Galloping Hearts (Contemporary Cowboy Romance) (Texas Heat series: Book 2, Mitchell and Moira's story) by Amelia Rose Read Free Book Online

There are such things as twenty one year old virgins. The only thing I lied about was how many people I had clamoring for my belt buckle. There hasn’t been any since I went to the city.”
    “I find that hard to believe.”
    “Just like I find it hard to believe you’re still single too.”
    He shrugged. Not so hard for him to believe. “Not many worthwhile prospects.”
    She arched an eyebrow. “Not many or none?”
    “There were none but now, I’m finding there’s only one on the radar.”She smiled. “Who would that be?”
    Making a joke, he leaned back in the grass. “Well, of course I’m talking about Grannie. You’ve had that woman’s food.”
    She laughed, her head going back in amusement. “Of course. I should’ve known. I guess we should start heading back. We need to get to the house by lunch. Do you want to do this every day you aren’t with Billy?”
    As they climbed into the saddles, he answered. “Yeah. That would be fantastic. I would love it. This has been peaceful.”

Chapter Eight
    Moira loved the next two weeks. Her and Mitch went along together every day. She was happy Red and Grannie were working with Billy and her other siblings to allow for the time.
    One day, they were sitting outside under her tree out back. They had just moved the set of cows to a new pasture. She’d taken to bringing a blanket for them to sit on. What made this day different was that she brought her sketch pad and some pencils. She was so relaxed and wanted to draw for fun.
    As they sat under the tree, she looked to Mitch. “Can I draw you?”
    She smiled as his head snapped up in surprise. “What?”
    “I want the chance to draw a portrait. I don’t get to do them often.”
    She watched him evaluate the idea. She wondered what he would say. She hoped he gave her a legitimate reason to stare at him and draw.
    Finally, he nodded. “On one condition.”
    “What’s that?”
    “You show me your portfolio later on. Preferably on the front porch swing with some of Grannie Elaine’s sweet tea after we eat.”
    Her laugh came easy. “Sure. You know, I have to say, I think she likes having you at the table. The last couple weeks, I’ve noticed her watching you eat.”
    He laughed. “Whatever it takes to get my butt in front of one of her plates. If she wants to count each chew, I’ll help her.”
    She laughed, opening her pad. “Okay. Tonight after dinner, you can see them all.”
    He nodded, leaning back on his elbows. The shadows of the shade tree fell easily across his face and shoulders. She enjoyed seeing the way the sun hit his muscled arms. She didn’t say anything as she began drawing. She didn’t have to work hard to get into a groove.
    Before she realized it, she had the picture finished. She looked down, purposely smudging a few of the lines to create some of the shadows from the tree. Finally, she sighed at the complete picture. When she saw her hands, she laughed at how covered in lead they were.
    Meeting Mitchell’s eyes, she asked bashfully. “Would you like to see this one first?”
    He nodded, holding his hand out for the pad of paper. “Please.”
    She nodded, handing it over. She really hoped he liked it.
    ******
    When Mitchell took the pad of paper from Moira, he didn’t know what to expect. Whatever it was, the picture wasn’t that. It was beautiful. So beautiful that he wouldn’t have thought it him if he didn’t stare at the same face in the mirror every morning. He didn’t know how she’d made him look so good. He looked happy, relaxed… almost handsome. He shook his head as he looked at it.
    “How do you do this, Moira?”
    She brought her shoulders up. “I don’t know. I just draw what I see.”
    His laugh started in his belly. “Isn’t that a nice pile of crap. I’ve never looked that good.”
    She shook her head. “You’ve never looked anything less. I draw what I see.”
    “Then I think we need to make you an appointment at the eye doctor before we go back to