Tobias (Reynolds Ranch Book 2) Page 2

  “Maybe one day, but I ain’t got time for it. Unless she lands in my lap, that isn’t going to happen.”

  The second I’m through my doors, I walk into the blanket cupboard under the stairs and grab sheets and a blanket to put on the sofa. I could sleep in one of the other bedrooms, but most of the beds aren’t made. I only keep my room and the housekeeper’s rooms prepared. Two bedrooms are empty and the other two are used for my sister and her kids when they visit. I don’t have the energy to make the beds, so the sofa will have to do just fine.

  An hour later, there’s a pounding on my door. I open the curtains to see a police officer at my door with that crazy bitch behind him.

  “What the hell?” I grumble, then open the door. “Can I help you, Officer Willard?” I ask, reading his name off his badge. I’ve seen him before, but I don’t know the guy personally. He moved into town while I was playing professional football.

  “Mr. Reynolds, does this lady live here?”

  “Nope, she’s an ex-employee who was fired today.”

  “I have nowhere else to go,” she complains with a baby tone to her voice that grates my nerves. Hell, even the officer’s shoulder cringes upward.

  “Well, you should have thought of that before you were screwing one of my men on my bed.” I look to the officer and add, “She can get her shit out of her room, but I want her out of my sight and my home.”

  “Is this a domestic issue?” he questions and I’m looking at him like he’s a fucking an idiot or hard of hearing. I’m way past exhausted to be polite.

  “What part of ‘she was an employee who got the boot’ didn’t you get? I wouldn’t touch her with your dick,” I bark out, ready to slam the door on both of them.

  “Understood.” He nods and then addresses Nina. “Miss, I’ll escort you to get your things, but I’m afraid you can’t stay here.”

  “Where am I supposed to stay?” She continues with her whining as if that would help her in any way , shape or form.

  “Not my problem. Maybe your car, or you can ask your lover’s wife if she’ll let you stay,” I bark out, thinking about poor Mrs. Ruiz being married to that cheating fuck.

  “You are such an asshole. No wonder you can’t find a wife, you dickless hick,” she tosses out her biting remark, but I couldn’t give a flying fuck.

  “Well, if you’ll excuse me, I have a sandwich to make. The room is right over there. Don’t let her take anything but her clothes and the few little trinkets lying around. All the furnishings are mine,” I state, waving them off toward the housekeeper’s room.

  “Ma’am. You need to calm down, or I’ll have to hold you in my car and gather your things myself.”

  “Fine.” She flips me off and then storms into the housekeeper’s room while I walk away. I make my sandwich, hating the simple added chore, but I have to wait for them to leave my house before I can get on with my night. I eat while standing outside the kitchen and down the hall from the room they’re in.

  It takes thirty minutes for her to gather everything, like she brought a lot, and I have to fill out a report of the incident for future reference. I get a copy, which I’m fine with. They asked if I wanted to file a restraining order on her, and I passed because I don’t want to ruin her chances elsewhere. I just don’t want her working here.

  About ten minutes later, Dillon and Jessie pop over to take the sheets off the mattress for me. They dump the bedding because there’s evidence of their nasty stains on it, but they keep the mattress, which isn’t stained. Finally, I can hit the pillow on the sofa and get some sleep.

  Chapter One

  Tobias

  The sun begins to rise over the beautiful Montana sky as I sit on my favorite rocking chair out on the porch, attempting to savor my first cup of coffee. It’s a cold winter’s morning and the icy chill whips at my face, but I still find this view peaceful. I love living up north, even if winter itself isn’t my favorite.

  I take another sip of my coffee, which tastes like total shit, so I set it down on the table next to me. After all this time, I still can’t manage to make a suitable cup to my liking. Maybe that’s why I’m a grumpy asshole. Luckily, I’m heading into town in a couple of hours. My first stop will be The Sippery for their largest coffee. They have the best in Snow Ridge.

