Discover the Made in Montana miniseries—where all your cowboy dreams come true!

Kylie Richardson has always known she wanted a family. So much so that she waited years for her rodeo-riding boyfriend to make it big and settle down. Then she discovered that he was a lying cheat—so she’s started a new life in a new town.

Kylie is shocked when Landon Kincaid, her ex’s best friend, shows up in Blackfoot Falls. There was always an attraction between them, but neither of them ever acted on it. The spark is still there, but can she take a chance on another rising rodeo champ? Kylie doesn’t want to come second to the rodeo again, so it’s up to Landon to prove that she’s first in his heart.

The evening air was already nippy as Kylie hurried toward Main Street.

As she came around the corner, she saw Landon standing outside the restaurant. She slowed her steps even as her heart picked up speed.

She loved it when he wore blue shirts. They always made his eyes look bluer, and with his wavy dark hair, he truly was a good-looking man. A fact many of the other riders’ wives and girlfriends had certainly noticed. Yet she’d never seen him flirt. Not once.

“Landon, where are your crutches?”

“I thought we were going right in to dinner so I didn’t need them.”

“And yet, here you are,” she said, shaking her head. “Not smart.”

“We can fix that. Here, put your arm around my waist,” he said as he slid an arm around her shoulders and leaned against her slightly.

At first she couldn’t speak. He smelled so good. Felt too good. The warmth of his body seeped into hers, beckoning her closer. He was all lean muscle. Rock solid.

“Is the leg bothering you?” she asked, tightening her arm around him.

“Not especially.”

Suspicious, she looked up at him. “So why are we plastered to each other?”

Dear Reader,

Well, I must say, it feels good to be home. While this is my first Western Romance, my very first published book was with Harlequin American Romance somewhere back in the early nineties. At the time, all I read were Americans, so when I decided to try my hand at crafting a story, of course I submitted to that particular line. Oh, and by the way, writing a short book? Not as easy as I’d thought it would be. Wow, what a humbling experience!

Anyway, I wrote for American for quite a long time, with the occasional Love & Laughter, Duets or Intrigue thrown in. Then I switched to Blaze and wrote for that line for over fifteen years. When I was told I could bring my Made in Montana series with me to Western Romance, I was delighted to come full circle.

Stealing the Cowboy’s Heart takes place in the fictional town of Blackfoot Falls, Montana. It’s the eighteenth book in the series, but I’ve peppered in some of the more interesting characters as a means of introducing you to the town and its sometimes wacky, sometimes annoying townspeople, who might like to gossip a bit more than most.

I hope you enjoy Kylie and Landon’s story. We all welcome you to Blackfoot Falls!

Happy reading!

All my best,

Debbi

Stealing the Cowboy’s Heart

Debbi Rawlins

www.millsandboon.co.uk

DEBBI RAWLINS grew up on the island of Oahu in Hawaii but always loved Western movies and books. When she was twelve she spent the summer on the Big Island of Hawaii, and had the dubious honor of being thrown off her first horse. A year later, minutes before a parade started down her street, she managed to find the most skittish horse in the lineup and... You can probably guess the rest.

These days, sixty-five-plus books later, she lives on four acres in gorgeous rural Utah surrounded by dogs, cats, goats, chickens and free-range cattle, who just love taking down her fence every couple years.

MILLS & BOON

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This is for Megan and Kathleen—I bet you two were cheerleaders in high school. Am I right?

Thank you for all your patience and support, and for helping me make the transition to Western. You’re both terrific!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Dear Reader

Title Page

About the Author

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

“Don’t get me wrong, it’s a cute dress. Just kinda conservative.”

Kylie Richardson glanced down at the simple blue sheath and sighed. She almost always wore jeans. She liked jeans. They were comfortable, casual, easy. Dresses always made her think of Easter and holding her stomach in. Why on earth had she agreed to go on this date? Just the thought of it made her palms clammy.

“If I were you, I’d be showing off those curves,” her friend Mallory said before taking a bite of her apple fritter.

“Well, that’s a nice way of putting it,” Kylie said with a laugh that ended in a groan. Since moving to Blackfoot Falls, Montana, and opening The Cake Whisperer thirteen months ago, she’d gained six pounds. Obviously from enjoying too many of her own cupcakes.

Mallory stopped chewing and swallowed. “What do you mean?”

She’d moved from California and opened the bar next door about the same time and they’d become fast friends. Tall and slim with honey-colored hair that Kylie coveted with unabashed envy, Mallory didn’t have to worry about indulging her sweet tooth.

The bell above the door jingled, saving Kylie from having to reply.

Aunt Sally, who owned the Cut and Curl—the only beauty parlor in town—walked into the bakery and frowned at the dress. “Oh, for heaven’s sake, you still have that old thing?”

“I was hoping you didn’t get that at the new consignment boutique.” Rachel Gunderson, another friend who knew practically everyone within a hundred miles, entered right behind Aunt Sally. “It doesn’t flatter you at all.”

Kylie spotted the elderly Lemon sisters across the street, squinting and trying to see them through the window. “Lock the door, will you, Rachel?” The bakery was closed for the day but Kylie should’ve known better. People around their small town didn’t pay any attention to signs or wait for invitations.

Usually Kylie didn’t mind, and she certainly welcomed these women. Her aunt was the main reason Kylie had chosen to settle in Blackfoot Falls. But she sure didn’t need any more opinions about her dress.

Rachel’s attention had wandered to Mallory. “Did that just come out of the oven?”

“Tastes like it,” Mallory muttered around another bite of the fritter.

“They’re from this morning,” Kylie said, grateful for the distraction. “I have a couple left in the back. Some scones too, I think. Go help yourselves.”

Sally looked as if she was struggling with temptation. “Good Lord, girl, I don’t know how you learned to bake like an angel,” she said, smoothing a hand over her ample hip. This month her naturally brown hair was tinted auburn...kind of close to Rachel’s color. “Your mom sure didn’t teach you. That sister of mine could burn ice cream.”

Rachel emerged from the back with a tray of goodies. “What about the turnovers? Are they off-limits?”

“Nope. Just forgot about ’em.”

Sally sighed and snatched one with a dark golden crust. “Sassy’s should still be open. Get on over there and find yourself something sexy,” she said before taking a bite. “By the way, who’s the lucky guy?”

“Oh, you expect me to volunteer a name?” Kylie brought out a stack of napkins from under the counter. “You really think I’m that stupid?”

“Well, I figure it’s better than us asking around until we find out.”

Kylie groaned.

“You know what? Sassy’s is a good idea,” Rachel said. “Beth Landers dropped off a bunch of clothes yesterday. Nice stuff. Some of it designer.”

“Then hell yes, you’d better get over there before the Sundance guests get wind of it.” Sally licked the tips of her long red-painted fingernails. “They’ll be swarming the place like vultures.”

Rachel chuckled. “Good point,” she said, clearly taking no offense. Her family owned the Sundance. Back when the town had faced hard times, it had been Rachel’s idea to turn a portion of the sprawling cattle operation into a dude ranch.

“Beth has to be five inches taller than me.” Kylie was tempted, though. Beth owned a cute boutique inn on Main Street and always looked so great.

“You’re close to the same size in every other way. All you’d have to do is hem,” Sally said. “When’s the big night? Tomorrow, right?”

Kylie nodded.

“Good. Once you find a dress, come over to the Cut and Curl. I’ll put some highlights in your hair.”

“Tomorrow really isn’t a big deal,” Kylie muttered, but couldn’t help glancing longingly at Mallory, who was checking the time. Probably needed to go open the bar soon. It gave Kylie a moment to wonder if her own hair was too dark to pull off some honey-colored highlights.

“Of course it’s a big deal. You waited a whole year before diving back in after you got rid of Gary. That was very sensible.” Sally smiled gently. “And don’t let your mother tell you otherwise. I love my sister dearly, but that woman doesn’t know how to live without a man. I hope she’s not still harping on you to take back that no-good cheating bum.”

Heat flooded Kylie’s face. The other two women knew about most of her past. But it wasn’t a topic she liked discussing. Especially now that the year she’d given herself had stretched to nearly fourteen months. She wasn’t ready to date. She barely even knew how. Gary had been the only guy in her life since high school.

“Hey, I’ll go with you to Sassy’s,” Rachel said with an understanding smile.

“Oh, hell, I didn’t mean to upset you, honey.” Her aunt set the turnover aside on a napkin, a worried frown creasing her heavily made-up face.

