Billionaire Cowboy: Siblings (Book 2 in the Richland Series)

Chapter 14: Matthew

Matt’s pov (Rianne’s brother)

Everything in life is a game, but not everyone plays by the rules.

When my best friend Mike said he wanted to date my sister, it gave me the perfect opportunity to have a bit of fun. Mike and I have had our fair share of mischievousness over the years, but this time involving my sister, would require a twist.

F*ck yeah, I was pissed he had eyes on my sister, but to be honest, if Mike was interested in Ri, I was okay with it, as long as his intentions were real. I’ve seen how he treats his family, especially the females who he puts up on pedestals like princesses. Ri deserves to be happy and who knows, her prince could be my best friend.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Mike and I believe that not every female is a princess. Case in point, bunnies, or w****s in every county. He never thinks twice about a bunny. After he's done, the w****s bounce off to the next guy. Sometimes, s*x is just a release; nothing more, nothing less.

Okay, hold up, before any women’s rights activists go crazy, I’m the first to admit my boy is not perfect. I know how ruthless he can be. Evident from how many times he satisfied multiple bunnies in a single night. If it helps, he was never a bastard to their faces. Well, okay, he was usually the one who left even before they got a release, but he never, and I mean never, led them on. That is our number one rule.

Keep transactions simple. No kissing and no cuddling.

Hah, keep it simple, easier said than done. Maybe that was my mistake with Bella. I broke the rule. My excuses? No one kisses the way she does and there’s no better way to wake up than having her wrapped in my arms. Yeah, I let myself fall for her and I’m paying the price.

Struggling with my inner demons, I have to give Mike an olive branch. Maybe he’s going through a similar mess with Ri. Well, she better not be pregnant. In fact, she had better still be a virgin. Damn, now I’m pissed just thinking about them hooking up.

Well, I won’t let Mike get away with it.

And that’s how I got the best idea ever; a game to push their limits. It’s the only way to see how serious things are. Hey, it’s my duty as Ri’s brother to protect her and, as my best friend, Mike deserves to be put through the ringer.

Okay, I’m obviously not a relationship expert, but whether you like it or not, I will do whatever I have to do. If they’re meant to be together, then things will work out. And if things fall apart, then so be it. Either way, this will be a summer to remember.

Thinking back to the family dinner, I sat back observing Mike and Ri's behavior at the table. Something has been going on. And from the lack of reaction from everyone, either, no one noticed or no one cared.

What did I miss?

Returning to town a couple of hours ago does not put the odds against me before the game has started. I'll be the first to admit that my social life has been pathetic, but knowledge is the key. And, thanks to everyone using social media as a digital diary, knowledge has been plentiful. Using what I learned, I started planning out each step in the game, knowing attention to detail was important.

Step one: separate from our families.

Too many opinions interfere with the outcome, so I need to limit the distractions. Blowing up and causing a scene to get out of Ri’s house worked better than I could have imagined. Walking out the front door, I kept my head down looking pissed while hiding a smirk. Just like the best friend I can always count on, Mike put step one into action.

Hey, I can’t give away that I know about their time at the clubhouse. Thank you club bunnies for your daily f*******: posts. Remember, I’m supposed to be an outsider, the over-protective brother. You just need to calm down. When things are all said and done, Mike will laugh. No harm done.

Step 2: keep Mike and Ri apart.

Testing the waters, I attempted to make plans with Mike, and caught him looking at my sister for permission.

Don’t tell me he already gave his balls to her?

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that sappy suckers are easy to manipulate. And from Mike’s reaction, this was going to be easier than I thought. All I had to do was show a little of my temper and he quickly changed his plans.

Hook, line and sinker.

Come on, I know him better than anyone. After college, we learned, in order to get paid, we had to return to championships. And that my friend requires us to be on the same page. So, of course, I played him like a fiddle. Oh, stop rolling them eyes, I’d never let something like a silly game get in our way to a championship. This is just pure entertainment.

