Rachel Donnelly by Lady Broke

Author:Lady Broke
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

It was a good hour’s ride to the Williams’ ranch. Nat spent most of the time berating himself for giving in to Roscoe’s sentimental plea. He should have gone to Sacramento instead of putting himself through the torture of battling his lust. Christie looked too damned good in that sapphire riding habit, hugging every one of her curves — every spot he yearned to touch.

But he was determined to keep his hands off of her, even if he had to grit his teeth all the way home. One thing was certain, it would take more than a finger of whiskey to put him to sleep tonight.

When the Williams’ hacienda came into sight, he reined Diablo in to give Christie a chance to collect herself. In his experience, women set great store in the little adjustments they made to their hair and clothing before a first meeting.

She reined in beside him, appearing frazzled.

No doubt a result of the dapple grey she chose to ride. The mare was a little on the green side, requiring a light touch. He’d warned her, but she insisted she could handle it. He had to admit, she’d done a fine job so far. She and the grey devil had a lot in common — sassy, proud, and full of spunk.

“Why are you smiling?” Christie put a hand under her straw hat. “It’s my hair, isn’t it? I knew I should have braided it.”

He chuckled at her flustered state. He’d been right, even a woman as practical as Christie Wallace fretted over her appearance. “Your hair looks fine.”

“You must be looking forward to seeing them again.”

“I’m looking forward to tucking into a big slice of peach pie.”

She shot him a quick glance. “I hope I’m not intruding.”

“Ellie loves company, so do the children.”

“Children?” She sounded like she was stalling. “How many are there?”

“Last time I counted there were three, one for every year Ellie and Roscoe have been married.”

Color stained her cheeks. “I’m looking forward to meeting them.”

“Good.” He nudged Diablo into motion. No sense in delaying. If Christie was nervous, Ellie would soon put her at ease.

After dismounting in front of the Williams’ veranda there was no time left to consider it.

Ellie hugged him soundly, kissing him on the cheek. “You’re a sight for sore eyes. What do you mean, trying to sneak off to Sacramento without paying us a visit?”

Nat smiled back, thinking for the hundredth time how lucky Roscoe was to have found a woman as beautiful and loving as Ellie. She never failed to look happy. Her skin glowed like a fresh peach. “You know I can’t resist a good home cooked meal.”

She held him away from her slender frame, tilting her auburn head of curls to look him up and down. “It’s a good thing you came. You look thinner. I think you’re losing weight.”

Nat gave a snort. “If you had to eat Holt’s cooking, you’d know why.”

Ellie chuckled heartily at the standing joke. “You’d better not let him hear that. It might be the last rabbit you ever eat.

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