“You didn’t.” Kylie shrugged. “I just don’t want to spend money on a dress I’ll probably never wear again.”

“You will.” Mallory wiped her hands. “Do you know how many cowboys who come to the Full Moon are dying to go out with you?”

“Oh, God.” Kylie rolled her eyes. Just what she needed. Another cowboy.

Mallory grinned. “Go to Sassy’s with Rachel,” she said. “I’d go, too, but I have to open soon. Besides, I’m hopeless at shopping for dresses. You know me, I’m always in jeans and T-shirts.”

Nodding, her mouth full, Rachel mumbled, “Just let me finish this fritter and we’ll go.”

Kylie glanced around her small shop. She still had to clean out the glass case and sweep and mop the floor. Get the coffee ready for tomorrow morning’s rush. At least the kitchen was finished.

She looked down at her frumpy dress. It couldn’t hurt to spend a few bucks on something that had been manufactured in the twenty-first century.

“Hey, where’s the other turnover?” Sally asked.

Still chewing, Rachel pointed to her tummy.

Sally’s eyebrows shot up. “You’re kidding?”

Mallory looked surprised too, but she just laughed and headed for the door.

“Nope,” Rachel said. “After all, I’m eating for two now.”

Mallory’s hand froze on the doorknob as she slowly turned with a shocked expression that rivaled Sally’s. Kylie couldn’t move at all. Neither her feet nor her mouth seemed to be working.

“You little devil.” Sally rushed in and hugged Rachel so hard she started coughing. “How far along are you?” Sally drew back but held Rachel at arm’s length. “For heaven’s sake, hurry and finish coughing and tell us everything.”

“Congratulations, Rach,” Mallory said. “I’m so happy for you and Matt.”

Kylie struggled to speak. Her jaw was locked shut, so she hurried into the kitchen for a glass of water. And to give herself time to slow down her heart rate and to fight back the tears that threatened to burst from her eyes.

She was happy for Rachel. Of course she was... Rachel was a kind and wonderful person. So was her husband, Matt, and they’d been trying to get pregnant since Kylie had moved to town.

Kylie gulped down the water, then brought out another glass. She knew she was being irrational. Kylie was only twenty-six, but she’d always planned to have started her own family by now. With Gary. The lying scumbag, who for nine years had promised her a happily-ever-after. He’d painted a perfect picture. Right after he won his first big cash prize, she’d get her dream wedding. They’d have a passel of kids, with enough money to fulfill all their dreams.

She could still hear him say, “Honey, everything I do, I do for us.” He’d said it so often, she should’ve been suspicious. Or even had a clue. Long before she’d caught him with two blondes in the bed Kylie had shared with him.

* * *

SHORTLY AFTER LANDON KINCAID crossed into Wyoming he spotted an exit sign up ahead. It was getting late, the September sun already dipping behind the Rockies in the distance. Probably about time for him to stop for the night. Too bad his mom was away visiting his sister in Salt Lake. His family’s ranch, which his older brothers had been running since their dad’s passing, was just over a hundred miles south. Landon figured he’d catch them on his way back.

Anyway, this exit was as good as any since he hadn’t planned on driving straight through to Blackfoot Falls. His leg ached from sitting behind the wheel for the better part of ten hours. The last thing he wanted to do was to hobble out of his truck like an old man after not seeing Kylie for a whole year.

Yeah, she’d seen him in worse shape, even patched him up plenty of times in the past. But that’s not why he’d been driving eleven hundred miles to see her. After she’d kicked Gary out of her life, Landon had promised himself he’d give her a year—give them both a year—before he made his intentions clear.

Tomorrow would be thirteen months and two weeks. He would’ve showed up sooner if he hadn’t busted up his leg. Waiting had been brutal. The image of her climbing into her rickety compact on the night she’d left Iowa, the muffler about ready to fall off, had been imprinted in his mind. Her face had been blotchy, her nose red and her eyes puffy, and all he’d wanted to do was put his arms around her and hold on tight. Instead, he’d asked if he could help load her belongings.

She’d turned on him so fast, her fury tangible in the night air. He could still hear her words...

“I don’t want anything to do with any of you damn cowboys. You hear me? Nothing. If you want to help, leave me alone.” She’d thrown two more boxes into the car, and swung back to face him. “Everything was fine between Gary and me until you—”

She hadn’t finished. Just fled to safety behind the wheel.

He’d just stood there like a helpless idiot, twisted with guilt and a deep, gut-wrenching sense of loss, trying not to feel responsible for everything that had gone wrong for Kylie those last two years, as he watched his best friend’s girl drive away.

Shaking the memory off, Landon turned his truck into a motel parking lot. Hell, he didn’t even remember leaving the expressway. That kind of crap had happened too many times in the past couple of months. Thoughts of seeing Kylie again, hoping she’d give him a chance to fix things, had distracted him. Cost him plenty, too.

Stopping under the flashing green vacancy sign, he’d planned on letting the truck idle while he dashed into the office. Naturally, his leg wouldn’t cooperate. He tried flexing the muscle but it burned like hell. Impatient, he grabbed his crutches. Lately, he did okay without them...as long as he didn’t overdo it. Now wasn’t the time to be stupid.

After he’d registered and gotten a key, he drove across the parking lot to the gas station on the corner. All six pumps were free and he figured it was better to refuel now and leave his options open tomorrow. Hell, he might even tackle some extra exercises the physical therapist had given him.

Leaning on one crutch for support, he was halfway through filling the tank when someone pulled up next to him. He nodded at the older man getting out of his battered pickup loaded with bales of hay. Landon realized someone else was in the truck when he heard the passenger door slam.

“Hey, aren’t you Landon Kincaid?” The scruffy blond kid coming around the bed looked to be in his midteens.

“Last time I checked.” Landon eyed the baggy jeans and the backwards baseball cap. Not the typical rodeo fan but he obviously followed the sport. A year ago the kid probably wouldn’t have recognized him.

After eight years of rodeoing, Landon had finally made it to the national finals last December. He hadn’t nabbed the title, but he’d gotten close enough that fans had taken notice. So had two major sponsors. And then Landon had gone and done something stupid.

“Hey, Gramps,” the boy said. “You know who this is, right?”

The man lifted the gas pump nozzle and squinted at Landon. “You gonna make it to the finals again?”

“I hope so. Or I’ll die trying.”

“Well, don’t do that,” the man said, chuckling. “You still got time. How much longer before they let you back on a bronc?”

“A couple weeks.” He heard a click, added enough fuel to round up to the next dollar and removed the nozzle. Forgetting about the crutch, he almost lost his balance.

“Is that what the doc says?” The man watched the crutch bounce off Landon’s truck and land on the oil-stained cement.

“Maybe three weeks,” Landon muttered.

“Everybody was shocked you got thrown, even the commentators.” The kid picked up the crutch and brought it to him. “Lucky that mare didn’t stomp your head. I heard she missed your ear by an inch.”

Yeah, tell him something he didn’t already know. “Thanks,” Landon said, opening his door and shoving the crutch to the passenger side.

“What happened? She get spooked?”

“Come on, Tommy,” the grandfather said, giving the boy a stern look. “Leave the man alone.”

Landon might’ve left things at that but the kid grabbed a squeegee from a bucket and started washing his windshield. “It wasn’t the horse, it was me,” he said, surprised by his candor. How many times had he been asked that question? And had always given the same answer...he didn’t know. “I guess I let my mind wander for a second.”

“Really?”

Hell, it wasn’t a guess. “Not a smart thing to do with thirteen hundred pounds of bucking horseflesh underneath you.”

“What were you thinking about?”

Landon snorted a laugh. “A girl.”

Tommy stopped scrubbing the windshield and stared. “You serious?”

Already regretting his words, Landon pocketed the gas receipt and said, “Thanks for your help, buddy. Appreciate it.”

“No problem.” Tommy hurried around to wash the other side. “You got an autographed picture I could have?”

Landon shook his head. Joining the winners’ circle had its drawbacks. “Tell you what. You ever come to a rodeo where I’m riding, you let me know and I’ll hook you up with free tickets.” He scribbled his cell number down, something else he never did and would likely regret.

“Wow. Thanks, dude.” Tommy stared at the piece of scrap paper.

“You don’t give that number out to anyone else, or no free tickets. Got it?”

The kid nodded. “How about a selfie?”

Landon wasn’t keen on those either, but it wouldn’t kill him. “All right. Just one.”

