The Cowboy's City Girl Read Online Free Page B

and make sure that didn’t happen.
    He hurriedly finished taking care of the horses and left the barn.
    A horse and swaying rider crossed the yard in the general direction of the barn.
    He groaned. His cousin Charlie often hit the bottle too hard and the way he tipped half off his horse informed Levi that this was one of those days. He made it to Charlie’s side in time to prevent him from crashing to the ground. He staggered under the weight of his cousin but thankfully stayed upright.
    â€œHi,” Charlie slurred.
    â€œCharlie, it’s men like you who give us half-breeds a bad reputation. Stay away from the liquor and get a job.” He took the bottle from Charlie and poured its contents out on the ground.
    His cousin tried to grab the bottle before the alcohol watered the grass but he could barely stand. “It’s mine. Give it back.”
    Levi tossed the empty bottle into the bushes. “You’ve had enough.” Way too many times, he and his family had tried to help Charlie. Pa had even hired him on several occasions. But Charlie ended up wandering away, leaving a job undone and searching instead for something he thought he’d find in a bottle.
    Charlie lurched to one side, then caught Levi’s arm to steady himself.
    Levi glanced toward the house. The rain had stopped, allowing anyone who happened to glance out the kitchen window a full view. If Beatrice saw them would she not think the same as so many people did? Drunk half-breed.
    His jaw muscles tightened. He couldn’t help what she saw or what she thought. He wasn’t like Charlie but not many would choose to believe that.
    Charlie was kin, but even if he hadn’t been, Levi would not have left him in his present state. He led him and the horse to the barn and turned the horse loose to tend to later. He took Charlie to the water trough and ducked his head underwater twice. It wasn’t like he could get much wetter. He must have ridden throughout the storm that had now passed over. “Maybe that will sober you up.”
    Charlie sputtered his protests.
    â€œLet’s go to the bunkhouse.” None of the cowboys was around to protest Charlie’s presence. They made it to the meager quarters and Levi found a change of clothes for his cousin, who was beginning to sober up. Maybe Levi could persuade the man to sign on again. Pa wouldn’t object and Levi could keep him busy with odd jobs.
    Levi took a good hard look at Charlie. “I guess you’ll do.”
    Charlie grinned somewhat crookedly. “For what?”
    â€œFor coming to the house for supper.”
    Charlie’s grin widened. “Aunt Maisie is always happy to see me.”
    Levi grunted. “She doesn’t care for you showing up drunk.”
    â€œI’s okay now.” Charlie held out his arms and walked across the bunkhouse.
    Levi had to admit he did an admirable job of walking a straight line considering he couldn’t stay upright less than an hour ago. “Let’s go, then.” He judged that Beatrice had had plenty of time to prepare a meal and his growling stomach informed him it was time to eat.
    They strode toward the house, avoiding the puddles in the yard. Hot water filled the basin on the outside stand, so they washed up then stepped inside.
    Charlie ground to a halt as he saw Maisie resting in her chair. Seeing her there relieved a degree of Levi’s worry.
    â€œWhat happened to you?” Charlie asked.
    Maisie reached out welcoming hands to Charlie as she explained her accident. Levi followed and they both kissed her on the cheek.
    â€œThis lovely young lady has come to help me so I can rest my leg. Beatrice, this is Levi’s cousin, Charlie.”
    Charlie turned to meet Beatrice. His mouth dropped open.
    Levi thought it must take a great deal of effort but Charlie managed to close his mouth and swallow loudly. “Pleased to meet you.” He didn’t offer a hand, perhaps