Tex Times Ten by Tina Leonard Read Free Book Online Page A

under your pillow last night, could you?”
    Her expression was coy. “None of your business, cowboy.”
    “You did. And you dreamed about someone, didn’t you?”
    She shook her head. “I slept like a log.”
    “Sleep on it again tonight. I bet you dream of me. I’m starting to get under your skin.”
    She laughed at him, and he was glad to hear the sound. “Remind me to spray myself with repellant the next time you fly around.”
    And then she walked away. Her hips switched tantalizingly, and he had to admit, that was a well-packaged woman. There were moments when he wanted to unwrap that package again.
    “She’s a good girl,” he reminded himself.
    Though there was definitely something going on between the two of them.
    He just wasn’t certain what it was.
     
    “C ISSY !” M ARVELLA CALLED .
    Cissy turned around, and she saw Tex do the same. Marvella traveled the extra fifteen feet, hauling the new cowboy with her. “Cissy, this is Ant Dilworth. Ant, meet my best girl, Cissy Kisserton.”
    Cissy noticed Tex had drawn within listening distance. Shame on him for being so nosy!
    “Howdy, Miss Cissy,” Ant said. “Kisserton’s the perfect name for you. I’d kiss a gal like you a ton, if you was mine.”
    Marvella laughed. “Kiss her tons. I get it. Ant, you’re a very smart cowboy. I like brains in a man.”
    Ant looked full of himself. Tex glowered. Cissy smiled.
    “And this is Tex Jefferson, a local cowboy who’s been kind enough to ride for our salon in the past.”
    The men shook hands. “Ah, yeah. You’re the one she bid on first, but then decided was too tore up. Too bad, man.”
    Cissy tried not to giggle. But Tex’s expression was priceless.
    “Hey, why don’t the two of you show Ant around Mayfest?” Marvella asked. “We want him to have a good time before the rodeo.”
    Cissy and Tex looked at each other. Ant drew himself up to his full five-foot-six height.
    “All right, Marvella,” Cissy said reluctantly. “Tex?”
    “Well, I wouldn’t dream of leaving this young man without friends,” Tex said, his dark gaze on Cissy.
    “Wonderful!” Marvella exclaimed. “But you have him back in good shape and on time, Cissy.”
    “Oh, we will.” She frowned at Tex, and he raised a brow.
    “Here’s some spending money for my guest,” Marvella said, opening her black bag. “We’re good to our riders here.”
    “I can see that!” Ant said happily. “Getting invited to that raffle was the best thing that ever happened to me!”
    “That’s exactly what Tex said,” Cissy fibbed, just to watch the flames explode from Tex’s head. “He loves the fact that ten women won him.”
    “I would, too! If you decide you’re too worn outto deal with ten women, you just call me,” Ant told Tex. “I’ll be happy to help you out, old hoss.”
    “Yep,” Tex said to Cissy, “I can see this is going to be as much fun as I can stand.”
    Marvella’s sister, Delilah Honeycutt, who owned the Lonely Hearts Salon, and her friend, Jerry Martin, joined the group. “Hello, Cissy,” she said to Marvella. “Tex. Thanks for coming to Lonely Hearts Station,” she said to Ant. “We do appreciate your participation in the rodeo.”
    “Happy to be of service, ma’am,” Ant replied.
    Delilah turned her attention to Cissy. “I know you’re aware that what started out as a charity auction for my salon turned into a lot more than we ever imagined.”
    “Yes,” Cissy replied. “I know it’s been very successful.”
    “More than we ever dreamed. In light of that fact, I turned in a proposal to the town council last month asking that the funds we earn go to charities in Lonely Hearts Station. The town fathers put me in charge of the Charity Selection committee, because of my position on the council and the fact that it was my idea.”
    Cissy wasn’t surprised. The council was made up of four people: Delilah, and three elderly men who were completely loyal to her. They’d never been inside