Bobby Does Dallas: Hill Country Heart by Sable Hunter

Annalise’s sister,” explained Ethan.  “Watch your brother.”  Bobby turned his attention to Alex who looked like he had lost his best friend and somebody had kicked his puppy at the same time. 
    “What’s wrong with him?  He looks sick.” Bobby, on the other hand, was feeling hope for the first time in months.  He had received a call from Roscoe that he might have found Ceelee .  Bobby was waiting on pins and needles, ready to leave at a moment’s notice.  All he needed was an address or a telephone number and Miss Ceelee wouldn’t know what had hit her.  Meanwhile, Alex looked in dire need of cheering up.
    “He has a terminal case of foot-in-mouth disease.  It seems that he was having a pissy day and inadvertently took it out on little Scarlet.  She walked up behind him as he was explaining to me that he resented the fact that she was coming so early.  He said that he was afraid she would expect to be entertained, and that she would develop a crush on you and on him.  In the same breath he also managed to refer to her as a plain spinster and a homely church mouse.”  Bobby’s eyes widened at the uncharacteristic behavior of his normally courteous and gentle brother.
    “Good God!”  Bobby whistled.  “She’s gorgeous.  Why would he do that?”
    “He has employee problems.  Apparently Rick LeBeau knows Scarlet and was filling Alex’s head with complete nonsense about her.  Oh, and to top it off – the bakery that is supposed to be baking the wedding cakes burned, and the caterer is being uncooperative.  All of it together had your brother in a tail-spin.  Hell, I don’t know.”  Ethan chuckled.  “I do know that he took one look at Scarlet and fell for her like a ton of bricks.  Look at his face.  I’ve never seen him like this.  He’s worrying himself to death, trying to make it up to her. ” Ethan and Bobby crossed their arms over their chest and leaned against the wall, watching Alex try to get Scarlet to talk to him.  “You know what you ought to do?”
    “What?” Bobby was game for anything that could pick at his brother – he had years of paybacks to implement.
    “Go over there and greet Scarlet with a hug and a kiss.  And say something to Alex that will make him think you’re attracted to her – and watch him.  This will be hilarious.”
    Bobby laughed at Ethan’s plan, “Remember, I would like to live to see tomorrow.  I’ve had a hint of good news from Bo Roscoe on Ceelee .”
    “He won’t hurt you – much.” Ethan egged Bobby on.  “When do you expect to hear back from Roscoe?”
    “He said he’d call me tomorrow or for sure the next day.”
    “Good – now go flirt with my future sister-in-law and watch your brother swell up like a toad-frog.”
    Taking his own life in his hands, Bobby eased over to Scarlet.  Annalise saw him and did the honors.  “Hey, Bobby!   Scarlet this is Bobby, the younger Stewart.  Scarlet, this is our sweet Bobby.”
    Bobby didn’t even hesitate.  He waltzed up to Scarlet and swung her up in his arms, giving her a big-ole Texas welcome.  “Hey, sweetheart.   It’s wonderful to meet you.  We’re so glad to have you with us.”  Was that growling he heard behind him?  Giving Scarlet one more hug – yes, that was definitely growling.  Now for the clincher.   He set Scarlet down, kissed her cheek and turned to Alex and winked.  “I’m in love,” he whispered. 
    Ethan busted out laughing as Alex’s countenance darkened like a thundercloud.  “Back off, little brother.” Alex ground out under his breath. 
    Scarlet was passing out gifts that she had made everyone.  “Bobby, congratulations on your winning career with the Longhorns.   Annalise sent me a photograph of you to use as a pattern.  I hope you like it.”  In awe, Bobby took a tapestry from Scarlet that showed him catching a football. 
    “Wow!  This has everything on it – I see Bevo , the band, and the cannon.  There’s even