  It’s been three months since I had someone here making me coffee and food every day, but I fired her ass when I came home to no dinner and a scene I clearly didn’t need to see. I shake my head, trying to get that memory out of my mind.

  Honestly, I don’t want another woman in my home that isn’t my future wife, but I could really use a cook. It looks like I’ll forever be sneaking off to the bunkhouse for some of Dillon’s cooking. He’s one of the few ranch hands that can make a decent meal. His chili is the best I’ve had in years, but I prefer to eat at home.

  After what happened with Nina, I’m a little on edge about bringing another woman in my personal space; it’s not like there are many men signing up for the job either, so I only have two options: hire another woman, or constantly be at the mercy of my ranch hand cook or Big John’s wife who invites me to dinner often.

  Luckily, Big John recommended a company for cleaning that does a good job on the entire house with the exception of my laundry and my bedroom, so I don’t have to worry about that. Those are my own chores that I often forget until my ass has nothing to wear.

  The word in town is my former ranch hand Ruiz lined himself up a gig elsewhere, but his mistress split town after trying to make me the bad guy. She spread lies through Snow Ridge that she got caught cheating on me with a ranch hand because I couldn’t get it up anymore. I never laid a hand on that woman, and it sure felt fucked up to have people eyeing me funny.

  Do they make sweet girls anymore? Like ones that don’t have dollar signs in their eyes and who have a moral compass that points north? I know there’s plenty in Snow Ridge, but most of them are already married. I’m no fucking saint, but I’d never behave like those two either.

  I saw the headache that was Nina coming a mile away, and yet I hired her because a man has gotta eat. A man of my wealth needs to be careful with who I let in, but perhaps I’ve been a little too discerning lately. For all the money in my accounts, I’m eating takeout, the bunkhouse, or at the Morrison home. Louisa’s one hell of a cook, and she loves me enough to feed me every day, but I don’t like being in their way. After ten years of marriage, John doesn’t get tired of trying to seduce her, so I’m cramping his style. They have two boys, but the way they don’t stay apart, I’m surprised they don’t have a football team already.

  Thankfully, it’s almost Christmas and I’m going to visit my sister, Lara. She wants a nice small holiday with her family. She’s been married for a couple of years to Landon Black, a billionaire in Chicago. He adores her, and that’s the only reason I didn’t kill him when I found out that he knocked up my eighteen-year-old sister.

  Landon’s been her rock after my father died and then my mother’s death. Poor Lara suffers from Mother’s loss more than I understood. Last month, Landon called to ask if we could do Christmas in Chicago instead of here like we always had. I of course had no problem with it. I can’t stay long because of the ranch, but I’m not the one with little kids so I don’t mind making the trip, which kicks off tomorrow morning.

  My brother-in-law bought me a first-class seat since he felt guilty that he lent out his private plane to a friend at the last minute. Landon and his buddies are next-level rich compared to me. I’m a retired NFL tight end running my family ranch with millions, not billions.

  I haven’t met a woman who can’t stop to look past the celebrity I once was, so he was blessed to find Lara because it’s hard for people to see past your wealth. She loves the bastard for himself. A part of me aches for that kind of love that very few people are fortunate to have.

  It reminds me of my parents’ love for each other. They loved the holidays and family. I check my watch and remind myself that I have shit to do. I need to check up on a couple of things before I head into town to shop for some last-minute Christmas presents. I’m terrible at these things because I used to just ask my mother to do it for me. She’d smile and run into town to get everyone’s gifts. My eyes tear up. Fuck. I miss her. She was the glue that kept our family together. I always came home around the holidays even if it meant that I was flying out right after a game.

  My cell phone rings, surprising me because it’s too early unless there’s a problem. It’s Lara, which concerns me even more since it’s definitely too early for her to be up with the time difference, not to mention she’s not a morning person. “What’s wrong?” I answer.

  “Nothing’s wrong. I woke up sick this morning, and I thought I’d call you to talk since I knew you’d be up.” She’s barely speaking above a whisper. I step back into the house where it’s warm, so the wind isn’t blowing on the phone.

