Nick’s T-shirt was damp with sweat as he and Rafe exited Ed’s indoor riding arena. Normally her arena served as a barrel-racing practice site for the Babes on Buckskins, a close-knit group of women that included Nick and Rafe’s boss, Henri Fox.
Tonight, it would be the scene of Apple Grove’s first-ever bachelor auction. Because the participants were all cowboys, they’d be showcased on horseback.
The building had A/C, but Nick had put effort into his riding during the run-through for tonight’s event. And—might as well admit it—he had a bad case of jitters. Rafe looked uneasy, too.
Ed came out with them, using the excuse that she needed some fresh air. Nick wasn’t fooled. She’d noticed he and Rafe had stage fright. They were in for a pep talk.
The area between the arena and Ed’s palatial ranch house bustled with activity connected to the Raptors Rise fundraising event—vendors and townspeople in a festive mix.
Ed surveyed the scene before turning to Nick and Rafe. “Forgive me for being blunt, but you boys seem uncomfortable with the bachelor auction concept.”
Nick heaved a sigh. “I want to help out, but you’re right. I’m nervous as hell.”
“I wasn’t nervous until that rehearsal,” Rafe said. “Leo and Garrett seemed fine with galloping around the arena, showing off. Teague and Logan, too. As for Ben, he’s always been cool. But I—”
“Don’t be fooled.” Ed shoved her hands in the pockets of her jeans. “Ben’s a showman at heart, which is why the Choosy Moose has done so well over the years. Jared may be okay with it, too. But the others are just better at disguising their feelings than you are.”
“The thing is, we’re cowboys.” Nick took his hat off and ran his fingers through his hair. “Not performers.”
“That hits the nail on the head.” Rafe grimaced. “Then there’s the whole bidding thing. Like I’m a prize bull or stallion.”
Ed smiled. “Some men would love that comparison.”
“Not me.”
“The key is to relax and have fun with it. You boys aren’t used to being in the spotlight.”
Nick took a deep breath. “That’s for sure.”
“Every performer I know, including me, gets a touch of nerves as they wait for their cue. But when they get out there and the crowd is clapping and cheering, they’re fine. You will be, too.”
Rafe shook his head. “I seriously doubt that. Whose idea was this, anyway?”
Ed was a tall woman, but she still had to look up to make eye contact with Rafe, who stood six-six in his bare feet, six-eight in boots. “Ben suggested it.”
“Ben?” Nick frowned. “Why would he—”
“Henri.” Amusement danced in her eyes and she looked much younger than eighty-five. “Not just because of her. A bachelor auction’s a proven moneymaker. As a bonus, Henri will feel obligated to bid on him because Raptors Rise is her pet project. And he’ll finally get a date with her after all these years.”
“Yeah,” Nick said, “but not if somebody outbids her.”
Ed’s eyebrows rose. “Can you picture that happening? You do know Henri Fox, right?”
Rafe chuckled. “That’ll be fun to watch. Knowing this tickles me enough I might just get over myself and have a good time.”
“Yeah, me too.” Nick grinned. “Gotta hand it to Ben. Well-played.”
“I’m glad you both approve. Where are you off to now that the rehearsal’s over?”
Rafe glanced toward a spacious tent marked with a hanging wooden sign etched with someone’s signature. “I was planning to check out Quinn Sawyer’s scratchboard art. I heard he brought up his Birds of Prey collection.”
“Great idea. I didn’t get a chance to check out his work when we went down to Eagles Nest for Seth’s wedding. Mind if I tag along?”
“Glad to have you. Nick? You in?”
“Why not? I didn’t get to see any of his stuff when we were down there, either. Then again, I was distracted by all the goodies from the bakery. What was the name of it?”
“Pie in the Sky. Can’t believe you don’t remember the name. You were so in love with it, I wondered if we’d have to leave you in Eagles Nest.”
“Nah, my heart belongs to the Apple Barrel’s signature pie, but I can still taste those brownies.”
“Now you sound like your old self, bro.” Rafe led the way to Quinn Sawyer’s tent.
