Cowboy Seeks a Bride by Louise M. Gouge

Author:Louise M. Gouge
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2014-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

The instant Rand saw the startled look in Marybeth’s eyes, he regretted his anger. After all, it wasn’t her fault Hardison had accosted her. Still, he was just a bit miffed over her attitude toward the gunslinger. If Lucy from the diner hadn’t told him about the encounter, would Marybeth have done so? He straightened and took a step toward her, offering a stiff smile, which was all he could muster at the moment.

“Afternoon, Marybeth. Did you have a good day?” He stepped up on the boardwalk and offered his arm.

She hesitated briefly before accepting it. “It had its good and not-so-good moments.” As they began to walk, she looked straight ahead.

“Yeah, me, too.” How would he get her to tell him about Hardison? Certainly not by being angry, so he forced a chuckle. “The other pups kept looking for the one you took. I tried to tell them she’s found a better home, but since she’s the alpha dog in the litter, they’re sort of at loose ends.” Thinking about the dogs helped to improve his mood. “Those crazy critters trailed me all over the ranch today while I was trying to get my chores done.”

Marybeth’s laugh sounded real. “Well, you be sure to tell them Polly’s already made herself at home and doesn’t miss them at all.”

She glanced up at Rand with a sweet smile and something pleasant kicked inside his chest.

“Polly, eh? Not a very bold name for a watchdog.”

“I wanted to call her Roly-Poly, but Mrs. Foster said she’d outgrow her puppy fat soon, so the name wouldn’t make sense. We settled on Polly.”

They shared a laugh over that but then Marybeth sobered and sighed. “In fact, she’s taken over. You’ll be fortunate if she lets you in the house.”

Rand wanted to make a smart-alecky quip, but something in her voice cautioned him. “Care to explain that?” Lest he’d sounded too demanding, he added, “I mean, she was my dog until yesterday. If she misbehaved...” They’d reached the end of the boardwalk and he helped her step down onto the dusty street, where they continued their walk.

“Let’s just say it was one of my not-so-good moments. When I went home for dinner, Mr. Hardison insisted upon accompanying me.” She looked up, her gaze clearly questioning him.

“Humph” was all he could manage to say as relief crowded out the last of his ill feelings. For one crazy moment right after Lucy told him what had happened, he’d wondered if Marybeth and Hardison had been in cahoots all along. They’d arrived on the same train, so it was possible. Now his conscience questioned why he’d become so suspicious of her. And when would he get over thinking she was less than honest with him?

“Humph? That’s all you have to say?” Marybeth removed her arm from his and stalked ahead. When he caught up and gently snagged her arm again, she shot an accusing glare his way. “He made me uncomfortable, Rand. I know Mr. Means is doing business with him, but.

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