Patricia Thayer - The Cowboy She Couldn't Forget

Ana hesitated, but accepted it. “I’m not much of a drinker.”

“Nor am I, but I think tonight one glass wouldn’t hurt.” He raised his glass to her in a toast, then took another drink. “Come see the L.A. stars.”

Ana wasn’t sure if drinking alcohol was a good idea, but she didn’t have to go anywhere. She walked to the big window. “Where?”

He pointed downward. “They’re down there. See all the lights.”

She smiled, aware of the big man standing very near to her. “Oh, my. That’s a lot of houses.”

“It looks crowded, too. How do they stand being so close together?”

Ana took another sip, enjoying the taste as the liquid slid down easily. She sipped again and her body began to relax. “And the noise? How do they stand all the noise and traffic?”

He shrugged. “I have no idea. I feel I was pretty lucky to end up at the Lazy S.”

“I know.” She faced him, feeling overwhelmed by everything that had happened the past week. “I don’t want to lose the ranch, Vance. I can’t.”

He looked down at her. “I promise, Ana. I won’t let that happen.”

“So you’ll help me?”

She realized that his gaze dropped to her mouth. And she suddenly remembered another time when he looked at her that same way. Right before he kissed her. “You don’t even have to ask, bright eyes.”

His deep, husky voice caused a warm shiver to rush down her spine. She took another sip and suddenly felt light-headed, not knowing if it was the wine or the man. She reached out and touched his forearm to steady herself. Big mistake, looking into his dark eyes. “I like when you call me that.” Did she really say that out loud?

Vance frowned. “I think you need to eat something.” He took their wineglasses and set them on the table. “Come to think about it, you didn’t finish much of your lunch.”

Reality came back full force. “Arguing with my sisters always causes me to lose my appetite.” She felt the tears welling up. “They are so angry with Dad, but I can’t blame them.”

He gripped her upper arms. “Look, Ana, you need to give them some time. I have a feeling they’ll find their way back home.”

She hesitated, so aware of his touch. “Will you leave the ranch if Colt doesn’t get better?”

“Do you want me to leave?”

Ana couldn’t imagine the Lazy S without him. She shook her head. “No. You have to stay. I mean, you know the operation, the cattle and the crops.”

Vance knew that Ana was exhausted. The last few days were beginning to take a toll. Mix in wine and that could mean trouble. What he did like was how agreeable she was with him, and so close. It would be easy to lean down and kiss that tempting mouth of hers.

Whoa. He quickly shook away the thought and stepped back. “Then let’s come up with a way to make money.”

She picked up her wineglass and took another sip. “What about the roundup?”

“With low cattle prices and our smaller herd, it’s not enough. Besides, there’s something you girls need to know....” He paused as Ana looked at him with her deep blue eyes. The last thing he wanted to do was give her any more bad news.

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