Patricia Thayer - Rocky Mountain Brides - Raising the Rancher's Family

Her life. Leah sighed. At one time, she thought she’d had it all planned out. From an early age, she’d known what she’d wanted. A career and travel first. Not until she was thirty would she even think about settling down. Now suddenly she was playing house with one sexy cowboy, and a surrogate mother to an eight-year-old boy. And she was crazy about both of them.

“So, this is where you’ve been hiding out,” Holt said.

Leah jerked around to find him leaning against an empty stall across the aisle. Even dressed in dirty jeans and shirt from the day’s branding, he looked handsome…sexy…mouthwatering.

She finally found her voice. “I was just checking on the filly.”

“I think Goldie’s been checked on by nearly half the town today.” His smile was slow and easy and it took her breath away.

He pushed away from the stall and walked to her. “I had a feeling that you are avoiding me.”

She continued to stroke the horse, but Lulu changed allegiance and went to Holt. Fickle female. The mare nudged against his hands, begging for attention and Holt began stroking her nose.

“She just can’t get enough attention,” he said.

Leah met his heated gaze, then recalled an earlier event that day. Several women had been immune to his charms, especially one shapely blonde. “Reminds me of someone else.”

“If you’re talking about Kaley, I’m not interested. She’s definitely not my type.”

“Who says I care?” she told him, trying to sound convincing.

Holt clutched his hand to his heart. “Oh, that hurts.”

Leah worked hard not to smile. “Go cry on Kaley’s shoulder.” She turned serious. “Encouraged or not, the woman goes after what she wants. And she wants you.”

Holt took a step closer and reached for Leah. “I don’t want her.”

Leah suddenly felt hot. “It’s none of my business.”

He leaned toward her. “Yes, it is.” He brushed back a loose strand of her hair. His grazing touch caused her to shiver. “Because, Leah, you’re the one who keeps me awake at night, the one who makes me ache until I think I can stand it any longer.” His head descended to hers.

“Holt…this isn’t a good idea…you kissing me …” Her resistance was weak; even she didn’t believe her words.

Holt searched her face, the blatant desire in his green eyes caused her heart to pound in her ears. His warm breath caressed her face, making her shiver. “That’s why you’re going to kiss me,” he whispered. “So you’ll have no regrets.”

Leah swallowed hard. “I still don’t think this is wise…to start anything.” Even she didn’t believe what she was saying.

Holt touched her cheek with the back of his hand. “Don’t think, Leah.” His low, husky tone was slowly mesmerizing her. “Just feel …” he breathed and she lost the battle. With a tiny whimper she surrendered, went into his arms and her lips touched his.

This one time wouldn’t hurt.

Now if only she believed that.

THE next day, standing on the inn’s porch, preparing to snap a picture, Leah was still reliving Holt’s kisses. She didn’t want to think about them at all. But as hard as she tried she couldn’t stop the feelings.

None of that mattered. She was heading off in a few weeks for her next assignment. That meant leaving her family and friends behind. And worse, this time it would mean leaving Holt and Corey. Although she was crazy to feel that way. She’d be a fool to expect a commitment from Holt, and Corey would probably go into a foster home soon, and there was nothing she would do about it. She sighed, feeling her eyes burn. Too bad because he and Holt were great together and needed each other badly.

“Leah, are you going to take the picture today?” Morgan called.

Leah shook away her thoughts, realizing her sister and parents were on the inn’s porch waiting for her.

“Sorry, I was checking for the best light,” she fibbed. “Okay, now smile.” Her parents obliged and she took the picture. “That’s it.”

Morgan came down the steps. “Where else do you want to go?”

Leah smiled at her sister’s excitement and she was glad she’d volunteered to take pictures for the town’s new brochure and Web site. “How about if we call it a day? I’m losing the light and I need to get Corey back to the ranch for dinner.”

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