The Cowboy Takes a Bride by Debra Clopton Read Free Book Online Page A

afternoon when Ross parked in front of the feed store. He needed to grab some more wire from Pete’s, but found himself heading toward the real-estate office instead, despite his determination to stay away. No matter how many times he went over it in his head, he still felt like he owed Sugar some sort of explanation for his abrupt behavior on Wednesday morning.
    He wasn’t at all sure what kind of welcome to expect as he opened the door and stepped inside.
    â€œHey, cowboy!”
    Her greeting both startled him and made him wary at the same time. “Hey yourself,” he said, moving cautiously into the room.
    â€œYou’re just the man I was hoping would walk through those doors today.”
    â€œI am?” He was immediately suspicious.
    â€œOh yeah. How’s my building doing? You know I’m holding auditions tonight?” Her eyes were sparkling. “I’ve been monitoring the visitors I’ve run into over the last couple of days, and I’m feeling more optimistic by the carload. There’s been a real eclectic mix of folks. College girls looking for cowboys, weekend browsers shopping at Ashby’s dress store, and even older couples just hanging out. I’ve been polling everyone about why they came to town. Most of them say it’s a pleasant day trip. These kinds of people will make a perfect audience when I put my show on in your lovely barn.” She was beaming at him when she finally finished.
    He wasn’t sure whether to be irritated that she hadn’t given up on his barn, or amused. “About that—I thought I’d come in here and try to explain myself a little better. There was no excuse for me to turn you down so callously.” It was true, he’d concluded. He could have turned her down without being so abrupt.
    She waved off his apology. “I’m sure you had your reasons. As I’m also sure that, now you’ve had time to think it over, you’ve come to your senses and decided to go into partnership with me on my show.” Grinning, she rested her chin on her palm and studied him.
    He laughed at her blatant tactics. “You’re persistent, I’ll give you that.”
    â€œNope. I only want you to give me the use of your barn.” She batted her eyes at him. “Just say yes. It’s easy.”
    He was in danger here.
    â€œI promise you,” she continued, “people will come out to see my production. We’ll do a few skits and some singing, and oh yeah, did I tell you I need a hero? You’d make a great hero.”
    Man, she really didn’t take no for an answer! He liked that about her and found himself wanting to say yes. But that wouldn’t be fair to either of them. Still, she was persuasive. What red-blooded American man wouldn’t want a woman to think he’d make a great hero? Too bad they were on two different life paths, he reminded himself.
    â€œI’m not your man,” he said, hating the disappointment that flickered in her eyes. “Look, I just don’t believe you understand what it takes to pull off what you’re proposing. There is a lot of work that would have to be done to the barn. It would take time, money, insurance. But most of all, it would take commitment, not just to produce the show, but to keep it running. You’re leaving as soon as you get some great reviews. Sorry, but I don’t see any commitment in that. I know that sounds harsh, but it’s the truth. That’s what I came to say.” He tipped his hat and headed toward the door, needing to leave before he weakened. He wasn’t expecting her to shoot out of her chair and jump between him and the door.
    â€œYou can’t say no.” She placed her hand on his chest, stopping him. “Don’t you get it? I need your barn. It’s the only place that will work.”
    The panic in her words matched that on her face, making Ross falter. Those pleading eyes twisted