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

his gut more than he was prepared for. A picture flashed through his mind of a frail little girl sitting in front of the TV. “I’m sorry, but that’s just the way it is,” he reiterated, feeling like a bottom-feeder for denying her this. He hung his head, trying to keep from giving in, and found himself looking at her feet. She had smiley faces on her big toenails, almost hidden by the flip-flops with large, frilly tassels that swamped her tiny feet.
    The smiley faces were as unexpected as she was.
    â€œWhat size shoe do you wear?” His own blurted question startled him more than the smiley faces, and he swung his head up. Now he felt like a bottom-feeder and an idiot.
    The panic from seconds before vanished as she chuckled, sticking her foot beside his size twelve without missing a beat. “A five narrow. A bit of a difference?” She wiggled her smiley faces at him. “Your foot is just the right size for a hero, don’t you think?”
    She looked up at him and flashed a smile complete with dimples. This was crazy! Crazy for certain, but he lost his breath looking at her.
    â€œSo how about it? Will you be my hero and pul-leese let me use the barn?”
    His resolve almost crumbled as he found himself wanting to be her hero in more ways than one. But their plans were incompatible. He shook his head, clearing it. “I’m sorry.”
    She didn’t flinch, budge or blink. “You know I’m not going to leave you alone. You’ll have no peace until you give in and at least agree to rent me the building. My feet might be small, but my determination is huge.”
    He didn’t doubt her for one minute. She’d already shown she didn’t give up easily. He knew he needed to get out quick before he gave in, but curiosity got the better of him. “So why aren’t you some big movie star by now? With your winning ways, I figured you’d camp out on a director’s front steps and talk him into putting you into his movie.”
    â€œMy agent won’t let me,” she huffed. “Says it wouldn’t do me any good.”
    â€œI really hate to tell you this, but it won’t do any good with me, either.” He wasn’t going to tell her how close she was getting. But almost as if she could see it in his eyes, she smiled and stepped out of his way.
    â€œWe’ll see about that, cowboy. I haven’t given up on Hollywood and I’m not giving up on you. This is fair warning.”
    Ross grinned in spite of himself. “Fair enough.” It wouldn’t do her any good, but he enjoyed her spirit, despite his own reservations.
    Having closed for the day, Pete was driving off as Ross walked out onto the sidewalk, with Sugar on his heels. So much for accomplishing what he’d come to town for.
    â€œTryouts start at seven tonight.”
    â€œI hope you have a good turnout. But I have a feeling you’re going to see what I’ve been trying to tell you. You don’t know what you’re getting into, Sugar.”
    â€œYou could help me and fix all that.”
    He hesitated before opening his truck door. “That’s what I’ve been trying to explain without being too harsh. I don’t want to. Have a nice day, Sugar Rae.”
    Hands clasped behind her back, she rocked forward on her size-five feet and locked determined eyes on him. “I plan to, Ross Denton. You can count on that.”
    Live and learn, Ross thought as he drove away. It was obvious the woman would do what she was going to do regardless of what anyone advised. So be it. He shouldn’t feel guilty for not helping her. But truth was, he did.

Chapter Five
    â€œS o when is the show scheduled?” a cowboy named Trace asked from the second row.
    Sugar was pleased with the turnout. Glancing around the roomful of cowboys, she felt sure that the talent she needed was here. Except, of course, Ross was conspicuously absent.
    â€œI was hoping