Captivating the Cowboy: Triple B Ranch, Book One by LuAnn McLane

Author:LuAnn McLane [McLane, LuAnn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Twelve

High Plains Drifter

Ben leaned against the wall and watched Haley scurry around the kitchen, getting rid of every crumb. When she bent over to load plates into the dishwasher, he tried not to notice how well she wore her snug jeans but, well, failed.

Ben noticed big time.

Feeling kinda guilty, Ben glanced away, but then he wondered: When in the hell had he ever felt guilty about looking at a girl’s ass? Uh, that would be never, but being with Haley was apparently a game changer. Ben swallowed hard and scrubbed a hand down his face, trying to fend off an attraction that wouldn’t budge.

Haley worked quickly and efficiently but then turned and bumped her shin into the open dishwasher. “Yee-ouch. That’s gonna leave a mark.” She glared at the dishwasher as if the stainless-steel appliance was somehow to blame.

“Do you ever go a day without bruises?”

“Of course,” she said, rubbing her shin but then winced, adding, “not. It’s like things jump out in front of me.” She flicked a glance in his direction. “I don’t get it.”

“I do.”

Haley straightened up. “You do?”

“Yeah, you’re like watching a firefly on a summer night, flitting here and there.” He demonstrated with his fingers. “Maybe you just need to slow down a little.”

“Easy for you to say.”

“Whadaya mean?”

“It comes with the territory of being short. I’m always trying to keep up or reach things.” She raised her eyebrows. “And, it’s…I guess it’s just in my nature. My granny was the same way. She never walked but didn’t quite run. Just hurried.” Haley smiled, but the corners had an edge of sadness. “Like this.” Haley demonstrated with swinging arms, nearly clipping an open cabinet, ducking just in time, chuckling.

“I think I’m gonna have to wrap you up in bubble wrap around the ranch.”

“Might not be a bad idea,” Haley admitted, picking up her purse. “You sure you want to drive me to the ranch? Then you have to come back into town.”

“Haley, would you just chill?” Ben gave her pointed look. “Do your one-with-the-universe thing your mama taught you.” He stood on one leg, with his hands in prayer, but lost his balance.

Haley laughed. “Okay, okay, but I have a confession.”

Ben leaned closer. “I’m all ears.”

Haley gave him a sheepish look. “When I meditate it always ends up with me creating a to-do list in my head. It’s just the way I roll.” She gave him a slight shrug.

“So, you have a hard time relaxing.”

“No.” Haley shoved her iPad into her purse and hefted it up on her shoulder. “For me, organizing is relaxing.”

“No. Not possible.”

“Uh-huh!”

“I have to school you in the art of loafing.”

“Loafing?”

“As in loafing around. Doin’ a whole lot of nothin’. Sometimes it takes me all day to get nothin’ done.”

“There will be no loafing on my watch.” She wagged a finger at him as she headed for the door.

“There’s always after hours,” Ben said, but then winced, hoping it didn’t sound like a come-on.

Haley pointed to his duffle bag and said over her shoulder, “Don’t forget it.

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