“With the crutches?”

“No,” he said in a tone that allowed no argument.

Tommy’s grandpa chuckled. “Come on, boy. Quit bothering the man and let’s go deliver this hay.”

Landon grabbed his Stetson from the passenger seat and settled it on his head. Tommy got his photo and after they shook hands, Landon slid back behind the wheel. He automatically massaged his thigh muscle. It throbbed from standing just those few extra minutes. Had to be the long drive. He was getting better every day. And every one of those days counted in a big way. He couldn’t afford to mess up.

A split second of inattention in the saddle had landed him on the ground, his leg broken in two places. All because he’d caught a glimpse of a woman he’d thought was Kylie sitting in the stands.

So much for his fast track to the finals in December. Oh, with his scores, he still had a good shot. But only if his leg healed soon.

He doubted Kylie had been keeping up with rodeo news. She wouldn’t know he’d been winning big. Or that he’d gotten hurt. He didn’t care about any of that stuff, though. What he didn’t want was her thinking he needed tending. Dammit, it was long past time Kylie understood exactly what he wanted from her.

Chapter Two

Kylie took another peek at herself in the big round hand mirror sitting on the counter by the oven. She’d gotten ready at home but asked Kevin to pick her up at the bakery. If he’d thought it was weird he hadn’t let on. He seemed like a very nice man, or she wouldn’t have accepted his dinner invitation, but she still preferred meeting on neutral ground.

The new haircut Sally had given her had transformed her boring blunt bob to a medium shag, the layers highlighted with subtle streaks of warm caramel and dark gold. She still couldn’t believe that was her hair. Or that the woman in the mirror was her. She hoped the makeup wasn’t too much.

She still wasn’t sure about the dress. The low-cut neckline would’ve looked a lot better on someone bustier and the short length hitting her five inches above her knee stretched the boundaries of her comfort zone.

No, she would never have chosen this dress for herself. But Rachel hadn’t let her get away with anything conservative. There was even another dress that she’d insisted was perfect for Kylie, which was absolutely in no way even close to perfect, and yet it now hung in Kylie’s closet.

Rachel was something else. Kylie had never had a friend like her before. Come to think of it, she hadn’t had any close girlfriends. After she’d met Gary, it had been just the two of them, practically inseparable. Until he’d become obsessed with making a name for himself riding rodeo.

He’d wanted the big prize money, the gold buckle and, apparently, the many women who had no trouble undoing that buckle.

Someone knocked on the front door, despite the closed sign. Kylie checked the time. Too early for Kevin, who’d warned her he might be a bit late because of a work emergency. He not only managed the motel in town, but also two others in Kalispell, forty-five minutes away.

Kylie shook her head as she unlocked the door for Rachel. “How did you know I’d be here?”

“Oh, my God. Your hair looks fabulous.” Rachel gave her a head-to-toe inspection. “And the dress... What a great find. It couldn’t be more perfect. But honestly, those highlights and that flirty cut... Sally outdid herself. I really like it.”

“Flirty? Really?”

“Come on, don’t you love it?”

“I do. I’ve wanted something different for a while now, but I should’ve waited.”

“Why?”

“I was hoping for something subtler. Kevin will think I got all glammed up for him.”

“Oh, sweetie, he won’t be looking at your hair,” Rachel said, grinning at the V of the dress.

“What?” Kylie tugged the neckline up.

“Stop it.” Rachel swatted her hand away and made her own adjustment. “You should wear red more often. It suits you.”

“Is the makeup too much? I’m a little out of practice.”

“It looks great.” Rachel glanced around, then sniffed the air. “I swear pregnancy has thrown my senses out of whack. You didn’t burn anything, did you?”

“This morning I was distracted and—Oh. It’s me, isn’t it?” Kylie frantically fanned the air. “I smell like burnt toast.”

“Nope, it’s not you. It’s coming from the kitchen but it’ll probably be gone by the time you open tomorrow.”

“That doesn’t help me tonight.”

Rachel smiled. “It’s not that strong. I’m sorry I mentioned it.”

“Do you mind if we step outside so I can air out?” She paused on the way to the door. “Oh, and I have some chocolate cupcakes if you’re interested.”

Moaning, Rachel pressed a hand to her stomach. “Not for me, thanks. I ate like a fiend yesterday and paid dearly for it. Anyway, I’ve got to run over to the market so I can finish dinner. I just stopped by to make sure you wore the dress.”

Kylie grinned. Knowing Rachel, she wasn’t joking. “What would you have done if I hadn’t?”

“That’s a silly question. Made you go home and change, of course.”

A maroon truck slowed, then pulled to the curb just as they stepped onto the sidewalk. The tinted windows prevented her from seeing inside.

“Is that Kevin?” Rachel asked.

“He drives a Mustang.” Kylie left the door propped open. She hoped the driver was going to the Full Moon Saloon next door, and wasn’t thinking the bakery was open.

“Well, I’ve got to scoot,” Rachel said, checking her watch and backing away. “You have a good time tonight. Don’t change a thing. Leave that neckline right where it is.” She took a couple steps back. “Wait. Fresh lip gloss. That’s all you need.”

“Goodbye, Rachel,” Kylie said patiently, dying to tug the dress up an inch. “Better watch where you’re going.”

Bumping into a parked SUV got Rachel to turn around with a startled laugh.

Kylie smiled as she watched her friend hurry across the street. Rachel wouldn’t make it to the Food Mart without running into someone else to chat up. The woman knew everyone.

She and Mallory had been godsends for Kylie. Moving to a strange town where she hadn’t known anyone but Aunt Sally had proved scarier than Kylie had imagined. Her new friends had made all the difference.

“Kylie?”

At the sound of the deep voice, she froze. Her heart lurched. Had to be her imagination. Resisting the urge to spin around, she turned slowly.

Landon?

Except it couldn’t be...

Here in Blackfoot Falls? It just wasn’t possible...

And yet she was staring at all six feet of him, leaning against the maroon truck, hat in hand, wearing his usual jeans and scuffed boots, his brown hair in need of a trim. Although it tended to look like that all the time, even after he’d gotten it cut.

He gave her that boyish, lopsided smile that had always made her tingle and feel guilty at the same time. She couldn’t seem to make her mouth work.

“I almost didn’t recognize you,” he said. “You look different. Great though. Just, you know...” He shrugged, his dark blue eyes taking in her dress and legs. “Different.”

She blinked to make sure he was real. She almost demanded to see the stupid, heart-shaped tattoo he’d gotten the night he and Gary had both scored low at the Laredo rodeo and blew their shot at the national finals. Drunk and reckless, they’d crossed into Mexico, looking for trouble. Hadn’t taken them long to find it.

Kylie remembered well because she’d driven five hundred miles to bail them out. “What are you doing here?”

Landon gave his Stetson another twirl, then set it on his head and straightened away from the truck. “Is that it? Not even a hello?”

“There must be a rodeo in the area,” she said, her brain scrambling to make sense of this—of Landon. Standing in front of her. How could he have gotten better looking in a year? And, whoa, that kind of thinking had to stop right now.

“No rodeo.”

Of course not. She would’ve known. Even though she’d shied away from any talk related to the sport, anything new coming to the area had people buzzing for weeks. She didn’t care how Gary was doing, whether good or bad. The knife of betrayal had cut too deep.

A horrifying thought occurred to her. She tried hard to peer through the tinted windows. “Is Gary with you?”

“Nope,” Landon said, studying her closely. “Just me.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I came to see you.”

“Me? Why?”

“Look, Kylie,” he said, sighing. “We...didn’t exactly part on a good note, and that’s bothered me. But I did as you asked and left you alone, even though it’s not what I wanted.”

Oh, God. The things she’d said to him her last night in Iowa. Any problems she’d had with Gary had nothing to do with Landon. At least not directly. If anything, her own guilt over having a thing for Landon had pushed her to blame him. The fuse had been lit the first day they’d met, and continued to spark, no matter how hard she fought it.

Landon had just returned to rodeo after taking a year off due to a family emergency. If she hadn’t already been drawn to the way he smiled and those deep blue eyes, finding out he was a man who had his priorities straight would’ve sealed the deal for her.

She’d never acted on the attraction, even though it had gotten too close for comfort. Despite everything, she’d been certain it was going to be her and Gary forever. Even during those last two rough years when Gary had changed.

She’d done her best to treat Landon like everyone else. Even though he was nothing like the rest of Gary’s friends. He’d always complimented her cooking, never once forgot to thank her, and always insisted on helping her clean the kitchen.

