The Cowboy Claims His Lady by Meagan McKinney Read Free Book Online Page B

Connection. All that and more,” her husband added.
    Lyndie mulled over the words. They were poetic to her hungry soul, but the wounded part of her knew the words and their substance were out of reach.
    Releasing a sad little smile she said, “Unfortunately, there are no spreadsheets and inventory in those mountains, and that’s what’s got a choke-hold on me. I’m afraid I’ll be flying home tomorrow. I’ve had a business emergency.”
    â€œOh, no!” Annette cooed.
    Lyndie turned to Bruce. “Which reminds me. I’ll need a cab to go to Hazel’s tonight. What’s the name of the taxi company around here?”
    â€œI’ll take you,” he said.
    She held up her hand. “No, no. I couldn’t impose—”
    â€œYou’re a guest at this ranch. There’s no imposition.”
    She went back to her steak, suddenly devoid of appetite. Now she was going to have to be alone with the man again. But at least she’d made it clear she wanted no favors from him.
    She pushed the steak away. “Well, then, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll get ready to see Hazel. It was nice meeting you,” she said to the British couple.
    â€œI hope things change so you can stay,” Annette added.
    Lyndie smiled and shrugged her shoulders helplessly. “I guess playing is for others—and not the self-employed—”
    â€œCould have surprised me last night,” Bruce interjected, nonchalantly taking a bite of his steak.
    Roger and Annette exchanged a delighted look.
    â€œWell, I— I guess I’m not quite as used to whiskey as the locals,” Lyndie stammered, lamely trying to save her reputation.
    â€œThen, you should drink more often,” Bruce commented, clearly holding back a grin.
    Lyndie wanted to punch him.
    Instead, she turned to leave, an old saying following her out the door. If a girl is brave enough, she can do without a reputation.
    All she knew was that a girl sure had to be brave around Bruce Everett.

Four
    L yndie said nothing during the ride to Hazel’s. She sat silent, once more watching Bruce’s Adonis profile by the green dashboard light.
    The truck pulled through the wrought-iron gates of the Lazy M ranch. Perfunctorily, Bruce held the truck door for her and walked her to the entrance.
    â€œC’mon in!” Hazel announced when she answered the door. “Well, don’t you two look like a fine surprise. Giddy-ap in here and let me look at you both!”
    Lyndie opened her mouth to protest that only she needed to speak with Hazel, but suddenly she realized how rude that would appear. After all, Brucehad driven her to the Lazy M, and he was one of Hazel’s friends.
    She closed her mouth, and along with Bruce stepped inside Hazel’s antique-filled parlor.
    Portraits and tintypes of McCallums, her very own ancestors, stared back at her from the walls. It seemed even they were holding their collective breath.
    â€œEbby, get us some refreshment, won’t you? We got company,” Hazel said when Ebby appeared at the elaborately carved walnut pocket doors.
    Ebby looked more than pleased to see them. “Right away! Coming right away!” she promised, wringing her hands excitedly on her white apron.
    â€œWhat brings you two out here to see me?” Hazel asked, gesturing to the silk-covered parlor love seat.
    Once again, Lyndie felt set up, but somehow it was a trap of her own making. She sat next to Bruce on the love seat.
    The tiny Victorian piece was not made for modern figures. She found she was practically sitting on Bruce’s lap once he splayed his legs and accepted the brandy from Ebby.
    Deciding to be out with it, Lyndie declined refreshment and said, “Hazel, I can’t let you do it. I found out about the MDR Corporation and your generous investment in Milady, but I can’t accept it. It’s risky—and even as hard as I know I’ll work forit, I