  “Sick? Are you okay?” I ask nervously. Losing my mother to cancer scares the piss out of me when it comes to my sister.

  “Yes, calm down. I’m just working on your next niece or nephew,” Lara explains as I catch my breath.

  “Really? Again? You two don’t waste time.” I chuckle.

  She scoffs and then giggles. “If you ask my husband, he’ll say we have. Landon would prefer an assembly line of little ones.”

  “I don’t put it past him. The man loves you to the point of obsession.” It’s hard to understand how much he loves her, but it’s unmistakable and I’m grateful for it.

  “Yeah, it’s cute. So are you ready to come see us?” I can hear the excitement in her voice. I bet that’s what woke her up early. She’ll have all my favorites ready, even though I’ll be arriving around noon tomorrow.

  “I will be. Are you picking me up?” I ask, hoping she isn’t coming personally to the airport . “No, but Landon’s sending a car for you. He doesn’t want me driving in this weather, like I haven’t lived around snow all my life.” She’s pouting on the other end of the line, and I don’t even need to see her to know. Nothing’s changed. She hates that he’s right, so she’s complaining, but the man will do everything in his power to protect his wife even if it upsets her.

  “But it’s different. A spinout here and you could hit nothing. Over there, you could crash into anything and kill yourself. You’ve seen it a hundred times,” I remind her.

  “You’re right. There was a ten-car pile-up on the fifty-five yesterday. Luckily, everyone survived, but black ice got them,” she says, her voice animated and filled with concern.

  “See? I’m going to be finishing up a few minor things today, and then I’ll be making my way to the airport tomorrow morning.”

  “Good. I can’t wait to see you, big brother.”

  “Take care, little one.” I end the call and take a fresh cup of sludge back out onto the front porch. For the next ten minutes, it’s pure silence and beauty. Even the wind has settled down.

  Big John’s truck pulls up to the driveway. Things are a little easier at this time of the year, so I can afford to take a few days off to visit my family, but there’s no one else I trust to keep this place running smoothly than John. Hell, he took care of almost everything when my father died because it had been a long time since I’d lived on the ranch. When he pops out, I set my coffee down on the table and stand. “How’s it going?” he asks, arching his brow with a smile as he carries a small sack like he’s Santa Claus.

  “Good. I’m about to get my day going. Anything I need to know about?” I question. Not that he’d tell me if it was something important because he knows I’d push back my plans to leave if there were problems.

  “No. I’m just coming to drop these off for the boys. My wife said to make sure you didn’t forget them.”

  “Thanks. My flight leaves first thing in the morning.”

  “I’ll be here to drive you. You better get a move on, though. There are a lot of people around town shopping. Remember, the place is swamped with tourists.”

  “As soon as they open. You know it’s too damn early.”

  “But don’t wait too long. The ranch will keep while you’re gone,” he reassures me. It’s not that I don’t trust his handling of things, but it’s been ingrained in me that this is my family’s legacy and with no one left but me to look after it, I have a hard time stepping away from home.

  “Okay. I’m going to check on the feeders this morning and then with the guys before heading into town.”

  ****

  Two hours later, I’m standing in the middle of Snow Ridge. I might not like people in general and especially in large crowds, but the ones in this town make me feel normal.

  I stop into The Sippery, needing a cup of coffee. Haven’t had good coffee in a long time unless I’m fortunate enough to get here early.

  “Good morning, sir.”

  “Good morning. I’d like a large cup of coffee with sugar only.” I pay for my drink and wait off to the side for it. Once I have it, I wave goodbye to the young lady.

  “Merry Christmas,” she calls out. I nod and make my way through Snow Ridge. The incident with my former cook has made it hard for me to be barely civil to women these days. I don’t want to give the wrong impression which also gives the wrong impression that I’m a natural asshole.

  I stop by Stylize and find some cute accessories I think my sister will like, then I head over to Benton’s Toy Shop for the boys. I almost forget my brother-in-law, but then I scoop up a new watch for him before heading back to the ranch.

