The Ranger by Julia Justiss

Author:Julia Justiss
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Romance
ISBN: 9781954894297
Publisher: Tule Publishing Group, LLC
Published: 2021-05-23T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

After another ten minutes’ slow drive down the dirt trail, they reached the cabin. Mary had been veering from anticipation back to apprehension at the idea of spending the day with Brice. Predictably—and annoyingly—after the warmth and enjoyment of the evening they’d cooked dinner together, when she’d decided maybe she was ready to explore a relationship with someone, she’d awakened the next morning alarmed and conflicted. Not sure attempting that was a good idea, but locked into the outing, she’d impulsively agreed to attend.

She’d arrived at Elaine’s house uncomfortable and tense. The half hour or so of banter between Brice and their friends had recaptured the warmth and ease of their cooking episode, relaxing her again.

Then he’d helped her up into his truck, and the touch of his hand had sent a jolt of physical awareness through her.

Apparently, that initial awakening of her senses she’d felt in the library wasn’t going to go away. If anything, the attraction grew stronger every time she saw him. Complicating that was the fact that she really liked Brice McAllister.

What was she going to do about it?

The drive out, with Brice and Bunny chatting, gave her time to relax again. It’ll be fine, she told herself. It would have been silly and cowardly to back out at the last minute, just because there was a change in plans. You’ll get to see the cabin and some beautiful ranch land, and get to know Brice better. He hasn’t pushed you for more than you’re willing to give. You don’t need to either retreat or force things. Just let it happen naturally.

She was still repeating that last part as a mantra when they reached the cabin.

Abby’s van was already parked behind the house, and she walked out to meet them, Katie skipping at her side.

“Welcome, everyone,” Abby said. “Bunny, you’ve already seen the cabin. Do you want to color with Katie on the back deck? She brought extra pictures and markers for you.”

“C’mon, Bunny,” Katie said. “Mommy drew me a whole set of princess pictures to color.”

While the two girls scampered off, Brice took the picnic basket from the truck and followed the two women. “Grant wanted furnishings that left the cabin still looking like a cabin, but comfortable, easy to live with and clean,” Abby was telling Mary. “We’ve been real happy with it.”

Mary followed her hostess through the entry door and stopped short, surprise and admiration replacing the anxious thoughts in her brain.

She’d entered from a portico-sheltered porch into a wide, open one-room space. To the left of the door was a farm table surrounded by whitewashed chairs, with an old buffet displaying linens and wineglasses, hung on rake heads mounted to the buffet’s back. To the right, forming most of the wall and flanked by double windows on one side, French doors on the other, a large fireplace made of golden, Hill Country limestone dominated the space. Arranged in front of it were a tan leather couch flanked by two overstuffed chairs covered in a denim fabric, the area defined by a patterned rug in tones of rust, tan, and blue.

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