Curves and the All-American Male (BBW Western Romance - Coldwater Springs 7) by Jenn Roseton Read Free Book Online

like one. But she didn’twant her neighbors to hear their conversation - or their break up - so she stood aside and let him enter.
    She led the way into the living room and stood in the middle of the room, facing him.
    “Sweetheart, there’s nothing going on between me and Renee.” He held her gaze.
    “Do you mean Blondie?” She dug her fingernails into her palms, waiting for his reply.
    “Yeah.” His mouth twisted humorlessly. “If that’s your name for the woman who was talking to me at the bakery just now.”
    “But … she said she wanted you back.” Her heart pounded as she waited for him to reply.
    A muscle pulsed in his cheek. “It was only a casual, no strings thing with her. And it was over almost as soon as it started, when I realized I was a fool to get involved with her.” He answered her unspoken question. “I didn’t sleep with her.”
    Relief flooded through her. Did this mean he didn’t mind her curves? That they could have a future together? Then she remembered …
    “But what about her offer to guest star at the rodeo?” Would he leave Coldwater Springs, and his ranch, to take up the lucrative offer? Where would that leave her?
    “No.” He shook his head. “I’m not interested. And I told her that. Last year when I broke my leg - again - I realized I’d be an idiot to keep working the circuit. So I took some time off, stayed with my sister for a while, then decided to buy a ranch with my earnings.”
    Lori stared at him, positive her conflicting emotions flickered across her face: elation but also a touch of wariness.
    When she didn’t say anything, he added, “And settle down.”
    She wanted to believe him - so much - but could she?
    “I want strings, Lori.” He clasped her hand in his. “And I want them with you. No one else.”
    “You … you do?” A tremulous smile escaped her lips.
    “You have no idea how much, Lori.” He wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her close. “You’re the only one for me, sweetheart.”
    His lips claimed hers, warm and soft. With a sigh, she relaxed in his arms and returned his kiss.
    Long minutes later, Ty reluctantly drew back. “I have to be honest, Lori. The night we met when we both babysat for Chase and Sarah was a setup.”
    “It was?” That explained a lot. Her suspicions that night had been right.
    He chuckled. “Yeah. And I have to admit I had mixed feelings about it - until I met you. And then you should have heard me thanking Chase afterward.”
    She furrowed her brow. “But if I hadn’t had that flat tire … ”
    His mouth swooped down on hers. “I was going to call you that night. And if that didn’t work, I was going to ask Chase to arrange another setup for us. Anything, until you agreed to go out with me.”
    “Oh, Ty.” Her finger caressed his cheek. All her feelings bubbled up inside her. Was this the right time to tell him exactly what she felt for him? Or perhaps she could just take his hand and lead him to the bedroom, and show him without words that she--
    “Lori.” He cupped her chin, his dark brown eyes scorched with heat. “I love you. I think I fell in love with you that first evening, when you went to check on the baby.”
    Joy bubbled through her. Her feelings were returned. He loved her!
    She took a deep breath. “I love you too, Ty.”
    She knew now her first impression of him had been wrong. He wasn’t anything like her ex-boyfriend. This was the real Ty.
    “Baby.” He crushed her to him, his lips claiming hers, his passionate kiss telling her just how much he loved her.
    Minutes - or was it hours later - Lori dragged in a much-needed breath. She couldn’t help feeling a little trepidation, but she needed to know if Ty would still love her - and her curves - when he saw her naked.
    “What is it sweetheart?” His hands roamed over her back, his fingers briefly trailing over her derriere, before returning to her spine.
    “This way.” She took a step back and tugged on his hand, her