Under the Midnight Stars Read Online Free Page B

offer. A part of him wished she had swallowed her pride and accepted it. But he understood why she didn’t. She was an honorable and proud woman, characteristics he’d always admired about her.
    “I’m in the market to sell if you’re interested,” Zeke said.
    “I’m in the market to buy.” Colt smiled.
    “It’s in bad shape, I’m afraid. I couldn’t keep up on two properties and a business.”
    “Sold.”
    “But you haven’t even seen it.”
    “Doesn’t matter — I want it.”
    “All right, but I ain’t taking more than I bought it for,” Zeke said firmly.
    This time Colt wasn’t dealing with a generous tip. He knew Zeke wouldn’t take a dime more than he was asking. “All right. Still sold.”
    A tall slender young man, not more than twenty, with blond curls sprawling out from underneath a gray cowboy hat, entered the office.
    Colt turned and looked curiously at the jackass who owned the red sports car.
    “JB.” Zeke smiled. “What brings you in here today?”
    Colt sighed with relief as he realized why this jackass had been so disrespectful to Brielle — because she was his big sister.
    “Howdy, Zeke.” Jack gave him a quick nod. “Just doing business with this guy here.” He extended his hand to Colt. “Colt, I hardly recognized you.”
    “Likewise, Jack. How’s life treated you?” Colt shook Jack’s hand. “Any more slack from Billy Collins?”
    Jack chuckled slightly. “No — not since you set him straight. He even changed his approach on trying to get my sister’s attention, and started treating her with respect. She’s too smart to give him the time of day though, or anyone for that matter.”
    Colt grinned, relieved that Brielle was unattached after all. “Glad to hear that. So let’s take a look at this truck.”
    “Let me know if you need to borrow any tools,” Zeke said.
    “Come on.” Jack headed into the garage and through the back door. “It’s around back. Zeke didn’t want it taking up any customer parking spaces.”
    They went into the back lot, which looked more like a makeshift junkyard. After borrowing some tools from Zeke and making a few minor adjustments to the engine, Colt had it up and running in less than fifteen minutes.
    “Thanks, Jack. I appreciate it,” Colt said wholeheartedly as he slapped him on the back.
    Jack nodded and handed Colt the truck title. “Likewise.”
    He took the title and simultaneously handed Jack a wad of cash.
    Jack eyed the roll of twenties. “Wow! This is way too much. I can’t take all this.”
    Colt chuckled slightly. “You sound just like your sister. It’s only two thousand. This truck’s worth it. There’s no way I’d take advantage of you and only pay you eight hundred for her.”
    Jack grinned. “Thanks, Colt! This is awesome!” He shoved the money into his front pocket. “It’d take me two months to earn this much at the lumber yard — I work there part-time.”
    “Don’t spend it all at once.”
    “Not a chance. I’m headed for the bank right now.” Jack rambled on eagerly, “I’m almost done with the college courses I’ve been taking in fire science. As soon as I get on with the fire department I’m gonna buy my own place with just enough land to ride some horses. I volunteer for now.”
    Colt raised his brows. “You are one busy man, Jack.”
    Jack nodded. “You can say that again.”
    “So, a fireman, huh? That’s an honorable career. Your parents must be proud.”
    Jack’s grin faded. “Not really. Not my dad. He’s disappointed that I didn’t wanna run the ranch with him. But I’ve gotta build my own life, ya know?”
    “I know exactly what you mean. Good for you.” Colt slammed the hood shut and shook Jack’s hand. “It was good doing business with you.”
    “See ya, Colt.” Jack headed for his car.
    Colt hopped into the truck and started the engine. It ran a little rough, vibrating and rattling the inside of the cab, but it had a strong roar. Satisfied, he pulled out