One Stubborn Cowboy by Barbara McMahon Read Free Book Online Page A

warmly. He talked easily with them, moving skillfully around with his crutches.
    When the music started again, he turned toward the chairs along the wall, sitting down easily, slipping his hat and crutches beneath his seat. His expression was again impassive as he watched the dancers.
    Kelly watched him from the dance floor as friends took turns sitting out with him, talking and laughing easily together.
    He didn't seem to know she was there. Except for his brief greeting, he had ignored her. Was he having such a good time? Or was he deliberately ignoring her for another reason? He talked with so many people she lost count. He seemed to be enjoying himself. She wanted to sit out a dance with him, too. Talk to him, be close to him again.
    Thinking up an excuse, she decided to ask him if his offer to take her to see the black pony was still good. But just as she started toward him, Clint claimed her for a dance. "Having fun?"
    "Yes. Everyone's been so nice and friendly. It definitely explodes the small-town myth of a closed society."
    He chuckled. "It's really a myth to keep city folks from flooding in."
    "I was surprised to see Kit. I thought he didn't come to things like this," she said.
    Clint glanced over at his brother, then back to Kelly. "He usually doesn't. Though in all fairness, I guess a dance isn't all that fun if you can't join in."
    "He can still visit with friends, enjoy the music," Kelly said, her eyes on the man under discussion. He was talking with Sally.
    "This is the first time he's come to anything like this since he was injured. He surprised us when he told us he was coming."
    "I'm glad he came," Kelly said simply, her eyes still drinking him in.
    The song ended. Clint kept hold of her hand, leading her toward Kit. Sally rose as they approached, smiling at her husband.
    "Hi, Kit," Kelly said calmly, nodding at Sally as she took her seat. Sally and Clint moved into the next song and Kelly warily turned to the man beside her. Her heart was pounding, though it had proved easier than she'd thought to join him. Now what?
    He looked at her long and hard, his eyes bright, the familiar tightness on his face. Then he shrugged, his face relaxing a little.
    "Enjoying yourself?" he asked, taking a sip of beer.
    "Yes. I've met so many people I can't keep the names straight. Everyone's friendly."
    "Not quite everyone," he said softly.
    "Well, maybe friendly doesn't quite describe you. You're a little harder to get to know," she teased. Then she remembered his kiss. He might be harder to know, but it was worth the difficulty. "Are you glad you came?"
    "It wasn't too bad until Sally gave me some bad news. Now I'm going to be put into a damn awkward situation momentarily and I'm trying to figure a way out," he said shortly, looking over the crowd.
    "Just by coming here?" She was puzzled. He seemed to be having a good time. What had gone wrong?
    "I shouldn't have come."
    "Why? Is there anything I can do?" she asked softly, still perplexed by his comments. Somehow she didn't associate problems with Kit Lockford. He was too domineering to give in to petty problems. He'd run roughshod over anything that got in his way. At least, that was how she saw him. But if there was something she could do to help, she wanted to. Would he have come to the dance if she hadn't teased him about it?
    "I don't see how you can help." Taking a long drink from his beer, he then twirled it absently in his hands as he again surveyed the crowded room. •
    Kelly could feel the tension emanating from him. This time it had nothing to do with her, with them. He was worried, upset. Why? And why did he keep scanning the crowd?
    "Are you looking for someone in particular?" Kelly asked, looking across the crowded room.
    "Why do you ask?"
    "You look like you're seeking someone. Or something."
    "Someone I'd rather not see," he muttered.
    "Who?"
    He drew in a deep breath. His eyes again scanned the room. Then he turned and looked at Kelly. Her heart sank at the