That small rented house had been open to Gary’s friends. A lot of the guys had come and gone as they pleased. But Landon Kincaid had been the only one who’d kept her up at night with guilt.

“Kylie?”

She blinked. “What?”

Landon smiled. “We’re still friends, aren’t we?”

“I don’t know.” She felt a little dizzy. “Are we?”

“I wouldn’t be standing here if I thought otherwise.”

“How did you know I was here?”

“Your mom.”

“My mom. Figures. Does Gary know?” she asked, holding her breath. All she needed was him showing up and causing a scene.

Landon’s expression tightened. “If you’re still hung up on him, Kylie, you need to tell me right now.”

“Are you serious? Do I look like a doormat?” She bristled, then gave in to curiosity. “Why would you even care?”

His eyes narrowed, then flickered with amusement. “Oh, I don’t know,” he said quietly. “Maybe because we’re friends.”

She knew—they both did—that it was more than that. But a year had come and gone, and he still thought about her? She’d never stopped thinking about him, either, but that was different. Wasn’t it?

She couldn’t do a thing about the heat of embarrassment crawling up her neck and into her face. But she could stand her ground. “Friends or not,” she said, “you didn’t even give me the courtesy of a heads-up.”

“True. I guess I was worried you’d—” Lifting a shoulder, he glanced away and dragged a hand down his unshaven jaw as he watched a truck cruise by. “Is that motel with the red roof the only one in town?”

“There’s a small inn at the other end of Main Street.” Kylie’s heart fluttered. “How long are you staying?”

“A week, maybe two.” He stared back, watching her closely enough it made her edgy. “If that’s all right with you.”

Jeez, it was hard to keep her expression neutral. To shove aside the curiosity, excitement and fear churning in her stomach. Normally she wasn’t one to compare people, but the difference between her ex and Landon was glaringly obvious.

Gary had been strictly a rodeo junkie, but Landon was the real thing. The epitome of the strong silent cowboy depicted by Hollywood. Not only was he a born rancher, he was unfailingly polite and he always managed to hold on to his temper no matter how angry or disappointed he was. In fact, Landon seldom gave away his thoughts. He could be so stoic at times, unless he was trying to make a point.

But he also didn’t make promises to women that he had no intention of keeping. Or at least that’s what she wanted to believe.

She shouldn’t have been angry with him. He hadn’t encouraged Gary to start drinking and cheating. But he hadn’t told Kylie about Gary two-timing her, either. And that hurt. Everyone following the tour must’ve known. Sure, he’d toed the line when she’d joined him at the nearby rodeos, but when she hadn’t been in the stands, he’d indulged to his heart’s content. All while she was back in Iowa being the good girl, keeping the home fires burning and waiting for her man.

Her useless, lying, cheating man.

Well, to hell with being the good girl. She wouldn’t touch her neckline. It could plunge to her navel for all she cared.

“Last I spoke with Gary, he didn’t know where you were,” Landon said, breaking into her thoughts. “Is he still calling?”

Surprised that he wouldn’t know what was going on with his best buddy, Kylie wasn’t quick to reply. “He slowed down six months ago. I still get the occasional call but I haven’t spoken to him. The times he left messages he sounded drunk.”

Landon gave a slow, troubled nod. His gaze wandered down the front of her dress to her high heels—only three inches, but high for her. He lingered on her red-painted toenails, a ghost of a smile tugging at his mouth. “Did I tell you how nice you look?”

“Yes,” she said. Great. Here her blush had just begun to settle. “Thank you.”

“I don’t recall ever seeing you in anything but T-shirts and jeans.”

“They’re comfortable and practical.” She gestured to the bakery. “No point in dressing fancy. I’m always spilling something.”

Landon chuckled. “I remember,” he said, and looked into the bakery window and then at the sign. “You always said you’d open a bakery someday. And you did it. Good for you, Kylie. I’m proud of you.”

Sincerity darkened his eyes and stirred something in her chest. “Save the sentiment until I start making a profit. I’m in debt up to my eyeballs.”

“You can’t have been open long. Wait till word spreads. You’ll have people coming from miles away for your apple turnovers and chocolate dream cake.”

“Oh, word is going to spread all right,” she muttered when a truck nearly rear-ended a white compact because the driver was too busy gawking at her and Landon. It wasn’t the first curious stare either.

Landon glanced down the street. “Ah, small-town living,” he said. “You getting used to it yet?”

“Well, it’s not like I came from the city. Sage Springs isn’t that much bigger and just as bad for gossip.” The words were no sooner out of her mouth when the memories rushed back. The pitying looks, the averted gazes, the whispers...

And not just in the neighborhood. She hadn’t been able to put gas in her car or run into the market without someone mentioning they’d heard she and Gary had broken up. And wasn’t it just awful, especially with them being high school sweethearts and all. The day Kylie decided she’d slug the next person who used the stupid term was the day she started packing her things.

Clearly it hadn’t been enough that Gary had spent most of his time on the road and she’d moved across town. She had to get away from everything and everyone. Her mom included. Darlene couldn’t understand why Kylie was unwilling to give Gary a second chance. And a third and fourth, had it come to that. Though not because her mom liked Gary all that much. Darlene had always been quick to overlook a man’s flaws as long as he kept coming back.

Landon had moved closer without her noticing. “I guess I should’ve called first,” he said and touched Kylie’s hand. “I can see you’re on your way out.”

“What?” Once again she’d lost track of the conversation. And then it registered.

Kevin.

How could she have forgotten? He was likely to show up at any minute. Talk about awkward. She moved her hand so Landon was no longer touching her.

“So, is it a big date?” he asked casually. “Or a night out with the girls?”

She noticed how his gaze drifted briefly in the direction Rachel had headed. “You were right the first time.”

“Ah.” Surprise flickered in his eyes. Followed by disappointment if she wasn’t mistaken. “Lousy timing on my part, huh?” he said, and moved back a couple steps.

“I’m not sure what that—” Kylie thought she noticed a limp. “Is something wrong with your leg?”

“Nah.” Landon brushed her off too quickly.

“What happened?”

“Nothing. It’s fine.” He frowned at something behind her. “Is that him?”

She glanced back. Kevin, who’d just gotten out of his red Mustang convertible, was wearing dress pants and a navy blue blazer and as nice and as good-looking as he was, he couldn’t hold a candle to the cowboy she’d never expected to see again.

Chapter Three

“Guess you’re stepping up in the world,” Landon murmured low, so the dude with the crisp white shirt and shiny black shoes couldn’t hear.

“What are you talking about?”

“Mr. GQ...isn’t he your date?”

Kylie laughed, and it was the best sound he’d heard in a very long time. Then she ruined it by turning to smile at the interloper. Although, technically, it was Landon who’d shown up unannounced and uninvited.

“Kylie, you look stunning.” The guy’s gaze took in the low neckline, the way the red dress hugged the curve of her hips.

“Thank you.” Blushing, she leaned over and kissed his cheek.

He seemed surprised, which made Landon feel a lot better. Couldn’t be anything serious if that little peck raised the guy’s eyebrows.

“Well, you kids have fun,” Landon said, trying to ignore the pain that shot up his leg when he stepped back the wrong way.

“Wait. Let me introduce you two.” Kylie’s smile faltered when her date slipped an arm around her shoulders. “Landon, this is Kevin Braun.” She turned to him, dislodging his arm. “This is Landon Kincaid, an old friend of mine.”

Landon was forced to move forward. Grinding his teeth harder with each step, he shook the man’s hand.

“You staying long, or just passing through?” Kevin asked. His tone was casual but Landon wasn’t fooled.

“Staying,” Landon said, and noticed how Kevin’s jaw tightened. “Hey, I don’t want to hold you guys up. I’ll see you tomorrow, huh, Kylie?”

She frowned at his leg. “I can see you’re hurting. Why won’t you tell me what happened?”

“Tomorrow,” Landon assured her, wishing they’d leave already so he could hobble and whimper in peace.

“Where are you staying?” Kevin asked.

“I’m gonna check out the motel.”

Kevin pulled out his wallet. “I manage the place,” he said, holding out a business card. “Give this to Patty at the front desk. She’ll know to give you a discount. How long did you say you’re staying?”

“Don’t know for sure.” Landon pocketed the card. “Thanks, Kevin. That’s real nice of you.”

“My pleasure.” He turned to Kylie with a smile. “Ready?”

