The Rancher's Secret Crush by Cari Lynn Webb

Author:Cari Lynn Webb
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2024-01-17T14:40:02+00:00

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

EVEN THE DEVIL knows when to walk away, Ryan.

And that was the problem with Ryan, according to his Gran Claire. Despite knowing he should walk away, he never did.

Like right now.

“I’m going to head out and get in some practice before dinner.” Maggie pushed away from the pasture fence and pulled her keys from her pocket. “Ryan, are you joining me for some roping practice?”

Here was when he walked away. He shook his head. “Can’t. I need to build a festival booth with Elsie.”

Elsie aimed a surprised look his way. “How did you hear about that?”

“I got a text message from Bryce earlier to check my email.” He tugged his phone from his pocket and waved it at her. “Then Breezy and Gayle called to give me a direct order. I was told to help Elsie with whatever she needs for as long as it takes.”

Elsie pressed her lips together as if fighting back her smile.

“I’m definitely not messing with an order from the Baker sisters.” Maggie chuckled and lifted both her hands, palms out. “We can practice tomorrow. Should I tell Tess to expect you for dinner this evening?”

Ryan watched Elsie and waited. Here was her out. Her chance to decline his help. And send him on his way. That would’ve been the sensible thing.

Elsie chewed on her bottom lip, looking indecisive and adorable.

“I’m really doing you a favor and saving you a call.” Ryan leaned toward Elsie and kept his voice low. Only for her. At her raised eyebrows, he added, “Now you won’t need to call a cowboy like the Baker sisters instructed you to do.”

Her smile finally broke free. Followed by her soft laugh as if the joke was theirs to share alone. And that indecision disappeared. He really should leave now. Before he decided he wanted to share even more with Elsie.

“Unfortunately, I don’t think we will be done before dinner, Maggie.” Elsie counted off the list of items on her fingers. “We still have to go through the feeding schedule for the horses. There’s the seedlings to water. The goats to gather. The honey inventory to locate. Homework to complete. And that festival booth to design.”

“Sounds like a busy evening for you two,” Maggie mused then jingled her keys. “Don’t forget to stop and eat at some point. If the Baker sisters find out that tonight was all work and no play, they just might send you two on a real date.”

Elsie blushed and knocked the brim of her baseball cap lower on her forehead.

Maggie didn’t bother to hide her amusement. She hugged the girls, wished everyone a good night and strolled away. Her laughter trailing behind her all the way to her truck.

Autumn tucked her hair behind her ear and studied Ryan then Elsie. Finally, she asked, “Auntie Elsie, are you and Cowboy Prince dating?”

“No. We’re working together.” Elsie looked everywhere but at Ryan. “And we’re going to need your help and your sister’s tonight.”

“But, Auntie, don’t you want to date Cowboy Prince?” Gemma’s nose scrunched up.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.