him if he wasn’t careful.
    “ You’re still staying away from Cassie, right?”
    Dante exhaled. “Cassie who?”
    “Guess that answers my question. Now, the eggs. Take them.” Deckland tapped the box.
    “We have a grocery store where she can get all the eggs, and other grocery items, she needs. When did I become her keeper?” Deckland shrugged and turned, but Dante heard the rumble of laughter. “What’s so funny?”
    “She’s not back in town for a day before you come crashing in, l iterally. You caused her to be stuck in the ditch. The least you can do is help out in some way.”
    “Yeah, that’s really funny, bro. You have a warped sense of humor,” he huffed.
    “At least I have one,” Deckland said and left the room. Dante could hear him whistling all the way down the hall and into the office.
    Dante had done a good job of not thinking about April since he’d dropped her off yesterday—except for the fifteen minutes he was in the shower. And before he’d fallen asleep. Oh, and the dream he had of her. He’d gotten out of bed with a hard-on that even jacking off couldn’t ease. But still, there were some points that he hadn’t thought about her, he just couldn’t think of any at the moment.
    Maybe he shouldn’t have told Deckland that she was in town. He should have known his brother w ould come up with a reason for Dante to visit her. He glanced at the blue carton as if it were a two-headed snake. But eggs of all things? His brother could come up with some hair-brained schemes at times.
    The back door opened and Peyton peeked in. “Any cowboys around?” she yelled.
    “Only one, Pey.” She swept through the door, and as always, carried a ray of sunshine with her , and food. He got a strong whiff of something sweet and his stomach growled.
    “Just the person I was looking for.” Peyton placed her armload of packaged food in the freezer and placed a covered pie plate on the table in front of him.
    He lifted the corner of the foil and his mouth salivated. “Is that strawberry pie?” He hadn’t had a slice in years.
    “Yes. Dillon