Julie Benson - Big City Cowboy

A cowboy out of options

That’s how Rory McAlister feels when he leaves Colorado for the concrete jungle of New York City. He needs this money for a very good reason—only somebody should have warned him donning designer duds meant butting heads with Elizabeth Harrington-Smyth. The bossy ad exec is determined to turn Rory into the original Rhinestone Cowboy. Over his dead body!

With her job hanging by a thread, Elizabeth’s got to deliver the goods for Devlin Designs—or else. She asked Rory because of his rugged, authentic—and, frankly, gorgeous—looks. But could she have chosen an ornerier model? At least Rory will be heading back to his ranch and out of Elizabeth’s life soon. Because New York is no place for a cowboy…and a Colorado ranch is no place for a big-city girl. Even if these two opposites are falling for each other!

“Just remember that cowboy charm I’ve seen you use so often.”

“Cowboy charm?” Rory flashed her a grin that could sell whiskey to a teetotaler.

“Give Brooke that look that mesmerizes a woman, and makes her think you’re going to grab her, toss her on your horse and ride off into the sunset.”

“Do I do that for you?”

His warm, husky voice rippled through Elizabeth. He leaned forward in his chair. His strong gaze peered into her. He had the slightest smile on his face.

Oh, yeah, that was the look.

Horse and sunset here I come.

Dear Reader,

People frequently ask how I get my ideas. Often something in life piques my curiosity, and I go into “what if” mode. That’s what happened with Big City Cowboy.

While in Estes Park for a wedding, my family and I went horseback riding. Our guide caught my attention, but not only because of his phenomenal looks. As he helped my middle son, a gentleman approached the cowboy about modeling. Afterwards, he said people often asked him to model and couldn’t understand why he didn’t jump at the opportunity.

My writer’s imagination zoomed into overdrive. What if this cowboy was desperate and had to model? What would be important enough to make him leave the ranch and venture into the big city? The answer popped into my head—his mom. I added a feisty, career-driven woman who needed this private cowboy to be a household name, and Rory and Elizabeth’s story came to life.

I never imagined at that wedding I’d achieve a lifelong dream—my first published novel. I hope you have as much fun reading Rory and Elizabeth’s story as I had writing it. I’d love to hear from you. Visit me at www.juliebenson.net.

Julie

Julie Benson

Big City Cowboy

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

An avid daydreamer since childhood, Julie always loved creating stories. After graduating from the University of Texas at Dallas with a degree in sociology, she worked as a case manager before having her children: three boys—and many years later, she started pursuing a writing career to challenge her mind and save her sanity. Now she writes full-time in Dallas, where she lives with her husband, their sons, two lovable black dogs, two guinea pigs, a turtle and a fish. When she finds a little quiet time, which isn’t often, she enjoys making jewelry and reading a good book.

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To Kevin. Thanks for sticking with me through the ups and downs of life, and for believing in me and this dream. You’re definitely a keeper.

To Dr. Angela Krause and David Goddard. Thanks for the wedding invitation and for introducing me to Estes Park. This story never would have happened without you two.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter One

Estes Park, Colorado

“There is no way I’m getting on a horse.”

Elizabeth Harrington-Smyth pulled into the Twin Creeks Ranch parking lot, vowing she’d never attend another wedding, not even her own should she ever make time to date. So far, being her cousin Janice’s bridesmaid hadn’t been the greatest experience. And don’t get her started on the problems with the whole destination wedding idea that was the trend now.

“Estes Park is so beautiful, and what better way to see the scenery than going horseback riding?” Since moving to Denver three years ago, Janice had gone all outdoorswoman. Today she really fit the part, wearing jeans, a denim shirt and a red bandanna tied around her ebony ponytail.

Elizabeth shuddered. “Looking at the mountains as I sat in the hotel bar was good enough for me.”

“I think this will be a great bridesmaid outing,” chirped Laura, obedient bridesmaid number one. Her Katie Couric perkiness had overwhelmed Elizabeth within five minutes of meeting Janice’s coworker.

“I was hoping we’d get time to go riding. It’s something I’ve always wanted to try,” chimed in Claire, perfect bridesmaid number two, as they spilled out of Janice’s Camry. In addition to being a morning person, Claire had the irritating characteristics of being tall, slender and possessing a disgustingly high metabolism.

“I let you out of the hike yesterday because you were queasy and tired from the altitude, but I want us to have a good time together,” Janice insisted. “It’s girl bonding.”

“The wedding party activities are half the fun of being a bridesmaid,” Claire said.

According to whom? Clearly, Elizabeth and the rest of the bridal party had different definitions of fun.

Dust swirled around her, making her sneeze. It seemed as if they were surrounded by bales of hay. At least she’d taken a Claritin this morning, so she wouldn’t look like a red-eyed monster due to raging allergies.

“My idea of a good time is having a massage, facial and pedicure at the hotel, not riding on a smelly horse.” Elizabeth waved a fly away from her face. “The outdoors is pretty to look at, but I’m not keen on actually being in it. I’ll wait here by this fence—”

“It’s a corral, Elizabeth,” Janice corrected.

“Then I’ll wait here by the corral. The rest of you go ahead and enjoy.”

“I’ve never ridden a horse, but I’m willing to be adventurous, Elizabeth,” Laura coaxed.

“You’re here, so you might as well come with us,” Claire added.

“I’m afraid my Jimmy Choos aren’t meant for horseback riding.” Now that was an excuse any woman could understand and respect.

“Didn’t I tell you to wear sensible shoes that you didn’t mind getting dirty?” Janice asked.

Elizabeth stared at her cute leopard-print flats and her blood pressure rose. “All you said was wear sensible shoes, which I am. These are flats. I’d never have worn Jimmy Choos if you’d mentioned getting dirty.”

“Sorry. I guess I must’ve forgotten the getting dirty part.” Janice flashed her an I’m-the-bride-forgive-me smile. “There are so many details to planning a large destination wedding. I’m surprised I haven’t forgotten more things. You’ll have to make the best of the situation now.”