True-Blue Cowboy by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Author:Vicki Lewis Thompson [Thompson, Vicki Lewis]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ocean Dance Press LLC

Chapter Seventeen

He’d died and gone to heaven. Nick couldn’t stop smiling as he walked to the knife block on Eva’s kitchen counter and pulled out one of the shorter blades for dividing the cinnamon roll. He could level with Eva about the food situation because she was as crazy for him as he was for her. It would be okay.

Taking his seat, he sliced the cinnamon roll in half and pushed the plate so they could both reach it. “Before we make our plan, I have a confession. I ate a big breakfast at the ranch before I drove over here this morning.”

“You were already full?”

“Yes, ma’am. Very much so. Garrett puts on a good spread.”

“Why didn’t you say something?”

“Rafe thought your decision to cook was a sign that you liked me. When I saw how hard you’d worked, I figured you liked me a whole lot and I’d better show my appreciation by eating a substantial amount.”

Her eyebrows lifted. “You stuffed yourself to please me?”

“Don’t get me wrong. Everything tasted amazing. Normally I might’ve been able to handle two big breakfast meals. But my stomach was in knots about how today would go. I knew what I wanted, but—”

“What did you want, exactly?”

“This. You looking at me like I’m the best thing since sliced bread.”

“Nothing more?”

“Well, logically, if that part worked out, eventually other things would, too.”

She smiled. “But you didn’t bring condoms.”

“Are you kidding? What kind of SOB would agree to work in a woman’s home and pack condoms just in case?”

Her smile widened. “You’re the real deal, aren’t you?”

“I don’t understand what you mean.”

“You don’t pretend to respect women so you can get what you want. You genuinely respect them.”

“Of course. I work for Henri Fox.”

That made her laugh. “Should I be giving her the credit?”

“Maybe not all of it. I like to think I had potential when I arrived at the Buckskin. But if I didn’t respect—not just women—everyone, including myself and the critters, I wouldn’t be employed there. It’s a zero-tolerance zone.”

“I always believed that, and it seemed to bear out with the guys who’ve come into the salon, but I haven’t spent time alone with any of them until today. You’re the first.”

“Didn’t realize I was representing the team.”

“And doing a great job.” She leaned toward him and propped her chin on her fist. “What’s the plan, cowboy?”

His body heated. “I really want to kiss you right now.”

“That’s the plan?”

“That would torpedo the plan. I just had to say it.”

“I really want to kiss you, too. But clearly that’s not in our best interests.”

“I don’t think so. Here’s how I see it. You bid on me with the expectation I’d tackle two jobs that are important to you.”

“No, I bid on you because you rode in on a beautiful palomino and I couldn’t let anyone else have you for twelve hours.”

“Oh.” The urge to kiss her grew stronger. “But originally, you—”

“Yes, and you’ve accomplished one big job already, despite my interference.”

“Except for the mirror.”

“And the coat tree.

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