A Real Cowboy Knows How to Kiss Read Free

you?"
    "Nothing." The only thing Steen wanted was to turn back the clock to four years ago, and have him be smart enough to see what was coming before it happened. But there was no way to make that happen. Life had happened, and there was no way to go backwards.
    Thomas raised his perfectly trimmed eyebrows. "I know a lot of people, Mr. Stockton. I can make phone calls. I can get you a job doing anything you want. I can help you start over. I have money, and I have contacts in every line of business."
    Mr. Stockton? Steen almost laughed. Who called him Mr. Stockton? "Just call me Steen." But he had to admit he was mildly curious as to what Pointer's father did for a profession. Who had a business that resulted in so many connections and favors? Maybe he was trouble after all. "Why did your business get Pointer targeted?"
    Thomas's face became shuttered. "I piss off a lot of people," he said simply. "I accept those consequences for myself, but seeing Pointer affected has caused me to think deeply about what I do. Please, allow me to do something in return for my son's life."
    Steen shook his head. "I don't want anything." He started to walk past him, then turned around. "No, you can do something for me."
    Thomas raised his eyebrows. "Anything."
    "Be the father Pointer deserves."
    Thomas frowned. "That's it?"
    "That's everything. You seem like a good guy. He's lucky to have you. Be there for him. Put him first. That's it." Steen suddenly felt restless, and he wanted to leave. "Have a nice day." He nodded his farewell, and then walked past him, heading down the driveway toward the chain link fences that separated the world from those who weren't allowed to inhabit it.
    Today, they would open for him. He still remembered the day he'd arrived in the van, watching those gates slide shut behind him, locking him away from the world.
    Thomas didn't follow as Steen walked away, his legs growing heavier with each step. He hadn't realized how weak he still was, but there was no way he'd go back to the infirmary and ask them to call a transport to take him to a civilian hospital, like they'd originally planned. He'd rather die under the oak tree by the street than have anyone tell him what to do ever again.
    He'd made it only about a hundred yards when the gates slid open, and a black pickup truck towing a two-horse trailer drove in the gate.
    Steen stopped, a slow grin spreading on his face as he watched it roll up. He didn't need to see the Stockton Ranch lettering on the side to know it belonged to his brother, Chase, the only person who would be disrespectful enough to pick him up when he'd specifically told him not to.
    The truck eased to a stop beside him, and Chase rolled down the passenger window. His beige cowboy hat was tipped back on his head, and those familiar blue eyes regarded him unflinchingly. Chase draped his wrist loosely over the steering wheel, turning just enough to face Steen. "Need a ride, little brother?"
    "I don't know." Steen walked over to the window and leaned on the frame, his elbows resting on the door. "Where you going?"
    "Stockton Ranch. We have room."
    For a moment, Steen hesitated. How many times had Chase talked about getting him to the ranch? It wasn't his world, and he didn't feel like he was a Stockton like the others were. "You don't want an ex-con living at your place. It's bad for business."
    Chase's smile disappeared, replaced by a dark scowl. "I'll say this one time, Steen, and then this topic is over. We both know damned well that you didn't do shit, and you didn't deserve prison. The fact that justice failed you doesn't change the fact you're a good man, an innocent man, and my brother. The ranch will always be a better place with you on it. Got it?"
    Unexpectedly, Steen's throat tightened, and he had to look away. "You never give up, do you?" But there was no ire in his voice. Just weariness.
    "No, I don't. You coming to the ranch or what?"
    Steen took a deep breath, fighting off his gut