She was still studying Landon’s leg, so he bit down hard and managed to walk around his truck without too obvious a limp.

Landon heard her say something to him, but pretended he hadn’t and slid in behind the wheel. The sooner he checked in someplace where he could stretch out, the better. He thought briefly about having a look at the other inn that Kylie had mentioned. The motel seemed fine but he wasn’t keen on Kevin keeping tabs on his comings and goings.

By the time he pulled away from the curb, the two were on their way to Kevin’s Mustang, his hand pressed against Kylie’s lower back.

Landon reminded himself that he hadn’t been at all sure how she’d react to seeing him. She’d been living here for a year. Plenty of time to carve out a nice life for herself. Hell, it wasn’t a surprise that some guy had swooped in—there’d probably been quite a few.

Part of him was glad because after what Gary had done to her, Kylie deserved to feel desirable and wanted. The other part of him itched to send Kevin on a one-way trip to the moon. Though Landon didn’t think she was too into the guy. He knew Kylie pretty well, probably better than she suspected.

Or did he?

He turned into the motel parking lot, wondering what she was doing with a buttoned-up guy like Kevin. This rural corner of Montana had to be crawling with ranchers and hired hands. Had she sworn off cowboys like she’d said that night? Decided they were all lying cheats like Gary? Landon figured he’d find out real soon.

* * *

THE NEXT MORNING, her arms loaded with bakery boxes, Kylie looked for Landon’s truck as she crossed the motel parking lot. There it was, the deep maroon color easy to spot. He’d parked in the far corner, away from all the other vehicles. Probably worried about his paint job. Not that she blamed him. The truck looked new. She wondered how he’d scraped the money together to replace his old white pickup with the duct-taped side mirrors.

She’d come extra early to deliver the motel’s standing order of muffins and Danish for their continental breakfast. From what she remembered, Landon wasn’t a particularly early riser but she decided not to take any chances. Of course she couldn’t avoid him for long, but she was too tired to see him first thing.

Once she opened the bakery, she’d have a steady stream of customers. So even if he showed up right away, she’d be too busy to talk.

Patty, who worked the front desk, was setting out plates and utensils when Kylie entered the lobby. The strong smell of coffee had her inhaling deeply, as if she hadn’t already downed half a pot.

“Hey,” Patty said, looking over at her. “I figured you’d be late, not twenty minutes early.”

“Why would you—” Kylie sighed and set down the boxes. No telling how many people knew she’d gone out with Kevin last night. Any news was big news in this town. “What are you doing here? Didn’t you work late yesterday?”

“I swapped shifts with Misty so I can go to my son’s ball game this evening.” Patty gave her a little teasing smile. “Did you have fun last night?”

“We had dinner at an Italian restaurant in Kalispell. It was nice.”

“And?”

“And what? We didn’t stay out late. I had to get up early to do the baking. Which reminds me...you mentioned you have a friend who’s looking for part-time work?”

Patty nodded. “Celeste. She was hoping you needed kitchen help. She likes to work early shifts so she can be home for her kids after school. Plus, she’s a great baker.”

“Perfect. I’ll get her number from you or she can call me.” Kylie was happy they’d changed the subject, and even happier that she might get someone to take some of the pressure off her in the mornings. She’d never imagined a town the size of Blackfoot Falls would keep her so busy.

“Go grab some coffee in the back,” Patty said as she set out the muffins on doily-covered silver trays.

“Thanks, but I’ve got to get back and open.” She glanced toward the elevator. “What time do the guests start coming down?”

“There’s always one or two who show up at the stroke of seven.” She checked her watch. “We’ve got twenty minutes. You sure you don’t want a cup? I broke out the good stuff.”

Kylie laughed. Patty couldn’t be more obvious. She wanted the skinny on Kylie’s date with her boss. But there was nothing to tell. Kylie had been distracted most of the evening. It wasn’t fair to Kevin. He’d been wonderful and thoughtful, and she’d tried her best to return the attention. But she hadn’t been able to stop thinking of Landon.

What made things worse was that Kevin was exactly the kind of man she should be looking for. He was the sort of steady, reliable man she wanted in her life. Not someone who would live for the adrenaline of bucking broncos and didn’t mind living out of a duffel bag. She wished, though, that he was a little more exciting. But excitement wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. Kylie had finally accepted his third dinner invitation. And she planned to accept another date...soon-ish.

She sniffed the air. Macadamia Kona roast. Darn it.

“Come on,” Patty said. “Just one cup. Five minutes. Before Marge brings her cinnamon rolls.”

“You’re evil.”

Patty grinned. “Let me cover these trays and I’ll meet you in the back.”

The room behind the front desk was small and crowded with a full-size fridge, a microwave, two large coffee stations and overstocked shelves. She followed the aroma of the Kona coffee to the small carafe sitting off to the side. Kylie had just poured herself a mug when she heard Marge’s voice. Marge owned the diner and her cinnamon rolls—a local favorite—were insanely good.

Kylie liked her. Marge had been supportive of her opening The Cake Whisperer, even giving her tips on where to get her supplies and ingredients. And best of all, she’d probably just saved Kylie from being cross-examined.

After adding a dollop of cream, Kylie stirred her coffee and yawned so wide she felt her jaw pop. Kevin had dropped her off by ten, but she hadn’t slept well. Too much Landon on the brain. Boy, the next few days were going to be tricky. Or for however long he stuck around. That limp she’d noticed... Was that the reason he wasn’t rushing off to a rodeo? Did he think good ole Kylie would play nursemaid, the way she had in the past? She’d been known to treat and bandage minor wounds for a lot of Gary’s friends. Landon included.

Evidently the two women hadn’t missed her. They were chatting and laughing as if they didn’t see each other every morning. Kylie paused at the slightly open door to take a leisurely sip.

And nearly burned her tongue when she heard Landon’s voice.

She gave the door a slight push. Just wide enough that she could see him, but he couldn’t see her. He was fishing an apple out of the silver bowl sitting next to the muffins. Neither Marge or Patty noticed her because they were too busy checking out Landon. He filled out a pair of worn jeans better than any man Kylie had ever met. The snug white T-shirt showed just how seriously he took his workouts. Though it wasn’t vanity that drove him to keep fit. He loved rodeoing and took the sport seriously.

“Hope you slept well,” Patty said. “We’ve been open less than a year so the mattresses are all new.”

Landon flashed her a smile. “It was lights out before I hit the pillow.” He eyed the plastic-wrapped trays. “Guess I’m too early. I’ll let you finish setting up and come back.”

“Don’t be silly.” Patty gestured to a club chair. “You go on and sit down. I’ll get your coffee and whatever else you need.”

“Nah. I’m good for now. But thanks.” He grabbed a crutch that was resting against the wall and slipped it under his arm.

Kylie hadn’t noticed it because his body had blocked her view. When he swung toward her she saw the second crutch. Their eyes met through the doorway and he lost his footing. He quickly righted himself by balancing on one leg until he stabilized the crutches.

“What are you doing here?” he asked as she moved out into the lobby.

“What happened to your leg?”

“Nothing.”

“Oh, okay. I guess crutches are the new fashion trend.”

“That’s right.” His hair hadn’t been combed and stubble darkened his chin and jaw.

“Shut up,” Kylie said, annoyed at the flutter in her chest. “Tell me what happened.”

“I broke my leg. No big deal.”

“It is if you’re using crutches.” She studied the leg he was favoring. “You’re not wearing a cast.”

“Yeah, it came off a few days ago.”

“By you or the doctor?”

Landon’s sigh sounded like guilt.

Kylie gaped at him. “Seriously?”

“The doctor was being overly cautious. She wanted to leave it on a week longer and I convinced her I was ready.”

“Yeah, I bet.”

Patty smothered a laugh. Marge just cut loose a howl that probably woke the other guests.

How could Kylie have forgotten they had an audience? She glanced over at them. “We’re old friends.”

“Ah.” Patty’s grin widened.

“Did you bring me coffee?” Landon asked, staring at the steaming mug warming her palms.

“Oh, right, I ran over to make sure it was all ready for you the second you came down.” Kylie had no problem wiping the hopeful expression from his face now that she’d confirmed her suspicion. Wasn’t he going to be shocked when she told him she was done playing nursemaid?

But first she had to quit worrying about his stupid leg. Convincing his doctor to take off the cast early...what an idiot. Landon was smarter than that.

