Count on a Cowboy by Patricia Thayer Page B

town. Waiting in the bank lobby, he checked his watch. It was ten after three. He stood and walked to the window. He didn’t like to be kept waiting, but he had no choice if he wanted a chance at getting this loan.
    He thought about Brooke back at the cabin. When she’d climbed out of the truck after the cattle drive, he could tell she was already getting stiff from the long ride. He was angry with himself for even inviting her to go along. She was a novice rider, if that. But, damn, she was so eager to do well. He could tell yesterday how much she’d enjoyed being on horseback. But two days in a row, and not used to the saddle...he needed to stop and get her some ointment before she got so bad she couldn’t walk. He couldn’t help thinking about her soaking in a warm tub, then rubbing the cream on her legs and round bottom.
    Suddenly he jerked back to the present when his phone signaled he was getting a text.
    He punched in to see the message was from Rory. Plan to stay in Denver a little longer. Have you heard any news from the PI?
    Trent texted back. Yes, but got limited info. Should hear more in a few days. Not sure how long Brooke can stay.
    Trent waited, but there was no response back from Rory. He was about to call the man and find out what was really going on, when the secretary announced that Mr. Parks would see him.
    He followed her down the long hall and into an office. Behind the desk was a middle-aged man with thinning hair, wearing wire glasses and a gray business suit. Smiling, the man stood and came around the desk, then held out his hand.
    “Mr. Landry. I’m Jason Parks. Please have a seat.”
    Trent shook his hand. “Call me Trent.”
    Parks motioned to a large chair and it surprised Trent when the loan officer took the other chair. “I have to say, it’s good to finally meet you. I had the pleasure of getting to know your father, Wade.” His smile faded. “So sorry for your loss, Trent.”
    “Thank you.” Trent managed to get the words out of his tight throat.
    Parks chuckled. “I have to say that Wade ‘Wild-ride’ Landry was quite a character.” The man’s hazel gaze locked on his. “He sure talked about you a lot.”
    “He did?” Trent asked, sounding more surprised than he wanted to.
    “Yes, he was proud of his son in Special Forces. Of course, he got so worried when you were deployed so many times, but that’s to be expected when a son goes off to war.”
    Trent felt uncomfortable talking about the man he hadn’t seen or known in years. It was a shame that a stranger had talked with his dad more than his own son.
    Jason Parks brought him out of his thoughts. “We could probably swap stories about Wade all day, but I’m sure you didn’t come here for that. What can I do for you, Trent?”
    Good, back to business. “I need a construction loan to finish my building project.” He pulled a paper from his pocket, outlining his goals and everything he needed to finish the cabins. And of course, the amount he needed to borrow. He’d been up late last night coming up with the amount. “I have money in a retirement fund and substantial savings that I’d like to use for collateral.”
    Jason walked around his desk as he looked over the proposal. “Why not use the Lucky Bar L?”
    “I don’t want to risk the ranch.” He leaned forward. “Look, Jason. You had to hear about our contractor running off with the money Rory Quinn and I had for the project.”
    At the man’s nod, Trent continued, “Well, I plan to finish the cabins myself. I’ll be the general contractor this time, and hire all the trades to do the work. If you can’t help me out, I’ll go look elsewhere, because the buildings need to be completed before the first snow.”
    Jason Parks nodded. “Then I guess we need to get down to business and figure this out.”

Chapter Eight
    That evening in her cabin, Brooke groaned as she shifted her aching body into a deeper, more comfortable position in the oversize