A Cowboy to Marry by CATHY GILLEN THACKER Read Free Book Online

as casual as they’d agreed they would be.
    â€œI figured we would actually go out first.” See how it went. “Speaking of which…”
    â€œI know.” The enticing curves of her breasts pushed against the fabric of her blouse as she inhaled. “I’m sorry.” Her tiny reindeer earrings jangled as she tilted her head slightly to one side. “I didn’t mean for that to happen, but when Miss Mim and Rosa called, wanting to brainstorm and bring along a few others, I couldn’t say no.”
    Holden’s glance fell to the delicate hollow of Libby’s throat before returning to her eyes. “I understand.”
    She raked her teeth over her luscious lower lip. “I didn’t expect it to go on so long.”
    Aware he was beginning to get aroused—also not part of their bargain—he glanced at his watch. “It’s only nine-thirty. We could still do something.” Anything to kill the desire building within him.
    â€œLike what?” Libby moved around the room, picking up a few stray glasses and plates. “The late movies have already started.”
    She hurried past him, her long, sexy strides adding fuel to the fire already burning deep inside him.
    â€œAnd most of the restaurants are already closing down. Not that I’m hungry—” Libby chattered on, setting the items in the sink “—since everyone who came over brought some sort of food.”
    Holden caught up with her and put the things he had gathered down, too.
    Aware she looked increasingly tense and worried—as if afraid to be alone with him—he put his hands on her shoulders. “Relax.”
    She tensed even more at his touch. “Sorry.” Swallowing, she forced a nervous smile, stepped back.
    This would not do.
    Holden shook his head in mute rebuke. Using humor to ease the sudden stress, he winked. “You’re as skittish as a cat who just had her tail caught beneath a rocking chair.”
    The comparison worked to quell her nerves. “Funny.” Libby returned his droll look with one of her own.
    â€œSeriously.” Holden stepped back and suggested smoothly, “We could go out and get a beer. Listen to music at the dance hall.”
    Libby lifted an elegant brow. “And no doubt run into your mom—because she owns the place?”
    He rubbed his hand across the back of his neck. “You’re right,” he admitted. “That would be a little claustrophobic for a first date. Even a very casual one.”
    Libby sighed and held up a hand in surrender. “Maybe we should just call it a night,” she said apologetically. “Try again—I don’t know—sometime next week.”
    Holden knew a woman about to back out on him when he saw one. He caught up with her in the hall and kept pace. “What’s wrong with tomorrow?”
    Libby frowned at the sight of a dirty glass she had missed. She picked it up and held it in front of her like a shield. “I’m going to be at the library to help remove the uncontaminated books that are coming to my home. After that, I’ll be busy setting up temporary stacks in my living room.”
    â€œI can help with that,” Holden volunteered.
    She shook her head. “You don’t have to.”
    He studied her, knowing they could not leave it like this and expect things to get any better between them. “I want to,” he insisted quietly.
    Libby seemed completely at a loss as to what to say or do next. Which in turn made Holden take a step closer, and ask, “Are you trying to get rid of me?” He scanned her head to toe, his eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Because you suddenly seem very nervous.” And he wanted to know why…so it wouldn’t happen again.
    â€œI’m just wired,” she said evasively, setting the lone glass on the foyer console rather than carry it all the way back to the kitchen. She jammed her hands on