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 horses snorted and trotted away from the men as they rolled one way and then another, each trying to pin the other’s shoulders to the grass. However he might despise the M-L Connected riders, Hank had to admit that this one was a crafty fighter. Every time Hank thought he had the man safely subdued, his opponent would wriggle free of the hold and turn the tables.


After a few minutes, both men were covered with dirt and grass. Hank’s cheekbone was throbbing again. If his shirt wasn’t already wet from the waterhole, it’d be wet from exertion. The M-L rider shook his head as his sweat dripped into one eye.


“Damn it,” the cowboy muttered, twisting out of Hank’s grasp and rolling into the top position again. “I’m gonna need another swim if you don’t give in quick.”


“You’re the one giving in.” Hank bucked the man off and regained his position.


Chapter 6