Bucking the Rules Read Online Free PDF

ranch?”
    Red set the drink menu back down on the table slowly and looked over at him. “What?”
    â€œBecause if you are, you know it’s going to kill her.” Shouldn’t have said that part. “I mean, you know, because of all the crap she had to deal with to get over dating her trainer. You know, mentally . . .” Shit. Hole was halfway to China now, might as well keep shoveling. “I’m just saying—”
    Red held up a hand. “Don’t ‘just say.’ I appreciate the big brother routine, which is why I’m not telling you we’re going to draw blood in the parking lot. But Jesus, dude, you know I’m crazy about her. Why would you think that?”
    Trace shrugged. “Forget it.”
    â€œHard to, when you toss a conversation starter like that at a guy.” Red smiled as the waitress, a cute redhead, strolled up. “Bud, bottle.”
    â€œSame,” Trace said, and waited until she sauntered off. Because it would have been unnatural not to, he took a second glance at her butt. Not bad. Cute, good butt, nice smile. And yet, his self-imposed celibacy continued.
    â€œIf it’s about Peyton shoving me out of the house for the night—”
    â€œPeyton? She said you were dying to get out of the house.”
    Red smiled. “Uh-huh. Of course, she did.”
    Trace had the distinct feeling of being on the losing end of a fight he didn’t even know he was in. “So, you didn’t tell her you wanted to go get drinks.”
    â€œNope.” He smiled again as the redhead delivered the drinks, and took a sip. “Not that I don’t appreciate a good beer and some time out watching poker. Maybe shoot a little pool in a bit.”
    â€œBut it wasn’t your idea.”
    Red shrugged. “I’d be just as happy at home with your sister. Happier, probably. No offense meant,” he added easily.
    â€œPlaying Scrabble,” Trace muttered. Red shot him a confused look, but he shook his head. “Never mind.”
    â€œFact is, variety is the spice of life. Not variety in women,” he added, as if he realized Trace wasn’t entirely following. “But variety in experiences. I got so used to following my dad around the country, from one barn to the next, that I just fell into doing the same thing myself as an adult. One ranch after another, whichever one wanted to hire me next, there I went. But now that I’m static, and happy to be so, I can always use something new to do with my days to throw off the normal a little. No harm.”
    â€œYeah.” Trace sipped his own beer, wondering why it always seemed to taste a little better when it came from a bar rather than the fridge at home. “I got it. So overall, this whole plot was to get me out of the house.”
    Red lifted a brow. “Mind me asking why you think that?”
    â€œPeyton’s been up my ass about getting a social life for months. I’m happy at home. Is that a crime?”
    â€œNot at all. But there’s also nothing wrong with taking some time to get out. Nobody back home minds watching Seth. Except maybe Bea . . . It’s not a big deal. It’s not,” he added when Trace started to protest. “I know you want to do it all, and you hate imposing. You’re just like Peyton that way. You feel it’s bad enough Emma takes him on during the day. But she got a raise out of it, didn’t she? And did Peyton look like she was suffering, keeping him for the night?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œExactly. We all love that little guy. And we mostly tolerate your ass, too. So in the end, it all works out. Now, enjoy your beer and shake off your mad, because if you ruin my own night out, I’ll kick your ass when we get home.”
    Trace grinned, despite himself, and saluted Red with his bottle. “Yes, sir.”

Chapter Three
    â€œN ow there’s a real man.”
    Amanda nudged Jo and nodded