He stood balanced on his crutches, taking in the loaded trays. “Ah. You brought the pastries,” he said, a self-deprecating smile curving his mouth. “Okay. My bad.” He glanced at the two women avidly watching them, and gave them a polite nod. “I’ll see you all later.”

Before he could swing around on his crutches, Kylie let out a huff and said, “For heaven’s sake, sit down.”

“Nope. Don’t want to be a bother.” He kept moving toward the elevator without so much as a backward glance. “Thanks for the apple.”

“Landon.”

The elevator door opened as soon as he pushed the button, as if it had been waiting for him, and he took the last few steps rather quickly.

Kylie couldn’t see his face as the door slid closed, which was just as well. She wasn’t at all pleased with the soft gooey feeling in her chest. Landon was a big boy, he could fend for himself. His family had a ranch in Wyoming. He should’ve gone there to recuperate.

“Good Lord, girl.”

She turned to Patty. “What?”

“What?” Both women laughed. Patty, who was in her early forties and happily married, said, “Very nice.”

“Why on earth would you chase him away?” Still chuckling, Marge shook her graying head. “I thought you had a date with Kevin last night.”

“Landon’s just an old friend.”

“Uh-huh,” they said in unison, staring at her, curiosity mirrored in both pairs of eyes.

Oh, this wasn’t going to work. Kylie took a final sip of the cooling coffee. “Thanks for this,” she told Patty.

“Wait. Where are you going?”

She slipped into the back room and poured out the rest of her mug and rinsed it. “I have to go get ready to open.”

“Yeah, but you still have—”

She didn’t let Patty finish. Kylie hurried through the small lobby and out the door. Which was the completely wrong move because now she’d just complicated the situation. Made it look much worse than it was. She hadn’t lied. They were only friends. Or used to be.

Dammit.

Chapter Four

Landon sat in his truck outside the bakery waiting for the morning rush to ease. Not that anyone seemed to be in any hurry. Eleven minutes was the average time it took a customer to place their order, pay for it and bend Kylie’s ear. He’d kept track out of sheer boredom.

When an elderly woman stopped to peer in through the window, he decided that was it. He could be waiting forever. The small Wyoming town where he’d grown up hadn’t been any different. Some of the older folks were likely to pass the morning talking about nothing. And Kylie, softhearted as she was, would worry they were lonely and let them monopolize her time.

He got out of the truck, dragging the crutches out with him. It wasn’t as if Kylie didn’t know about his injury. And damn, he couldn’t afford to be careless.

After some clumsy maneuvering, he opened the door and managed to cross the threshold without falling on his ass. When he glanced up he met Kylie’s gaze. She was standing behind the counter wearing a pink apron over her T-shirt and jeans and her hair was pulled back into a ponytail.

Wariness flickered in her hazel eyes before she refocused on the customer asking about a birthday cake for her grandson. Three other women were chatting as they waited their turn.

The space was smaller than he’d thought, with wood laminate floors, pale yellow walls and white clouds painted on the light blue ceiling. But no place to sit. So he settled in the corner where he wouldn’t be in the way, and leaned on his crutches as he waited.

The smell of fresh-brewed coffee drifted over to him. He didn’t see a coffeepot, and couldn’t tell if the aroma was coming from the kitchen or from the counter behind Kylie.

“Yoo-hoo, young man?”

Landon turned to the tiny, white-haired woman trying to get his attention. She waved him over to where she stood near the case. He sighed. Why had he thought the crutches would give him a pass?

He hobbled over to her. “Yes, ma’am, how can I help?” he asked with a polite smile.

“You can park yourself right here,” she said, gesturing to the spot in front of her. “Kylie can take your order next. No need for you to be waiting, you being a cripple and all.”

Cripple.

Landon tried not to cringe. “Well, that’s very kind of you,” he said, “but I’m just waiting for Kylie.”

“Oh, you’re a friend of hers?” she asked, curiosity etched in every line on her face.

The other women all turned and checked him out.

“I have a chair in the back,” Kylie said quickly. “Why don’t you wait there? I’ll even bring you a cup of coffee.”

“Can’t pass up that offer,” he said and nodded at the elderly woman, who looked disappointed. “You have a real nice day, ma’am.”

The place was utterly quiet as everyone watched him hobble around the counter, which made him feel awkward as hell.

“It’s just a folding chair,” Kylie said as he was about to enter the kitchen. “I’ll bring your coffee in a minute.”

“I can get it myself.” He spotted the coffee station directly behind her on the back counter. “Take care of your customers. I’m good.”

“Oh, don’t you worry about us,” said the tall woman ordering the birthday cake. “We have all the time in the world.”

The other three nodded.

Yeah, just what he wanted to hear.

“Well, I’m afraid I don’t,” Kylie said, turning to a pair of solid-looking upper oak cabinets and bringing down a three-ring binder. “Tell you what, Shirley, why don’t you have a look at these pictures of other cakes I’ve done while I box Eunice’s turnovers?”

Landon saw the mugs stacked in the open cabinet and leaned his crutches against the wall.

“What do you mean you don’t have time, dear? Will you be closing early?”

“Oh, for pity’s sake, Mabel. She has plans with the hunk.”

Slanting the eighty-something woman a quick look, Landon realized she meant him.

Kylie laughed. “Actually, I have Joe Hopkins coming at eleven-thirty.”

“What for?” Shirley had stepped aside as she flipped through the pages.

“To give me a quote on raising part of this front counter to accommodate some bar stools.”

“Bar stools?” Mabel repeated, frowning. “How do you expect us to climb up on those?”

Just as Landon squeezed in behind Kylie, he noticed that the rosy-cheeked Mabel and the woman standing beside her were twins. And that Kylie had stiffened up the way she used to when Gary said something stupid.

“Actually, the counter isn’t so much about a place to sit,” Kylie said. “I’ll be setting up a coffee station on the other end—”

“You mean you’re going to start serving all those expensive coffees I see on the TV commercials?” Mabel looked at her sister, who’d scrunched up her face as if she’d swallowed something sour.

“Just a couple of specialty flavors, but nothing else will change. I promise.”

“Why can’t you bring in a table and some chairs for us older folks?”

“It’s really too small in here,” Kylie said, keeping her voice conciliatory. “But I’m hoping to expand and then—”

“These cakes are something else,” Shirley cut in. “Would you mind if I borrowed this to show my daughter-in-law?”

“Not at all,” Kylie said eagerly. “In fact, I have—” She turned and slammed right into him.

The side of his head smacked the cabinet door.

Her eyes widened. A gasp slipped past her lips as he caught her waist to steady himself.

“Oh, I’m so sorry.” She touched his face, her slender fingers as gentle as butterfly wings. “Are you okay?”

“Fine.”

She swept the hair off his forehead. “It’s red. You’ll have a lump.”

Her sweet breath tempted him to move closer. To taste those lush pink lips he’d been dreaming about for years. “Nah. You always said I was hardheaded.”

“True.” She lowered her hand. And jerked back. “Your leg...did I—”

“My leg is fine, Kylie.” He wondered if she remembered they were being watched. He looked in the cabinet and brought down a stack of flattened white cardboard. “Will this size work for the turnovers?”

She blinked at the cardboard, then looked back at him. “Why are you here, Landon?”

“Let’s save that discussion for later, huh?” The last thing he wanted to do was embarrass her, but he was pretty sure she’d spaced. Keeping his gaze locked with hers, he started assembling boxes. “Your customer’s waiting for her turnovers.”

“Good heavens, don’t fret over me.”

Comprehension widened Kylie’s eyes. After a quick glance at their eager audience, she grabbed a box out of his hands. “Eunice, I have your favorites this morning,” she said, reaching into the glass case with a pair of silver tongs. “One apple and two cherry, right?”

“Well, no, actually I—”

Before the woman finished speaking, Kylie taped the box shut. “Here you go. I’m sorry for the wait.”

Looking puzzled, Eunice just nodded and laid some money on the counter.

Mabel whispered something to her sister and they both giggled like teenagers.

Shirley had closed the binder and was staring over her glasses at Landon. She was quite a bit younger than the other three, maybe in her midfifties. And tall enough that she nearly came eye-to-eye with him.

A timer beeped in the kitchen. Kylie mumbled something about checking the oven and hurried into the back.

Landon brought down a mug and poured himself some coffee. Forgetting where he’d left the crutches, he glanced around and discovered he was still in Shirley’s crosshairs.

He took a sip, then smiled at her. “Go ahead,” he said. “I know you’ve got something to say. Let’s hear it.”

