Cowboy's Bride by Barbara McMahon Read Free Book Online

five o'clock and he would be here
in an hour and she wanted nothing so much as to roll over and sleep
for another ten hours.
    Slowly she dragged herself out of bed. A
quick shower revived her enough to get dressed. Knowing how hot the
day would be, she braided her hair for coolness. Maybe she should
get it cut, but its warmth would be welcomed in the cold winter
months of Wyoming. And she rather liked it long.
    She'd think on it.
    Slowly she made her way to the kitchen. The
first faint traces of dawn glimmered. The sky was lighter in the
east, the faint outlines of the mountains barely discernible in the
west. She measured coffee, started the machine and turned to get
some eggs. She had to go shopping today. The few things she'd
picked up on her way here had only been to tide her over, to give
her a chance to scope out what the ranch held and make a list of
all she needed. The light shopping she'd done certainly hadn't been
enough to provide for Trace's hearty appetite as well.
    She should have made her list yesterday, or
last night. But she had stayed at the computer until she was
bleary- eyed and much too tired to think, much less plan meals and
make a list of groceries. She'd have to make time today. Both to
make the list and purchase the food.
    Right at six she heard the truck pull in and
the engine cut off. Satisfied, she dished up the eggs and sausages
and stacked the toast on another plate.
    "Good morning!" she said brightly as he
walked in, pleased as punch at the look of disbelief on his face.
It made all the painful effort worthwhile.
    "Morning. You been up all night?" he asked as
he tossed his hat on the rack and sat on the chair he'd used
yesterday.
    "No, just got up a little while ago. Dig in.
We've lots to do today." She eased herself down in the chair and
prayed the day's activities didn't include riding. Even the seat of
the chair was uncomfortable.
    She watched him as he served himself from the
platter, amazed at the strong pull of attraction she felt so early
in the morning. Every inch ached, and all she could think was that
one of his kisses would make everything better.
    Oh, great. She groaned internally. Was today
to be a repeat of yesterday? Was she going to have to watch her
every thought to make sure she didn't just throw herself against
him and ask him to make love to her?
    "How far did you get with the records?" he
asked.
    "Part way through February. There's a lot of
stuff." Thank God he didn't suspect the wayward tendencies of her
thoughts. She had to concentrate on ranch business.
    "Yeah. Philip was sick for a long time before
I realized how bad things were. A lot of things slid. Then at the
end, he couldn't do anything. He was behind when I stepped in and I
never caught up."
    "Well, a few more marathon sessions like
yesterday and I'll be caught up," she said with quiet confidence.
Once she got the hang of everything, the organization had gone
fast. But there was a lot of information still to input into the
computer. And she didn't have a clue what she was going to do with
all the information once she was finished. Maybe Trace would
explain what she was to look for.
    "I thought today we'd ride out with Jose and
Josh. You can get to know them, see how they work. We can check the
fences and water holes at the same time. Give you a better feel for
your land," Trace said easily. He glanced up in time to catch the
grimace that crossed her face.
    "Problem with that?" he asked silkily. Was
she still wanting to give orders? Was she going to fight his every
suggestion?
    "No. No problem with that." She swallowed
hard and thought about the aspirin and Motrin she'd need to take
before they left. At least she'd be numb for part of the day. What
would they say if she asked for a pillow for her saddle? She could
just imagine.
    "I'll let the men know. We'll leave in
fifteen minutes. Can you be ready by then?"
    "Of course."
    He smiled sardonically, knowing she'd never
admit to any kind of weakness. He'd seen the