Falling For The Younger Cowboy (Sage Valley Ranch Book 2) by Liwen Y. Ho

Author:Liwen Y. Ho [Ho, Liwen Y.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Sage Valley Ranch Series, Multi-Author Collection, Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Clean & Wholesome, Hearts Desire, Lifetime Love, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Romantic Schemes, Small Town & Rural Area, Cowboy & Western Romance, Beautiful & Feisty, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure
Publisher: Liwen Ho
Published: 2019-04-04T04:00:00+00:00

12

James

James swallowed uncomfortably under the watchful eye of the Asian woman sitting across the table from him. He shoved a bite of chicken fried steak into his mouth then stared down at his plate. If he wasn’t eating dinner in the mess hall, surrounded by a dozen other people, he might wonder if he was on exhibit at the museum. Because the way Lexi’s mother was looking him over, he sure felt like he was being studied.

“Isn’t this steak delicious, Ma? It’s James’s own recipe.” Lexi looked over at him and smiled.

“It’s not bad. A little too salty for my taste. But the mashed potatoes are decent.”

“Thanks?” James replied, a bit of uncertainty in his tone.

He never imagined meeting Lexi’s mother under these pretenses. But here they were, going through the motions of making small talk. At least Mrs. Turner wasn’t giving him the fifth degree. He could take her criticizing his cooking as long as she didn’t ask him any personal questions.

James wasn’t sure what to make of the older woman. At first glance, he thought she was as meek and harmless as a cat. Not the stray cats that roamed the ranch, but a small kitten that mewed. But looks were deceiving. Despite her small stature and delicate features, Mrs. Turner was more like a spunky mama tiger.

He’d never met anyone like her. Even Nanna’s straightforward ways paled in comparison. Even still, his own mama had taught him to be polite. Perhaps, all Lexi’s mom needed was some southern hospitality. “Lexi mentioned you enjoy cooking, Mrs. Turner. What kind of dishes do you like to make?”

“Hot and sour soup. Peking duck. Honey walnut shrimp. I don’t suppose you’ve had any of those before?”

“No, I haven’t. But I have heard about the famous dumpling restaurant, Din Tai Fung. It was featured on a food blog I follow. I’d love to try their dumplings someday.”

Mrs. Turner pursed her lips, delight lighting up her eyes. “You want to try dumplings? No need to go all the way to Taiwan. I can make them for you. Mine are better.”

“I would be honored. Thank you.”

Lexi flashed him an impressed smile and mouthed, Wow.

His stomach did a funny flip to see such joy in her eyes. This was the reason why he’d offered to role-play with her again. He loved seeing her happy.

A part of him didn’t like lying to Lexi’s mom, but he reasoned it was for a good cause. And when it all came down to it, he wasn’t lying about his feelings for Lexi. He genuinely cared for her. If only he could speak as well as he cooked.

“Isn’t it fun that you and James share a love of food, Ma?”

Mrs. Turner shrugged nonchalantly. “It is normal to like food. But to make a living off cooking is another matter. Do you plan to work as a chef all your life, James?”

“I-I’m not sure,” he stammered honestly. “It’s something I’m good at and enjoy, so I’m considering it. I figure I still have a couple of years to decide.

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