She tucked the binder under her arm. “Kylie’s a sweet girl. She might not have lived here long, but she’s like one of our own.” Her eyes narrowed. “You got that, cowboy?”

“Yes, ma’am, I do.”

“Now, what did you do to your leg?”

“Got bucked off a horse.”

“Rodeo?”

Landon nodded.

“You ride professionally?”

Again he nodded, and reached for his crutches. This wasn’t a conversation he wanted to have. By now he was fairly certain Kylie hadn’t been following rodeo news and had no idea how high he was ranked. And that suited him fine.

“I thought you looked familiar.”

“My word, I thought so, too,” Mabel said, leaning closer and squinting at him.

Her sister huffed with annoyance. “You did no such thing,” she said, clutching her white sack. “If you want a ride home you’d better be right behind me.”

The pair bickered all the way out the door. Through the window Landon watched them stop at a big Chevy that had to be over twenty years old. “Should they be driving?”

“No.” Shirley chuckled. “But they don’t go far and everyone knows to give them a wide berth.” She glanced at her watch. “I need to get going too. Eunice, would you like a ride home?”

“Well...” The elderly woman peered toward the kitchen and then looked back at Landon.

“I’m meeting my daughter in Kalispell,” Shirley said. “It’s now or never.”

Eunice nodded. “It was nice to meet you, young man.”

“Likewise.”

“Remember what I told you,” Shirley said, wagging a finger as they headed for the door.

“Yes, ma’am.” He caught her little grin as she turned her head and figured he’d passed inspection.

They’d barely made it outside when a woman, who looked too young to have a toddler resting on her hip, paused at the window.

He cursed under his breath. Maybe if he hung the closed sign for a—

“Sorry about that. I had to pull out the cupcakes—” Kylie stopped in the doorway. “What did you do, chase away all my customers?”

“I wish.” He glanced toward the window.

She followed his gaze and grinned. “Oh, that’s Mary Sara,” she said, waving. “She won’t come in until after she goes to the bank.”

“Don’t you have any help?”

“I did. There was a teenager who used to come in after school, but she left for college last month. I’m pretty sure I’ll have someone else starting soon.” Kylie blew at the stray wisps of hair fluttering around her face. Her cheeks were flushed, probably from the heat of the oven.

Though he’d like to think he had a little something to do with it.

The way she watched him sip his coffee sent his heart rate into overdrive. When he realized she wanted to smooth her hair back without using her hands, he reached over to help her out.

She ducked. “Why don’t you come on back with me while I make some frosting,” she said, pulling her gaze away. “At least you can sit.”

Without waiting for a response, she whirled around and retraced her steps.

Landon hung on to his mug and used one crutch to follow her. “So, you might be able to expand?”

“That depends on a number of things.” Kylie sighed. “I can’t believe I brought up the bar stools. That was so dumb. I wanted to play down the whole city coffee bar thing.”

“Better they know ahead of time, right? So they get used to the idea.”

“I can’t afford to alienate my customers, and honestly I don’t want to hurt their feelings. Most of them are just nice, lonely old women.”

“So, then what about two small tables?”

“In that little corner? I’m busy in the morning and the tables would just be in the way.”

“I meant really small, like those round tables you see in cocktail lounges. That should fit.”

“With chairs, too?” She shook her head. “Anyway, I’m trying to preserve the rustic feel of the place to balance out the coffee bar. Keep it from looking like I’ve gotten too citified.”

“Okay. I get it,” he said. “How about a couple of bench seats built against the wall? That wouldn’t take up much space. Make ’em right, and people won’t be camping out all day.”

Kylie laughed. “Are you saying the seats shouldn’t be too comfortable?”

He just grinned.

The kitchen was old but spotless, which wasn’t surprising. In between rodeos some of Gary’s so-called friends had used the house he and Kylie shared as a crash pad. Yet Kylie had always managed to keep the place clean. Landon had mentioned something about it not being fair to her, and Gary had blown up at him. Told him it was none of his goddamn business. Landon couldn’t argue with that.

Kylie stopped at a scarred butcher-block island that sat in the middle of the kitchen. Leaning against it was the metal folding chair. “This is sturdier than it looks,” she said, glancing at him as she set it up. “I should’ve brought your coffee. I’m sorry. Where’s your other crutch?”

“I get along just fine with one.” Closing in on the island, he took the last foot with a short hop on his good leg. Coffee sloshed over the rim onto his hand.

“Uh-huh.” A grin teased the corners of her lips. “You were saying?”

“No fair. You’re making me nervous.”

“Me?” She let out a laugh. “Please.”

“Come here.”

Wariness changed her expression. “Why?”

“Jesus, I’m not gonna bite.”

She slowly rounded the island. The second she was within reach, he caught her wrist and held her hand against his chest. “You feel how fast my heart’s beating?”

“So what? So is mine.” Her eyes widened when she realized what she’d just admitted. The second she tugged her hand back he let her go.

While he still had his wits about him, he said, “I figure we can call it even.”

Her cheeks matched her pink apron and made her eyes sparkle like emeralds. He wanted to kiss her so bad, but he might have waited too long to reenter her life. He owed it to her to wait and see where she stood.

Chapter Five

Kylie combined the ingredients for the frosting in a bowl while Landon got comfortable. The darn man had been in town only a matter of hours and already he was making her jittery.

“Tell me about the expansion. What does it depend on?”

“Well, the city owns the building and they use the space next door for town meetings. Sadie—she’s the mayor—thinks they should move to a bigger location. If they do, she’ll give me first crack at renting it.”

“How big is the place?”

“Big,” she said as she got busy whipping in the chocolate. “I wouldn’t have to rent the whole thing. They could break it down. I’d still have plenty of room for tables and chairs, and I could build up the coffee bar business, too.”

He was quiet for such a long time that she glanced up at him. Oddly, he was staring at the mixing bowl and frowning.

“What’s wrong?”

“Hmm?” He met her eyes. “Nothing. When do you see something like that happening?”

“Maybe never. I just don’t know at this point. Anyway, it wouldn’t be cheap since I’d have to knock down part of the wall. I’d have to save up.”

“So, you’re getting a quote just on the counter?”

She nodded. “And a matching condiment cabinet.”

“Sounds like a good place to start.”

“Except for the older customers.” She started icing the cupcakes for the special order that would be picked up soon. Hyperaware of Landon watching her, Kylie fumbled the spatula and gouged a hole in the third cupcake. Calmly, she set down the spatula before she did something stupid, like throw it against the wall.

“Did you do that on purpose?”

She looked up and saw that he wasn’t joking. “Why on earth would I do that?”

“I don’t know.” He shrugged. “Maybe to put something extra in it?”

“Like what?”

Ignoring her snippy tone, he asked, “What is it they put in those cakes during Mardi Gras in New Orleans?”

Kylie managed to shake her head without rolling her eyes. He was just trying to help. No reason to snap at him.

“Okay, look,” he said. “Why don’t you give me something to do? No sense me just sitting here.”

“I agree. Why don’t you go have some lunch at the diner? Or go relax in your room?”

“Trying to get rid of me, Kylie?” He spoke evenly, without a trace of accusation or annoyance or anything at all. Idling in neutral was typical for Landon.

“After all that driving I figured your leg must be stiff and you might want to stretch it.” She went to the sink and washed her hands. Mostly to avoid his probing eyes. “By the way, how was the motel?”

“Not bad. The bed was comfortable. Kevin’s business card got me a good discount,” Landon said. “How was your date?”

Thank God she had her back to him. Even knowing the question was inevitable hadn’t helped her prepare. And just because she wasn’t facing him didn’t mean he’d stopped staring. So hard she could almost feel her skin burn. “It was nice.”

His prolonged silence finally got to her.

Hoping and praying the bell over the door would ring, she grabbed a dish towel. Not a single customer for almost thirty minutes. Now, they all stayed away? As she turned to face him, she concentrated on drying her hands. “Tell me about your leg.”

A smile curved his mouth and struck a raw nerve. “Are you going out with him again?”

Kylie felt her blood pressure climb. “How is that any of your business?”

He shrugged. “I’d just hate to see you get mixed up with a guy who isn’t right for you just to show me.”

“Show you what? I hadn’t given you a second thought until yesterday.”

After studying her for a few seconds, he said, “I thought about you a lot.”