Step 3: check the reinforcements.

Playing the game will require me to take a step back so I can observe, which would be obvious if it was just Mike and I. Therefore, I need the guys for a controlled distraction. Texting the group to meet up at the older bar, the Tavern, before heading out for the season, was done in one group text.

Could this get any easier?

Suggesting we get the word out and pack the place to increase our odds of some sweet, sexy transactions was accomplished with a couple of social media posts. Yeah, even in my grandparents’ small town, locals use social media for all kinds of last-minute gatherings.

Step 4: separate Mike and Ri.

Hearing rumors that Ashley, Mike’s pet project since high school and the latest girl to turn into a town bunny, was pregnant would be an excellent accomplice. Texting her, I forced her to get Mike out of the bar or I’d expose her affair with the town Sherriff. She tried to work the angle that she didn’t know who the father of her baby was, but the affair put the Sheriff as an option in the baby-daddy mix. And we all know that would not go over well for his upcoming election, let alone with his wife.

Step 5: present my sister.

Prior to leaving for the bar, I used my independent nap time to post random pictures of Ri from an unknown social media account showing off her good looks. I didn’t want to push her into the life of a bunny, but I needed the spotlight on her so I could see how she handled temptation.

Hey, just another strategic move in the game.

My buddy Billy was the first to respond, something about being worried about the pictures. Oh, please. We all know he’s had a crush on Ri for years. So, I used his feelings for my sister and bet he couldn’t get her on the dance floor. It took less than thirty seconds for him to realize I was finally giving him permission to hit on my sister.

Hook, line and sinker.

Learning how Ri reacts to flirting will let me know how serious she is with Mike. She may act differently around me, so I need to verify she gets plenty of attention in a safe environment, hence including Billy.

Step 6: have an intoxicatingly good night.

What better way to control the odds than including alcohol to help break down everyone’s common sense? A call to a bartender at the Tavern, who owes me a favor, gave us access to the front of the line and drinks were poured at a steady pace.

Once we got to the bar, it was a waiting game. This must have also been a test of my patience. Drinking non-alcoholic beer tasted like piss-water, but it kept my mind clear. Checking my watch like a mad man while waiting for Mike and Ash to leave, I kept my attention on the door hoping Ri wouldn’t arrive and blow up my plans.

I was not in the mood for distractions. In fact, when a familiar bunny appeared out of nowhere and rubbed my arm, I growled and turned away, repulsed by her touch. Is it sad to say I was more into the game than the selection of bunnies? Who am I kidding? The callouses on my hand prove the only girl I want is Bella.

Step 7: talk to Heidi.

Waiting while Kemper mauled Heidi like a fat kid in a candy store, my patience was running thin. You’d think the guy had never had a girlfriend or something with the way he was acting. It looked like he was trying to disguise her with his scent. What a douche. Finally, the animal had to pee, giving me a chance to pull Heidi aside and ask about Bella.

Step 8: keep a tight schedule.

Hearing Ash had planned to get Mike out of the bar and on stage at the annual old lady p*****t night at the strip club was classic. Those rich ladies had nothing but money to spend and roaming hands that left nothing to the imagination.

Knowing he was expected on stage around ten o’clock, I knew he’d be busy for a good thirty minutes. I had to make sure Ri left the bar devasted and hurt by his absence. It seemed like a sh*t thing to do but this was the game, so I didn’t give a crap.

Step 9: double down.

As extra backup, I sent a couple of texts to former bunnies and requested recordings of Mike on stage to go viral. Ash planned to record but her arse has become unpredictable. Rumors have it she’s been dabbling in drugs. Recordings of Mike are key for future steps in the game. There's no room for mistakes.

Step 10: controlled environment.

Before anything unexpected knocked me back, I had to move our group to my house where distractions can be controlled. Now, there are multiple ways this could go, but chopping down someone’s pride is always a winner.

Giving my boys crap for striking out multiple times with the busiest bunnies in town, didn’t take long before someone suggested we leave the bar.

