Winning Over the Cowboy by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

Author:Shannon Taylor Vannatter
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2017-07-08T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

It was Chase’s favorite part of the day. A fine Friday morning, before anyone else stirred. Especially now, since his nerves had been in a jumble lately. But with the tree problem settled now, he’d slept soundly last night. He grabbed his coffee, locked his cabin door and strolled to the ranch house.

And Landry was already there. In his spot, slowly swaying on the porch swing. It wasn’t the first time. It used to frustrate him when she invaded his space. Now he was glad to get to spend time with her.

“Mind if I join you?”

She scooted over to make room for him. “Morning.”

Birdsong ushered in the day. The quiet chatter of ranch hands mixed with whinnies and the clop of hooves came from the barn.

“I’m leaving for my cousin’s wedding tomorrow.” She sipped her coffee, looked up at him. “Under extreme duress.”

“Mom mentioned we’d be shorthanded.” He’d miss her. And not just her work ethic. But maybe he didn’t have to... He could escort her, support her through it. A great way to make himself indispensable to her. Better yet, he could save her day.

“About that.” He waggled his eyebrows at her. “I might have a brilliant idea.”

“Pretend I have the flu.”

He chuckled. “Better. I could take you.” He ducked his head, afraid to watch her reaction. “Act like we’re a couple.”

“What?” She snorted.

“You said half your hometown probably thinks we’re a couple by now.”

“True.”

“We’ll go to the wedding and let everyone think what they want.” He set the swing in motion again. “If I’m your plus one, you won’t have to field questions about your love life. You can show them you’ve moved on—that you don’t need their pity.”

“I have moved on. I left Aubrey, and I’ve proven I don’t need a husband to be happy.” She stood, propped her hands on her hips. “But apparently you think I’m so pathetic, I need a pretend boyfriend.”

“That’s not what I meant. Will you sit down and listen?” She might not think of her hair as fiery, but her temper sure was.

“You feel sorry for me, just like everybody else.” She spun away, headed for the door.

“I don’t. If I feel sorry for anyone, it’s what’s-his-name. He’s the pathetic one for letting you get away.”

That stopped her. “Really?”

“Scout’s honor.”

“Thanks.” She blew out a shuddery breath, faced him again. “Sorry. Sore subject.”

He patted the seat beside him.

“I really am over him. It was just so humiliating.” She reclaimed her spot. “Weddings are supposed to be such a joyous occasion. But after Kyle—and Eden...since then, the thought of weddings makes me sad.”

“I’m right there with you.” The muscle in Chase’s jaw tensed up. “For the longest time, I avoided the backyard. I had to work at reminding myself of how happy Eden was on her wedding day.” How happy she must have been on her honeymoon.

“Sometimes when I look at this tree-shaded expanse of green, I can still hear her laughter.” She closed her eyes.

“Me, too.” He twined his fingers with hers.

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