Cowboy Bounty Hunter: Cowboy Confidential, #3 by Lori Wilde & Kristin Eckhardt

Author:Lori Wilde & Kristin Eckhardt
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: cowboy romance, cowboy cop, clean and wholesome, bounty hunter, ranch romance, western romance
Publisher: L&K
Published: 2021-07-07T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVEN

That evening, Sam was standing at the stove in Gracie’s kitchen when he heard the front door open. He glanced at the clock, noting that she was later than he’d expected. Hardly surprising, since she'd been adamant about maintaining her independence during this investigation. A trait he admired about her—even if it did make him worry.

"Sam?" she called from the living room.

"I'm in here."

He didn't turn around, letting the anticipation of seeing her again buzz inside of him. After making that deal with Ray, Sam realized it meant he’d only have a week left to spend with Gracie. For some reason, that realization had hit him almost as hard as giving up the case.

He'd thought about her the rest of the day while digging up background information on Allison Webb and canvasing Pine City for any sign of Gilbert. Now she was home, safe and sound, and he could finally relax.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"Making us some dinner." He stirred the Spanish rice so it wouldn't stick to the bottom of the skillet. "I have chicken enchiladas in the oven and a pitcher of margaritas in the refrigerator. I hope you like Mexican food."

Gracie set her purse on the kitchen table. "I love Mexican and I’m starving. But you don’t have to cook for me.”

“I love to cook whenever I get a chance.” Sam removed the skillet from the burner, then turned to face her. "I guess it comes naturally. When I was about six, I used to sit on the kitchen counter and watch my mom bake cakes and cookies.” He smiled. “My brothers made fun of me, but I was always the first one who got to lick the bowl.”

“And what does she think of your current occupation?”

Sam shrugged as he stirred the rice again. “She and my dad died in a car accident when I was seven, so I hope they’re both proud of me.”

"Oh." Gracie looked contrite. "I’m so sorry, I didn’t know.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Sam reached for a spatula. “My grandparents raised my brothers and me on their ranch and gave us a great life.”

He hated this stiff formality between them, especially after the very informal night they'd spent together. Part of him had hoped this dinner might dissolve some of the tension in the air.

"Look, I appreciate the thought, Sam, but this really isn't necessary. I can make my own dinner."

"This one is already made," he replied, pulling out a chair for her. "And I figured we’re going to talk about the case, so why not do it over a nice meal?”

Suspicion gleamed in her blue eyes, but she relented at last. “Okay.” Gracie slid into the chair with a resigned sigh. "It really does smell wonderful."

"And tastes even better." Sam pulled the enchiladas out of the oven, then dished up a plate for each of them. After he set them on the table, he poured her a margarita, then one for himself.

Gracie took a long sip, then set down her glass.

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