Great idea!

Relocation will not be enough. I need to keep everyone entertained. Stopping by the liquor store on the way home and ordering pizza will create the perfect party setting to peer pressure Mike to stay and hang out. Loading up the alcohol, I could send him a text when we left, but that’s not me, so he would have to wander home like a lost puppy.

**** ****

Sitting at my house with my drunk and rowdy friends as they recounted failure after failure of hooking up, proved they were worthless without Mike and I running the show. What would they do without us? We have a proven formula for making transactions and I’ll never understand why you would try to reinvent the wheel.

Speaking of Mike, where is he? I’ve been waiting patiently for someone to discover his performance. Checking various social media platforms, there are pictures and videos galore. Mike will never live this down. This is epic!

Hey, what are friends for if we can’t remind you of the stupid sh*t you do?

Waiting for things to fall into place, my mind wandered back to my conversation with Heidi.

*Earlier at the bar* Once Kemper sauntered off, I walked Heidi away from prying ears and inquired about her thoughts regarding Bella. I didn’t miss it when she hesitated before speaking, “Oh, what if my thoughts have changed?” What is she hiding? Folded arms and a stern look, knowing our time was short, I leaned in expecting more.

Petting my arm, like she was wiping away pain, she said, “At first, I was going to tell you to contact her and let her know how you feel. I thought you two were good together and could have been the real deal.”

Were?

Looking down as her hands dropped to her side, I watched as she shifted from foot to foot a couple of times before I barked, “And now?” She looked up with doe eyes, “I didn’t mean to, I was looking out for you.”

What is she talking about?

Pausing as she looked down, my arms tightened with clenched fists. She took a deep breath then continued, “I searched and found two f*******: accounts. One she shared with you and one that looks to be more of a family account.”

Tilting my head trying to understand where Heidi was going with this, I stepped into her space, refusing to let her leave with an explanation. She returned to petting my arm, which did not help. Her soft voice broke my heart, “I went through her family account and found out she’s pregnant. I think that’s why she didn’t want to see you in person.”

Stepping back as Heidi stared at me with pity in her eyes, I stood still trying to comprehend what was said. Walking away quietly as I accepted my misery, I leaned my back against the wall, unable to breathe.

Bella carried on a long-distance relationship with me while hiding the fact she was pregnant with another guy’s baby?

***** *****

Michael’s pov

Escaping out the back door of the strip club created a burning sensation inside my chest compared to what I’d imagine a prisoner feels on his parole day. Needing Ri, I texted and called her with no success, so I drove back to the Tavern, as doubt pounded in my chest.

I need to fix whatever was wrong between us.

The bar's parking lot was full, but her truck was nowhere in sight. Being close to midnight, the music was loud but maybe she went home. Dread filled my thoughts on my drive, that seemed to drag on.

I mentioned we needed to have distance tonight, but this was not what I had in mind.

Passing my house with a driveway full of trucks, I sighed, at least someone was having a good time. Knocking on Ri's front door, and peeking through the window, the house was dark. After looking around, I noticed her truck was also missing. Resting my head on the door, I sent another text letting her know I had stopped by and wanted to take her out for breakfast the following morning.

She might not respond, but my hopes were high knowing I’d be back at the c***k of dawn for her.

Putting my truck in reverse and turning around to head home, anger started to consume my soul. Rearranging my plans, not only had me missing out on time with my girl, but I lost some self-respect being up on stage.

Hopefully no one finds out.

Parking my truck, I hit the steering wheel, irritated that I helped a friend only to have the friendship end. No word from Ash. She got her money. Did our friendship mean that little to her? Exiting my truck, I trudged my way to the front door as Matt opened it looking haggard. His bloodshot eyes reflected the anger I had brewing within.

Holding his shoulders as he slumped to the side, I asked, “Hey man, are you alright?” He held up his drink mumbling through spit, “My heart, baby.” What? Slipping his arm over my shoulder, I guided him inside to find our friends playing poker at the dining room table. What was going on?