She could barely catch her breath. “I don’t blame you for Gary’s behavior. You can stop feeling—”

“It had nothing to do with Gary.” One side of his mouth hiked up. Not in a smile exactly. More like a challenge as his gaze held hers steady. “At least not in the way you’re thinking.”

Kylie swallowed. The look he was giving her scrambled her brain. She’d seen it before, over the years when she’d caught him watching her. She never understood how she could panic and melt at the same time. As it was, she’d almost done something unforgivable.

“Who’s been taking care of you?” she asked, darting a look at his leg.

“First, I take care of myself just fine. Second, I didn’t come all this way for you to be my nurse. Or to discuss Gary. Or to rehash the past.”

“Okay.” She cleared her throat. “Then I’ll ask you again, why are you here?”

“That answer hasn’t changed since yesterday. But I’ve got a question for you,” he said, and there it was again. Although it seemed to be more an entreaty than a challenge this time.

The bell over the door rang.

Thank God.

“Excuse me. I have a customer,” she murmured and hurried up front.

Mallory was holding the door open and looking back at the street. She turned when she saw Kylie. “Hey, how did it go last night?”

“Good. Great, really.” Kylie tilted her head to see who Mallory was holding the door for.

“Rachel was right behind me.” Mallory let go of the door. “I should’ve known she’d get sidetracked.”

“Nope. I’m here.” Rachel caught the door before it closed and rushed inside, her eyes bright and eager. “So, tell us everything.”

Mallory gave Kylie a sympathetic smile. “Where did you guys go?”

“Dinner in Kalispell.”

“Your hair looks terrific, by the way,” Mallory said. “I love those highlights.”

“I like it, too,” Kylie murmured, moving to the end of the counter where there was less chance of Landon overhearing.

Rachel frowned. “Where are you going?”

Kylie had to think fast. If it was only Mallory she could’ve given her a nonverbal sign. But not Rachel. “I’m thinking of making this area more like a coffee bar. What do you think?”

“You already told us that,” Rachel said. “I’m more interested in your date with Kevin.”

“I told you, we went to dinner.”

“Oh, honey, I don’t care about that.” Rachel sighed. “I want to know if you got laid.”

Suddenly her friends both jerked a look toward the kitchen, and Kylie knew... Darn him, why couldn’t he have stayed put?

Landon stood in the doorway, his mug in hand. “I was kinda wondering that myself,” he said and winked at Kylie. He smiled at the other two. “I’m Landon. But don’t mind me, I’m just getting more coffee.”

Rachel stared, her mouth slightly open.

Mallory chuckled. “I don’t believe it. Rachel is speechless.”

“Oh, my God,” Rachel said, with a quick glance at Kylie. “You have so much to tell us.”

“Thanks, Mallory. You couldn’t leave well enough alone?” Kylie saw that Landon had drained the coffee and was about to make another pot. “Go,” she said, taking the filters from him and pointing to the kitchen. “I’ll take care of this.”

“Oh, no.” Rachel pressed a hand to her tummy. “The smell will kill me.”

“Then you’d better leave,” Kylie said, already measuring the grounds.

“That’s so mean.”

“I’ll talk to you later.”

“Come on, Rach.” Mallory took her arm and steered her toward the door.

“I’m Rachel Gunderson,” she called to Landon. “I look forward to visiting with you.”

He stopped and turned. “Any relation to Matt Gunderson?”

“Who do you think knocked me up?” Rubbing her stomach, she sighed as Mallory dragged her outside.

“Matt’s wife?” Landon asked once the door closed.

Kylie nodded. “They have a ranch south of here. Do you know him?”

“I’ve met him. I used to see him around before he left the tour. I’d forgotten he was from around here.” He glanced out the window. “Matt’s a champion bull rider. He was at the top of his game when he just up and quit. He shocked everybody.”

“Oh, you mean because there really is life after rodeo?” She immediately regretted her sarcasm but there was nothing to do about it now.

Landon shook his head. “It’s not unheard of. What’s he doing these days? Raising cattle?”

“Primarily. The Lone Wolf has been in his family for generations, but I think his focus is on raising rodeo stock. He’s already produced two champion bulls.”

“So you are keeping up with rodeo news?”

“No. They’re my friends. I keep up with them.” Kylie poured in the water, grateful she had a reason to avoid Landon’s gaze.

He wasn’t so quick to fill the silence. He leaned against the counter, watching her. “What’s going on here, Kylie?”

“Nothing.”

“I understand why you’re hurt and angry with Gary but—”

“Was hurt and angry. Past tense. I rarely think about him anymore.” She saw doubt in his eyes and shrugged. “Believe what you want but that’s the truth. I’m happy here. I have friends. Real friends.” She noticed his slight cringe. She hadn’t meant it as a jab.

“Are you staying with your aunt?”

“I did for the first couple months. Then Mallory, the woman with Rachel, moved, and I took over the house she’d been renting. It’s small, just two bedrooms, but it has a big porch, a nice backyard, and it’s right off Main Street.”

“Sounds perfect for you.”

“It is.” She noticed he’d shifted his weight. “Let’s go back to the kitchen so you can sit down.”

Without arguing, he turned around. “Mind grabbing that crutch for me?”

It was the one he’d left behind so he could carry his mug. Instead of waiting for her to pass it to him, he limped into the kitchen ahead of her.

Kylie shot a glance out the window to make sure no customers were about to come in before she followed him. “Something’s wrong with this picture.”

He looked at the crutch she held up. “I don’t need it. I just didn’t want it in your way.” He sure looked relieved when he sank onto the chair, though.

“So what, it’s just for decoration?”

“I meant I didn’t need it for this short a distance.”

“Ah.” She leaned the crutch on the island where he could reach it.

“Hey, I’ve been doing everything the physical therapist instructed me to do. You think I wanna stay benched? Every rodeo I sit out costs me money and a chance at the finals.”

Kylie darted him a look but he’d shut down. His expression went blank. “You must be ranked high to be thinking about the finals.”

He shrugged. “I was doing pretty well until this happened.” He gestured to the injured leg and practically snarled. “Talk about lousy timing.”

“I can’t imagine there’s ever a good time for a broken leg,” she said, and went to the sink and washed her hands. “I, on the other hand, do have a timing issue. I need to have this order ready by twelve-thirty.”

Landon looked at the old clock on the wall beside the pantry and smiled. The picture of a fancy cupcake was captioned with I Bake in big bold letters, followed by so I don’t strangle people in a dainty cursive used to hang in her kitchen. “You still have that.”

“I tried getting rid of it but somehow it just wouldn’t stay in the donation box.” Her laugh ended in a sigh at the sight of the mangled cupcake. “Too bad you don’t like chocolate cupcakes.”

“Who says I don’t?”

“Are you kidding? I must have made thousands of cupcakes over the years, and I don’t think you touched a single one of them.”

“Only because I knew you were filling orders. I didn’t want to screw up your count.”

She hadn’t yet iced the six extra she’d made for the display case, so she snitched one from under the dish towel, then turned to Landon. “Well, you were the only one.” She should’ve known, she thought. Landon had always been considerate like that. And Gary, who should’ve been supportive of her fledgling home business, well, he’d been just as bad as the rest of his thoughtless buddies.

At times he’d treated her like his personal maid, minus a paycheck. And what had Kylie done about it? Nothing. She’d made excuses for him, to herself, to her friends, to her mom...although that was easy. Her mother never had a problem giving a man a pass.

Thinking back to those horrible days shamed Kylie to her core. She couldn’t bear to imagine what Landon had thought of her lack of backbone. And then to make things worse, she had a sudden flashback to that day she and Landon had almost kissed.

At the memory, her cheeks flamed. Why did her brain have to dig all that up now? This was exactly why Kevin was the right kind of man for her. She’d always know where he stood, and that job emergencies notwithstanding, when he’d be home each night.

“Kylie?” Landon’s tone suggested this wasn’t the first time he’d tried to get her attention.

Finally she looked at him, but it wasn’t easy.

“What are you gonna do with that?” he asked, nodding at the ruined cupcake. “I’d be happy to take it off your hands.”

“I thought you watched what you ate.”

“Yeah, well, I’m allowed to cheat now and then. Especially when something smells this good.”

Kylie heard the jingle of the bell over the door and handed Landon the cupcake. “I’ll be right out,” she called as she took off her apron.

“Take your time,” Joe Hopkins replied in a gravelly voice.

“Stay here while I talk to Joe.”

Landon put his hands up. “Whatever you say.”

She didn’t believe that for a minute.

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