Judy Duarte - A Cowboy Family Christmas

Just the word rodeo sent Lainie’s heart slamming into her chest. Had she seen him while on one of the few dates she’d had with Craig?

No, she’d never forget a man like him.

But if he and Craig ran in the same circles, he might recognize her. For that reason, she’d better get out of here. She didn’t mind being around the older cowboys, some of whom had ridden in the rodeo back in the days before cable television and social media. But a recent connection spelled trouble—and further humiliation.

Nevertheless, she wouldn’t be rude to a ranch visitor. So she placed the letter she’d been holding upside down on the rest of the stack on the table. Then she got to her feet and said, “It’s nice to meet you. I’ll put on a pot of coffee.”

Then she did just that. If there was one thing she’d learned in her short time at the Rocking C, it was that the cowboys, young and old, loved a fresh brew.

As the coffee began to perk, Lainie studied the pot as if it might bounce off the countertop if she didn’t stand guard.

She fingered the side of her head, checking to see if any strands had come loose. She used to wear it long, the curls tumbling along her shoulders and down her back. But after that video had gone viral, she’d pulled it up into a prim topknot—just one of several alterations she’d made to her appearance so she could fade into the background until that ugly incident was forgotten.

When the coffeemaker let out a last steamy gurgle, she poured two cups, then turned to face the younger men. They continued to stand in the middle of the kitchen, speaking to Sully, who was still seated at the table. She was about to excuse herself and leave them to chat among themselves, but her curiosity betrayed her and she took one last glace at Drew, who’d zeroed in on her.

“For some reason,” he said, his gaze intense enough to see right through her, “it seems as if I’ve met you before.”

“That’s not likely,” she said. “I’m not from around here.”

“Where are you from?”

She wanted to ask, What’s up with the third degree? Instead, she said, “I’m from up north—originally. But I’m sure we’ve never met. I just have that kind of face. I get comments like that all the time. Sugar? Cream?”

“I like it black.”

His gaze continued to roam over her, as if removing her façade one piece at a time. But she pushed through the discomfort and handed him a mug.

He thanked her but didn’t take a drink. Instead, those baby blues continued to study her as if trying to pinpoint where they’d met. But wouldn’t she remember if they had? A woman wouldn’t forget a man like him.

No, he was mistaken. She glanced down at the loose blouse and baggy jeans she wore today. She hadn’t used any makeup. Her curls had been pulled into a bun.

But when she again looked at him, when their gazes locked, her heart soared and her hormones flared. For a moment she wished she’d been wearing that red dress Craig had given her for her birthday and insisted that she wear to the hotel that night, their first significant date, where they were to celebrate by having dinner. But she suspected someone who frequented thrift shops had already snatched it up, pleased with their find.

“If you’ll excuse me,” Lainie said, “I have work to do.”

Then she left the kitchen and headed for her room.

After that awful night in Houston, she’d made up her mind to steer clear of handsome cowboys. And Drew Madison was as handsome as any cowboy she’d ever seen.

Chapter Two

Drew leaned back in his chair and watched the housekeeper stride toward the kitchen doorway. She wasn’t the kind of woman he usually found attractive, but for some reason he did, and he hadn’t been able to keep his eyes off her.

She had a wholesome, clean-cut way about her. Maybe it was the lack of makeup, which she really didn’t need. She looked cute in those baggy overalls and plain white T-shirt, but there seemed to be real beauty underneath.

Her dark hair had been pulled up in a simple topknot, but he imagined it’d be lush and glossy if she wore it loose. And those brown, soulful eyes? A man could get lost in them.

She’d said they’d never met, and she was probably right. Her name didn’t ring a bell. Laney? It wasn’t one you heard every day.

Even though she’d already stepped out of the kitchen, he continued to watch the open doorway until Nate mentioned Drew’s sister.

“How’s Kara Lee doing?” he said. “It must have been devastating for her to lose another baby.”

“She’s still pregnant, thank goodness.”

“Really?” Nate said. “That’s good news. I’d heard otherwise, which would have been a real shame.”

“There’re a lot of rumors going around.” Hell, Drew had heard most of them.

“Speaking of babies,” Drew said. “How’s little Jessica?”

Nate, who’d recently assumed custody of his newborn daughter, a preemie, broke into a proud papa grin. “She’s doing great—and growing like a weed.”

“And Anna?”

Nate’s smile deepened. “She’s the best thing that ever happened to me. I love being married.”

“Better you than me,” Drew said.

Nate chuckled. “Anyway, I’m glad Kara Lee’s doing all right.”

“Part of what you heard was true,” Nate said. “She did go into labor the night she caught Craig cheating. Thankfully, her obstetrician managed to stop the contractions, but she’s on bed rest for the time being.”

“That’s got to be tough,” Nate said. “Especially for an active woman like her.”

“You got that right, she’s determined to have this baby. And she’ll do whatever it takes.”

“Well, give her my best,” Nate said. “I know how badly she wants a kid.”

“This one’s a boy. And she plans to name him Robert. Bobby for short.”

“I hate to even bring up his name, but how’s Craig fit into the picture? I heard he’s been begging her to forgive him.”

Drew’s back stiffened. “Where did you hear that?”

“Just around. There’s been a lot of talk.”

Drew wished that was one rumor he could debunk, but it was true. Craig had been calling her, promising her the moon. “I can’t see her taking him back. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was still seeing that sexy brunette who was with him in that hotel restaurant.”

“Knowing Craig like I do, you’re probably right.” Nate crossed his arms. “I didn’t see the video, but a couple of the other guys working here did. They say that woman looked like a pop-star wannabe. Did you see it?”

“Yeah.” Way too many times. “I didn’t get a clear look at her face, but she was certainly dressed the part in that curve-hugging red dress and high heels.”

Other than that, Drew didn’t know much about the woman, other than what he’d either heard through the rodeo grapevine or gathered from social media. Rumor had it her name was Elena, that she knew how to get what she wanted and that she’d set her sights on landing a champion bull rider, even if he was married to someone else.

Now there was another person he’d like to confront—if he ever crossed paths with her.

Kara Lee had told him that the brunette had claimed it was all a mistake, that Kara Lee had it all wrong. But there were plenty of nearby bars and restaurants where that woman and Craig could have met. So there was only one reason for them to be at a hotel.

Nate clucked his tongue and shook his head. “Craig never did deserve a woman like Kara Lee. And she sure as hell didn’t deserve the way he treated her.”

“You got that right.”

As they both pondered the truth of that fact, the room grew silent for a couple of beats. Then Sully spoke up and snagged Drew’s attention.