Mumbling about a baby, I attempted to listen, but he was not making sense . Looking around the room, the guys shook their heads, also lost and confused. Thank goodness Billy piped up, “He started pounding Jack then lost his sh*t, something about a baby?”

This night could not get any worse. Matt is ready to pass out, I can’t reach Ri, I’m not in the mood for company and I need a shower. First things first, my best friend needs to go to bed. Who knows what these f*ckers would do to him if he passed out downstairs? The least I can do is lock him in his room. If he has to pee, he can find a corner.

Pulling Matt’s boots off after he plopped on his bed, he rolled back as a loud plunk vibrated on the floor. Covering him with a blanket, I noticed a soft glow on the floor. Letting curiosity get the best of me, I tapped his birth date into the phone, wondering why he would keep such an easy code.

A text message exchange with someone named My Heart had Matt asking why she didn’t tell him about the baby? My Heart replied not knowing what to say. The conversation ended with random words from Matt, which I’m guessing he typed after getting drunk.

I locked the door, so no one would mess with him. Putting the pieces together, I realized why he'd been acting weird.

Did Matt get someone knocked up?

Returning to the dining room after a shower, I intended to text Ri again but gave up as videos of my night on stage were passed among the group. WTH? Turning the ridiculous candy song into a drinking game, the guys took a swig every time someone sang Candy Shop.

Forced to relive the embarrassment, Magic Mike, my new f*cked up nickname, was hollered all night, as I drank to forget the night.

Hopefully, things don’t get any worse.

***** *****

Rianne’s pov

After leaving the bar, I stopped by the store for vanilla ice cream and Kahlua, the perfect combination for an aching heart. On the drive home, Heidi invited me over to Kemper’s place for a movie night. Preferring to being a third wheel than spending the night alone, we watched 8 Seconds. A love story about the love of rodeos and a reminder that Michael was never going to change.

Guys only change in movies or in romance novels.

Attempting to spend the night on Kemper’s couch, I struggled to fall asleep, so I read over Michael’s texts, deciding to talk to him at breakfast. He will need to explain what happened and part of me hoped it was a big understanding.

As the sun rose the next morning, I finished packing clothes, waiting to hear from Michael. With Heidi and Kemper’s help, my trailer was organized with all the equipment needed to record and edit Rodeo Ways while on the road.

The Houston rodeo was starting in less than a week and the Kennedy brothers arranged my early entry, which was more than exciting for my return trip to Texas. Prior to this trip, all my communications with the brothers were over video calls or emails. Thanks to their unofficial manager, Stetson’s girlfriend, who would be traveling with us, everything was organized down to my parking spots.

Undecided about which of the next three days to head out of town, I stopped by the bakery in town for a late breakfast. Without any word this morning from Michael, I kept to my schedule and decided we’d make plans when he finally texted or called.

My older fan club, aka The Hens, were welcoming and inquired about my travel schedule. Planning to post details, I revealed inside secrets that got the ladies intrigued.

Searching for pictures of the Kennedy brothers got many blushed faces from Hens of all ages. I have to admit the two guys were very attractive, just not my….. they’re not Michael.

Waiting for my food, I overheard a couple of Hens talking about sexy scenes from Magic Mike. For an older movie, their memories were quite vivid. I was caught off guard when someone mentioned a stripper with a back tattoo. Hmmm, I don’t recall anyone in the movie with a dragon tattoo on his back.

WAIT!! Then it hit me.

Stepping closer, I peeked over someone’s shoulder at a shaky video of a stripper with a dragon tattoo on his back. A Hen’s voice said, “He was on stage for one song last night, but I tell you, he could have been the only one all night. Everyone loved him!”

With my eyes peeled on the phone, the stripper's curves and arms looked familiar. And boy was he hot!

As the cowboy turned around, a gasp left my mouth, realizing the dragon stripper was Michael.