Marie Ferrarella - The Rancher And The Baby

WRANGLIN’ WITH THE RANCHER?

Cassidy McCullough can’t remember a time when rancher Will Laredo wasn’t a huge (albeit handsome) pain in her backside. In this small Texan town, their bickering is almost legendary. When they rescue a baby during a flash flood, however, Will and Cassidy suddenly find themselves temporary guardians of a child…together.

Will has a hard time holstering his temper around Cassidy. Now they’re both responsible for a lost baby, and darned if they can’t stop arguing. The only way to make it through is to declare a cease-fire. And Lord help them both if that happens…because then Will might just discover he’s falling for his enemy.

“Stop being so agreeable… That’s not like you.”

That damn sexy smile of Will’s was back.

“Maybe it is,” he contradicted.

She didn’t like these new rules. “You’re just messing with my mind,” Cassidy accused.

Will inclined his head. “If you say so.”

She clenched her hands in her lap, curling her fingernails into her palms. She was doing what she could in order to ground herself.

His smile told her that he was enjoying this, enjoying getting under her skin, getting in the last word, because, she reminded herself, that was the way Will Laredo was built. You can’t change the spots on a leopard, she insisted. Even a leopard with a very sexy smile.

Especially a leopard with a very sexy smile.

The Rancher and the Baby

Marie Ferrarella

www.millsandboon.co.uk

MARIE FERRARELLA is a USA TODAY bestselling and RITA® Award–winning author who has written more than two hundred and fifty books for Mills & Boon, some under the name Marie Nicole. Her romances are beloved by fans worldwide. Visit her website, marieferrarella.com.

To

Michael & Mark,

who were once my

younger brothers,

but through the

miracle of creative math,

are now my

older brothers

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text WRANGLIN’ WITH THE RANCHER? Cassidy McCullough can’t remember a time when rancher Will Laredo wasn’t a huge (albeit handsome) pain in her backside. In this small Texan town, their bickering is almost legendary. When they rescue a baby during a flash flood, however, Will and Cassidy suddenly find themselves temporary guardians of a child…together. Will has a hard time holstering his temper around Cassidy. Now they’re both responsible for a lost baby, and darned if they can’t stop arguing. The only way to make it through is to declare a cease-fire. And Lord help them both if that happens…because then Will might just discover he’s falling for his enemy.

Introduction “Stop being so agreeable… That’s not like you.” That damn sexy smile of Will’s was back. “Maybe it is,” he contradicted. She didn’t like these new rules. “You’re just messing with my mind,” Cassidy accused. Will inclined his head. “If you say so.” She clenched her hands in her lap, curling her fingernails into her palms. She was doing what she could in order to ground herself. His smile told her that he was enjoying this, enjoying getting under her skin, getting in the last word, because, she reminded herself, that was the way Will Laredo was built. You can’t change the spots on a leopard, she insisted. Even a leopard with a very sexy smile. Especially a leopard with a very sexy smile.

Title Page The Rancher and the Baby Marie Ferrarella www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author MARIE FERRARELLA is a USA TODAY bestselling and RITA® Award–winning author who has written more than two hundred and fifty books for Mills & Boon, some under the name Marie Nicole. Her romances are beloved by fans worldwide. Visit her website, marieferrarella.com .

Dedication To Michael & Mark, who were once my younger brothers, but through the miracle of creative math, are now my older brothers

Prologue

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 Seventeen

Extract

Copyright

Prologue

“Mind if I cut in?”

Instantly pulled out of her mental wanderings—a defense mechanism she employed when whoever she was with was boring her out of her mind—Cassidy McCullough looked up, focusing on the man who had just tapped her dance partner’s shoulder.

Not that she really needed to.

Despite the fact that he had been absent from Forever for the better part of four years, she would have recognized that voice anywhere.

It popped up in her nightmares.

Will Laredo.

Will had been her brothers’ friend for as far back as she could remember—until his estrangement with his father had taken him to parts unknown, simultaneously bringing peace to her own corner of the world.

As she looked back, it felt as if her peace had been far too short-lived. Especially since, for reasons that were beyond her understanding, all three of her brothers liked this six-foot-one-inch, dirty-blond-haired irritant on two legs—which was why Cody had not only invited him to his wedding, he’d made Will one of his groomsmen.

To her surprise, Ron Jenkins, her fawning partner on the dance floor, seemed all too ready to acquiesce to Laredo’s casual query. Under normal circumstances, she would have celebrated getting a different partner—but not this time.

Ron might be willing, Cassidy thought, but she damn well wasn’t.

“He might not mind,” Cassidy retorted defiantly, “but I do.”

Rather than taking his cue and backing away, Will remained exactly where he was. Not only that, but his mouth curved in that annoying, smug way of his that she had always hated.

“Your brothers seemed to think I should dance with you.”

“Maybe you should dance with one of them since they all seem to be so keen on the subject of dancing,” Cassidy informed him.

Looking increasingly more uncomfortable, Ron seemed ready to fade into the shadows. “No, really, it’s all right,” he assured both her and Will nervously. A slight man, he appeared more than ready to surrender his claim to her.

Cassidy’s eyes narrowed as she froze her partner in place. “You stop dancing with me, Ron Jenkins,” she warned the man, “and it’ll be the last thing you’ll ever remember doing.”

Rather than slow down, Cassidy sped up her tempo.

Instead of being annoyed or embarrassed at this obvious rejection, Will laughed. “You’d better do as she says, Ron. Most men around here would sooner cross an angry rattlesnake than Cassidy. I hear that her bite is a lot more deadly.”

Struggling to hold on to her temper, Cassidy tossed her head. Several blond strands came loose and cascaded to her shoulders. She ignored them.

“If I were you, Laredo, I’d keep that in mind the next time you think about cutting in,” she informed him, her eyes blazing.

Will inclined his head, the same amused smile slowly curving his lips. “There’s not going to be a next time,” he assured her.

Cassidy turned her face up to her partner’s and said in a voice intentionally loud enough for Will to overhear, “Dance me by the champagne table, Ron. Now I’ve got something else to celebrate besides my brother Cody’s wedding.”