An attractive woman with silver streaks in her dark hair stood near the entrance. Had to be Kendra McGavin. Her smile lit up her blue eyes. “Rafe, isn’t it? And…”
“Nick Le Grande, ma’am.” Nick tipped his hat. “And this is Ed Vidal. She shortened her—”
“In January I was still using Edna.” She stepped forward and shook hands with Kendra. “I like Ed better.”
“I remember you well. You’re the champion barrel racer. I normally use Kendra, but when my first grandchild was born I decided to be Granny Ken. Shakes things up a bit.”
Ed smiled. “Always a good thing.” She glanced toward the rear of the tent. “Looks like Quinn is involved with a customer. We can just browse until he’s done.”
Kendra lowered her voice. “She’s not a customer. He’d probably welcome the interruption.”
Quinn, a tall, very fit cowboy with graying hair, worried the brim of his Stetson as he held a hushed but tense discussion with the woman who faced him. Her hairstyle and tailored Western wear had a timeless quality that made it tough to guess her age. But her stance telegraphed determination.
Rafe frowned. “Is she some kind of groupie?”
“And what’s she doing with a bullhorn?” Nick peered at her. “If she’s not from around here, I can’t imagine why she’d have—”
“I think I know her.” Ed studied the woman. “What’s her name?”
“Ellie Mae—”
“Oh, my God.” Ed’s eyes widened. “It’s Ellie Mae Stockton. The bullhorn should have tipped me off. What’s she up to?”
“She wants to stand outside the tent and drum up business.”
Ed glanced around the deserted tent. “You do seem short on customers.”
“We had plenty this morning when it was cooler. Quinn’s sold some pricey items and he’s satisfied with the donation he’ll be able to make. He doesn’t want her out there hawking his art. That’s not how he presents himself.”
“Judging from his expression, he’s being way too nice.” Ed continued to watch the pair. “That woman has spent decades in the film industry. She has the soul of a circus barker and a will of iron.”
Nick perked up. He’d always been fascinated by Ed’s connection to Hollywood. “Is that where you know her from?”
“Oh, yeah. Directors loved putting a bullhorn in her hand and letting her direct the troops. She’s the unstoppable person you want in your lifeboat even if she’s a royal pain in the ass. She’ll be out there with her bullhorn promoting Quinn’s art or know the reason why.”
“He’ll hate that.”
“Then stand aside, Granny Ken.” Ed threw her shoulders back and lifted her chin. She looked a lot taller than she had a few seconds ago. “I’m going in.”
Nick elbowed Rafe in the ribs and winked. “Let’s get closer. This’ll be good.”
Kendra blinked. “What’s she going to do?”
“I’m not sure, but I’ve seen her strike that pose a few times before. It’s like the moment when Superman rips open his shirt. She goes from being a perky senior citizen to Edna Jane Vidal, world-champion barrel racer.”
“Then yeah, let’s get closer.” Kendra waved them forward.
Ed lengthened her stride and spoke with the authority of a drill sergeant. “As I live and breathe, if it isn’t Ellie Mae Stockton!”
The other woman whirled. “Edna?”
“Who else?” She raised her arms. “The queen of the arena is in the building!”
Ellie Mae lifted the bullhorn and bellowed into it. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I present the one, the only, Edna Jane Vidal!” She laid the bullhorn on a nearby display table and rushed forward with a loud whoop.
Laughing like teenagers, the two women exchanged vigorous hip bumps and an elaborate fist and hand-slapping routine, clearly a ritual from their shared past. At the end of it, Ed gave Ellie Mae a light punch on the arm. “Whatcha doing with that bullhorn, girl? Causing trouble as usual?”
“Trying to, Edna Jane, except this gentleman is resisting my best efforts.” She swept an arm toward Quinn. “Talk some sense into him, please. He’s got amazing artwork, but he doesn’t understand you gotta sell it. Know what I mean?”
“Sure do. Nothing wrong with pimping yourself out for a good cause.”
Quinn sent a silent plea in Kendra’s direction and she started forward.
“But, alternatively…” Ed positioned herself to block Kendra’s progress. “You could be wasting your talents in this case. Especially when you’re desperately needed elsewhere.”