  My flight departs soon, so I need to get my ass moving to wrap the presents and pack. Since the ranch is just on the outskirts of Snow Ridge, I make it back in time for a busy night full of paperwork, wrapping, and checking on my animals once more before hitting the sack.

  ****

  With my bags packed and ready to go, I hop into John’s truck before the sun breaks through the large trees. “Thanks for taking me to the airport,” I say as I buckle up.

  “No problem. Getting you away from the ranch will do us all some good. Your mood has been shit lately.” I flip him off and check my ticket to make sure everything is set.

  “Well, can you blame me?” I say while double checking the information on it. I suppose I should have done that before, but I’ve had so much other shit to do. Luckily, everything on it is good to go or my sister would have my ass once I finally made it to Chicago.

  “No, we just need to find you a wife,” he says, winking as he rolls on down the snowy roads.

  He’s got jokes this morning, it seems. “A wife? Please. I’d actually have to meet someone who didn’t see my wealth as my best feature,” I grumble. It’s hard as fuck to meet someone when you don’t leave the ranch and the only women you can trust are related or taken.

  “That’s because you’re such a treasure to be around.” His sardonic tone actually makes me laugh.

  “You’re lucky we’re friends, or I’d fire your ass,” I inform him.

  “It’s cool. It’s a six-mile hike to the airport from here.” He chuckles, stopping on the main road like a dick.

  “Fuck off and drive.” I pop him in the shoulder.

  “See, that’s that winning spirit. Maybe you’ll meet someone in Chicago.” He continues on the road to the airport as I give that idea a brief run through my head. It would be nice, but still unlikely to happen since I don’t have any intention of leaving their home while I’m there.

  “It’s probably the only way I’ll meet a woman, but I’m a little more popular there.” As a former Chicago Bears player, my face has been plastered over their news and the special events I had to attend there.

  “True, but it’s been years. They probably think you blew all your money on drugs and women.”

  That’s fine with me. I don’t want a gold digger. “I have almost every damn penny considering all the interest I accrued, but that’s not the kind of woman I want as a wife anyway.” We make great time to the airport, making small talk along the way, dropping conversation about wives and switch it to work because there’s a lot to do while I’m gone. Still, John reassures me that he’s got it covered and I’m more than certain that he does.

  We pull into the drop-off line. “Good luck, Tobias.”

  “Thank you. Have a great Christmas.”

  “You too, and give the boys hugs from me and kisses from the wife.”

  “Will do.” We shake hands, and I take my luggage and enter the airport. A week. I swallow hard. It’s going to be a trial to break out of my routine, but at least her husband will give me an endless supply of coffee and it will be fantastic. It’s one thing I can most definitely count on.

  As soon as I take my seat in first class, I get comfortable and go through the security feed at the ranch. I don’t have many cameras up, but after the incident in the summer, I installed a motion-activated camera in my bedroom that turns on when I’m not home. It has yet to be activated except when we initially tested out.

  Once we’re in the air, I get a bottle of water. I’d learned years ago how to easily fall asleep on a plane. I traveled so much, it was necessary. It’s a six-hour flight, and that means I’ll get some rest. After finishing my water, I sit back in my seat, close my eyes, and fall asleep.

  It seems like a short time later when the flight attendant taps on my shoulder. “Sir, we are about to descend.”

  “Damn, I slept the whole way. Thanks, ma’am.” She smiles and blushes before walking away. I’m not sure why I have that effect on women, but at least she leaves me alone. I buckle myself back in and think about Big John’s words. Maybe I will see if my sister’s hosting any parties. I need a wife. If not, what’s the point of keeping the ranch? It’s been in my family for a century, and I want that to continue on. I can’t do that without a family of my own.

  We begin exiting the plane and there’s a sign that says, “Big Brother Montana.” My brother-in-law has a sense of humor. Shaking my head and rolling my eyes, I walk up to the driver, who I recognize. He gives me the slightest smile. “Are you ready?”