The cowboys of the T-Lazy-A and the M-L Connected just don’t see eye to eye. In fact, they hate each other. So when Hank Collins rides up to the waterhole to find an M-L Connected rider floating on his side of the pond, his hackles naturally rise. And when that rider challenges him to a bout of fisticuffs ... well, what red-blooded cowboy could turn down such a dare? There's only one problem: Hank quickly becomes all too aware that his opponent isn't just physically fit, but downright arresting. What's a cowboy to do when the man who's caught his eye rides for the wrong brand?

Riding for the Brand

The M-L rider grunted again, more loudly, and shook his head. He struggled to his feet as well, looking as shaky as Hank felt. “Not giving up to no Lazy-A coyote.”


He threw another haymaker at Hank, but his aim was wild and Hank just took a step back and avoided the blow. His breathing had gotten easier, and he shoved the hair out of his eyes and put up his dukes again.


“Let’s get this over with,” he said.


“Fine talk against a naked man,” the other muttered. He held up a hand, palm out, and Hank grudgingly gave him a minute to catch his breath.


“Might have known you Lazy-A skunks would figure this’d be a fair fight,” the cowboy said with a sneer. “You and them big clod-hoppers kicking a fellow when he’s down.”


“Ain’t my fault you shucked out of your clothes and jumped in our waterhole.”


“Ain’t your waterhole, dammit.” The M-L rider straightened to his full height and raised his fists.


Chapter 3