Ellie Mae folded her arms and narrowed her eyes. “Don’t try to distract me, Edna Jane. I’ll be very good for Quinn’s bottom line, which will be very good for Raptors Rise.”
“I don’t doubt that for a minute. But hear me out. I assume you’re aware of our signature event tonight?”
“Who isn’t? I have my eye on the owner of the Choosy Moose. He’s hot.”
“A word to the wise, Ben could never keep up with you. Besides, I have a much tastier plan. Why be stuck in the crowd tonight when you could be up on stage hob-knobbing with all those gorgeous cowboys?”
“You want me to be the stage manager?”
“Even better, I want you in charge of the entire shootin’ match. I was going to claim that role, but—much as I hate to say so—you’re a better fit. How would you like to be our auctioneer?”
Color bloomed in Ellie Mae’s cheeks and a shiver of excitement rippled through her slim body. Then she took a slow breath and studied her manicured nails. “I might consider it.” She looked up. “Will there be an after-party?”
“Definitely. A chance for the bachelors and the high bidders to mingle and for you to shine. It’ll be up at my house.”
“That’s your house?”
Ed nodded, a trace of smug satisfaction in her gaze.
“So you’re the Ed I’ve been hearing about, the one who owns this ranch? I thought it belonged to some guy.”
“I shortened my name for dramatic effect. Do we have a deal?”
“Oh, we have a deal, chica. And we need to talk so I can find out how winning some trophies and playing bit parts in a few Westerns resulted in this.” She spread her arms.
“Compound interest and solid stocks.”
“Talk to me, girlfriend.”
“I will, but first we’ll head over to the arena so you can familiarize yourself with the setup.”
“Good. I always insist on that. This isn’t amateur hour.”
“Not with you at the helm. After we check out the stage and lights, we’ll grab a six-pack of hard cider and I’ll tell you all.”
“Excellent.”
Ed tipped her hat to Quinn and Kendra. “Great seeing you two again.”
Quinn stepped forward and offered his hand. “Thank you, ma’am. Ellie Mae, you’ll make a terrific auctioneer.”
“And you’re going to regret letting Edna Jane steal me away.”
“Don’t worry,” Kendra said. “If business doesn’t pick up, I’ll send the Whine and Cheese Club out with sandwich boards.”
Ed brightened. “The Whine and Cheese Club is here? How did I miss that?”
“We’ve kept our presence low-key. Didn’t want to step on any toes, namely those of the Babes on Buckskins. This is your event, but if you need any—”
“Oh, we can use you—all of you—as facilitators. Please tell anyone who’s willing to help to show up at the arena around six.”
“Will do.”
Ed turned to Rafe and Nick. “Ellie Mae, allow me to introduce two members of the Buckskin Brotherhood, Nick Le Grande and Rafe Banner.”
Nick and Rafe whipped off their hats and held them against their chests as they each murmured a polite greeting.
Ellie Mae gave them an appreciative once-over. “Buckskin Brotherhood, huh? That sounds sexy. I recognize both of you from the bachelor auction flyer, but you’re even better looking in person.”
Nick flushed. “Thank you, ma’am.”
“So, Nick, what would you like me to say about you before the bidding starts?”
He blurted out the first thing that came to him. “I’m strong as an ox.”
“I’ll just bet you are. You’re straining the seams of your shirt. Your physical strength is obvious, but what about your character? Who are you inside?”
He drew a complete blank.
“I can tell you,” Rafe said. “You can count on this guy. He’ll be there for you, no matter what.”
“That’s lovely.”
Nick glanced at him. “Thanks, bro.”
“What about you, Rafe? What should I say about you?”
“I wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
“That’s commendable since clearly you could squash most things flat if you wanted. People, too, I’ll bet.”
“I don’t, though.”
“But it’s not like he’s harmless,” Nick said. “Go after something or someone Rafe loves and you’d better watch out.”
“A protector.” Ellie Mae nodded. “Excellent. If the other bachelors are anything like you guys, we’ll raise a ton of money for Raptors Rise tonight.”