Judy Duarte - Roping In The Cowgirl

Shannon nearly mentioned that to Blake, but decided it wasn’t her place to let him know how happy her aunt and his uncle were. Just thinking about the May-December romance made her smile, especially when she remembered Sam’s words when she’d asked if he was happy. “You bet I am,” he’d said. “Thanks to your aunt, I’m downright Joy-ful these days.”

As Shannon and Blake walked along the side of the barn, he continued to quiz her about life on the Rocking C. “Are all the retired cowboys as critical of the new hands as Rex is?”

“No, not usually. But that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy sharing their knowledge about cattle and horses every chance they get to corner one of the younger guys.”

“And letting them know when they’re doing something wrong?”

“That certainly happens.”

As they circled the barn, the crisp breeze blew a strand of hair across her eyes. She tucked it behind her ear, wishing she’d had time to weave it into a single braid before leaving her house.

“Still,” she said, “even though Rex was complaining, those new men are working out just fine.”

“Did my uncle tell you that?” Blake turned to her, his arm brushing hers again. His gaze zeroed in on her, and her steps slowed.

“Yes, he did, and I believe him. I grew up on a small spread myself, and while I’m no expert, I think some of Rex’s complaints are over the top.”

“I’m surprised that Sam didn’t hire more experienced hands,” Blake said.

“That’s because Chloe couldn’t afford to pay the higher salaries those men required, although we’re all hopeful things will start looking up soon.” In fact, Sam had refused to take a paycheck for himself, probably for that reason. He understood profit-and-loss statements. So did the owners. That’s also why Joe Martinez, Chloe’s husband, was getting an MBA. He hoped to learn more ways to generate funds, including donations.

But Shannon had probably said too much already to Sam’s nephew, the attorney. So she held her tongue. No need to see him get riled up about that. He seemed to have enough bothering him already.

There was another reason she kept quiet. One she didn’t like pondering.

Blake had finally ditched his scowl, and Shannon liked seeing him smile. Especially with that gleam in his blue eyes, the change in expression made him just as good-looking as she’d thought it would.

And if what she’d heard about him was true, he was the worst possible man in the entire world for her to find attractive. To make matters even worse, he might soon be considered family. And she would bet her last dollar he wouldn’t be the least bit thrilled to hear that news.

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