One Stubborn Cowboy by Barbara McMahon Read Free Book Online

worry about getting hurt. Too much of her time was taken in thinking about Kit Lockford.
    She dwelt on their meetings, thinking up different, clever things she should have said. Remembering their kiss. Remembering how he made her feel. How she wanted to kiss him again. The feelings he caused her were unlike any she'd ever experienced before. They were heady, exciting, sexy, unforgettable--and she wanted to experience them again.
    Kelly waited on her front porch until Kit and Sally passed by on their way home. Kit didn't look her way when she waved, and Kelly was disappointed. Maybe he didn't feel the same spark of attraction she felt so strongly. Maybe it was just her. She looked down the road long after they'd disappeared, remembering his kisses and the anticipation and delight she'd experienced around him each time. Didn't he feel any of the sensual pull she felt?
    * * *
    The next evening Kelly took pains with her appearance as she dressed for the dance. This was her first social event in her new town and she wanted to fit in. Forgoing some of the more sophisticated of her dresses, she settled on a light batiste cotton, pale blue and summery. The bodice was snug, the skirt full and flaring. She wore white sandals, which displayed her shapely legs to advantage. Highlighting her eyes, she needed no further makeup. She brushed her hair until it swirled like a soft, wavy cloud around her face. She was still a little nervous, but already knew several people who would be there—Molly, Beth, Sally, Clint. She'd meet others and take another step toward belonging.
    She'd prepared a double batch of Heavenly Delight, a chewy chocolate cookie, for her contribution. She picked up the wrapped dessert dish and left the house. The school was only a few blocks away so she planned to walk. It just wasn't far enough to drive.
    She felt strange walking along the country highway in the twilight. There were no streetlights, no sidewalks. It seemed very desolate, with only an occasional car passing. She quickened her pace when she saw the low brick building illuminated by lights inside and out. There were dozens of cars haphazardly parked around the high school, more arriving every minute.
    When she entered, she saw the tables stacked with food along one wall, a bar set up against another. The dance band was at the far end. Folding chairs had been placed around the perimeter. Several couples were already staking a claim to chairs before everyone arrived.
    Kelly added her contribution to the already crowded table. Glancing around, she spotted Beth and her husband, Mike, and waved. Joining them, she was soon introduced to friends of Beth's from school days who were reminiscing about the school activities they'd shared in this very gym.
    When the music started, Kelly was quickly claimed for a dance by a friend of Beth's. As the evening progressed, the group expanded and contracted as couples joined, drifted away. More and more single men stopped by to meet Kelly, urging Beth or Mike to perform introductions. Most of the men worked on the ranches in the area. Kelly enjoyed dancing, but couldn't help comparing each of her partners to Kit. She wished it was Kit she was dancing with.
    Between dances she nibbled on the food, sipped some beer and talked of books, movies and cattle. During the band's first break Mike's eyes widened.
    "Well, I'll be damned. Look who came."
    Everyone swiveled to see the reason for his comment. Kit, Clint and Sally Lockford entered the gym. Kit was leaning on his crutches, his face impassive, his hat tilted forward. Ignoring the whispers now running around the room as more and more people became aware of his unusual attendance, he calmly surveyed the crowd.
    Spotting Beth and Kelly, Clint said something to Sally and Kit. They turned and made their way to the group.
    Introductions were made, and Kelly watched as Kit was surrounded by old friends. Men and women from all over the gym came over to speak with him, greeting him