Texas Tough by Janice Maynard

Author:Janice Maynard
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-04-09T18:34:29+00:00

Ten

Carter was pissed and frustrated. He loved his parents, but his mother could be a handful. Thankfully, Denise had whispered a heads-up to him, warning that she and Abby had unwittingly overheard the conversation between mother and son.

He turned on the porch light and saw Abby freeze when she realized it was him. “I just came to get my sweater out of the car,” she said.

“No. You overheard my conversation with my mother, and you were embarrassed. I’m sorry, Abby.”

He couldn’t read her expression, but her body language spoke volumes. Her arms were wrapped tightly around her waist, and she had backed up as far as humanly possible without falling off the porch.

She placed her sweater with exaggerated care on the railing. “Why did you invite me to come here tonight, Carter?” she asked.

The slight tremor in her voice made him feel like scum.

“Two reasons. First of all, I wanted to see you.”

“And the second?”

“I haven’t socialized much since Madeline called off the wedding,” he admitted. “My mother is constantly on my case to get back out there. So I thought if she met you, I’d get credit for dating but she wouldn’t pressure me, because she wouldn’t approve of our relationship.”

Abby’s shock was visible. “Why not? I’m delightful.”

He chuckled, charmed by her candor. “I won’t argue with that. You definitely are. My mother, though, doesn’t see you as ranch wife material. Sunset Acres means everything to my parents, even though they’ve handed it over to me. They know the kinds of sacrifices that are required, because they’ve made those very same sacrifices.”

After a few beats of silence, Abby took a step toward him and exhaled audibly. “Not that I have any interest in marrying you or having your babies, Carter Crane, but why am I not ranch wife material?”

He stepped closer, as well, reaching out to brush his thumb over her cheek. “You don’t even like Texas, Abs. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it means my mother won’t start making wedding plans. That’s a good thing.”

“Ah.”

“I didn’t think she would react so strongly tonight.” He grimaced. “Usually there’s a honeymoon period before she starts vetting my female companions.”

“Aren’t you kind of old to have your mommy picking out your lovers?”

He pressed the heel of his hand to his forehead where a headache hammered. “You would think so, yes.”

Abby cocked her head and gave him a steady stare that made him want to fidget. “I’m sure we should get back inside,” she said. “I don’t want to be rude.”

“Why not? My family certainly hasn’t been kind to you this evening.”

“That’s not entirely true. Denise and Ernie and the baby were pleasant. Your dad’s a peach. And to be honest, your mother wasn’t technically rude to me. In fact, you’re the one who set this train wreck in motion.”

He curled a strand of her hair around his finger. “I’ll make it up to you, Abs, I swear. You look beautiful tonight by the way.” His throat tightened as his body hardened.

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