Claiming the Rancher's Heart by Cindy Kirk Read Free Book Online

removed his hat from her head and held it out to him. “Thanks for the loaner.”
    Josh took the hat, but didn’t immediately put it on his head. “I don’t understand why he’d show up here.”
    It was a question she’d like answered, as well. “No clue,” Stacie said. “But I’m going to find out.”

Chapter Five
    J osh watched Stacie and Lauren disappear from sight, adrenaline spurting through his veins.
    Though she hadn’t said anything about Paul, the fact that she wasn’t close to any of her family meant she wasn’t close to this guy, either. And even though this wasn’t a date in the traditional sense, Stacie had come with him. That meant he was responsible for her safety.
    His mind made up, Josh pushed through the crowd, responding to friends without slowing his pace. He reached the front entrance, expecting to see Stacie and her brother, but instead found Pastor Barbee and his wife standing by the door.
    The midsixties couple had been on the dance floor since the square dancing started, so Josh hadn’t had a chance to say hello much less introduce Stacie. He could only hope they knew who she was.
    “Have you seen Stacie Summers?” Josh kept his tone casual and offhand. “She’s Anna’s friend. The one I was dancing with earlier.”
    “The pretty dark-haired girl.” Mrs. Barbee nodded approvingly. “With the pink boots.”
    “That’s the one.” Josh cast a quick glance around, but once again came up empty. “You saw her?”
    “She went outside.” The pastor gestured toward the door with one hand.
    “She was with a man,” Mrs. Barbee added, a look of sympathy on her lined face. “Nice looking, but not as handsome as you.”
    Josh wasn’t quite sure how to respond to that statement so he let it lie.
    “Appreciate the information.” Josh opened the door and stepped into the cool night air. He paused on the sidewalk and scanned the familiar street. At the far end of the block, he spotted her.
    She and her brother stood next to a late-model Lincoln Town Car. Though her arms were crossed and her spine as stiff as a soldier’s, she didn’t appear in any distress. Now that he knew she was okay, good manners dictated he should go inside and give her some privacy. But he had an uneasy feeling about the situation and he’d learned to trust his instincts. So he leaned back against the building, keeping his eyes fixed on the pair.
    He planned to stay out of it, truly he did. But when she raised her voice and the man in the dark suit grabbed her arm, Josh was down the street and at her side in a heartbeat.
    “Get your hands off her,” he growled. Brother or not, no man was going to raise a hand to Stacie. Not if Josh had anything to say about it.
    The man whirled, releasing his hold on her arm, his lips thinning with displeasure.
    Even if Josh hadn’t known this was Stacie’s brother, the resemblance between the two would have given it away. Although Paul was a good head taller than his sister and his hair a shade lighter, their almond-shaped eyes and patrician noses proclaimed them family.
    “I don’t know how it is where you come from,” Josh said, “but around here we don’t manhandle a woman.”
    Paul’s gaze narrowed and Stacie took a step away, the action bringing her closer to Josh. It seemed natural for him to slip an arm around her shoulder, but she shrugged off the support, making it clear this was her battle.
    A mocking little smile lifted her brother’s lips. He shifted his gaze to Stacie. “Tell me you’re not walking away from the opportunity of a lifetime for a two-bit cowboy.”
    “He’s not why I said no,” Stacie said in a calm voice. “Josh is an acquaintance, not a boyfriend.”
    Josh bristled. Acquaintance? He was acquainted with the librarian in town, but he’d never held her in his arms. Or felt her lips against his.
    “Then this stubborn refusal of yours makes no sense.” Paul’s gaze remained fixed on Stacie. “Why would you turn down such a