“You got something against cowboys?”

The deep, sexy voice coming from the front steps sent a jolt through Stacie. She dropped the picture to the table, turned in her seat and met an unblinking blue-eyed gaze.

It was him.

She had to admit Josh looked even better up close. He wore a chambray shirt that made his eyes look strikingly blue and a pair of jeans that hugged his long legs. There was no hat, just lots of thick, dark hair brushing his collar.

The glint in his eyes told her he knew she’d put herself in a hole and was desperately searching for a way to shovel out.

“Of course I like cowboys,” she said. “Cowboys make the world go ‘round.”

Josh’s smile widened to a grin.

She’d been caught off guard. Startled. Distracted. By his eyes…and his timing.

Why, oh why, hadn’t she kept her mouth shut?

Available in June 2010
from Mills & Boon® Special Moments™

The Tycoon’s Perfect Match by Christine Wenger & Their Second-Chance Child by Karen Sandler

A Marriage-Minded Man by Karen Templeton & From Friend to Father by Tracy Wolff

An Imperfect Match by Kimberly Van Meter & Next Comes Love by Helen Brenna

A Bravo’s Honour by Christine Rimmer

Lone Star Daddy by Stella Bagwell

Claiming the Rancher’s Heart by Cindy Kirk

To Save a Family by Anna DeStefano

Claiming the
Rancher’s Heart

By

Cindy Kirk

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Cindy Kirk is a lifelong Nebraska resident who started writing after taking a class at a local community college. But her interest in the written word started years before, when she was in her teens. At sixteen she wrote in her diary, “I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t be a writer.”

Not until her daughter was heading off to college did Cindy return to her first love—writing. Unlike some writers, Cindy wasn’t interested in newspaper or magazine articles, short stories or poetry. When she decided to start writing, she jumped feet first into book-length fiction. She loves reading and writing romance as she believes in the power of love and in happily ever after. An incurable romantic, Cindy loves seeing her characters grow and learn from their mistakes and, in the process, achieve a happy ending.

She and her high-school sweetheart husband live on an acreage with two cats…one of whom loves to sit next to the computer and supervise her writing. Cindy loves to hear from readers. She invites you to visit her website at www.CindyKirk.com.

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This book is dedicated with a thankful heart to my

fabulous critique partners Louise Foster,

Renee Halverson and Ruth Kaufman.

Chapter One

“There’s a whole herd of ‘em.” Stacie Summers stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and stared. Since arriving in Sweet River, Montana, two weeks ago she’d seen an occasional cowboy. But never so many. And never clustered together. “What’s the occasion?”

Anna Anderssen, Stacie’s friend and Sweet River native, came to a halt beside her. “What day is it?”

“Wednesday,” Stacie answered.

“June second,” Lauren Van Meveren replied. The doctoral student had seemed lost in thought since the three roommates had left Sharon’s Food Mart. But now, standing beside Stacie in the bright sunlight, she couldn’t have been more focused.

Though Lauren would normally be the first to say that staring was rude, she watched the cowboys pile out of the Coffee Pot Café with undisguised interest.

“Wednesday, June second,” Anna repeated. Her blue eyes narrowed in thought as she pulled a key fob from her pocket and unlocked the Jeep parked at the curb.

Stacie shifted the heavy sack of groceries to her other arm, opened the back and dropped the bag inside.

“Bingo,” Anna announced with a decisive nod.

“They were playing bingo?” It seemed odd to Stacie that a group of men would gather on a Wednesday morning to play a game. But she’d quickly discovered that Sweet River was its own world.

“No, silly.” Anna giggled. “The Cattleman’s Association meets the first Wednesday of the month.”

While that made more sense than bingo, Stacie wondered what issues such an organization would address. Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she’d grown up, was hardly a cattleman’s paradise. And in the ten years she’d resided in Denver, not a single cowboy had crossed her path.

When Lauren had proposed moving to Anna’s hometown to research male-female compatibility for her dissertation, Stacie had tagged along. The search for her perfect job—her bliss, as she liked to call it—wasn’t going well, and a change of scenery seemed a good idea.

For some reason, she’d thought Sweet River would be like Aspen, one of her favorite towns. She’d expected cute, trendy shops and a plethora of doctors, lawyers and businessmen who enjoyed the great outdoors.

Boy, had she been wrong.

“I’ve never seen so many guys in boots and hats.”

They were big men with broad shoulders, weathered skin and hair that had never seen a stylist’s touch. Confident men who worked hard and lived life on their own terms. Men who would expect a wife to give up her dreams for a life on a ranch.

Though the air outside was warm, Stacie shivered.

Lauren’s eyes took on a distant, almost dreamy look. “Do you know the first cowboys came from Mexico? They were known as vaqueros, the Spanish word for cowboys.”

Stacie shot a pleading look in Anna’s direction. They needed to stop Lauren before she got rolling. If not, they’d be forced to endure a lecture on the history of the modern cowboy all the way home.

“Get in, Lauren.” Anna gestured to the Jeep. “We don’t want the Rocky Road to melt.”

Though Anna had injected a nice bit of urgency in her voice, Lauren’s gaze remained riveted on the men, dressed in jeans and T-shirts and boots, talking and laughing in deep, manly voices.

One guy captured Stacie’s attention. With his jeans, cowboy hat and sun-bronzed skin, he looked like all the others. Yet her gaze had been immediately drawn to him. It must have been because he was talking to Anna’s brother, Seth. There could be no other explanation. A testosterone-rich male had never made it onto her radar before. She liked her men more artsy, preferring the starving-poet look over a bulky linebacker any day.

“You know, Stace—” Lauren tapped a finger against her lips “—something tells me there just may be a cowboy in your future.”

Lauren’s research involved identifying compatible couples, and Stacie was Lauren’s first guinea pig—or as she liked to refer to it, research subject.

A knot formed in the pit of Stacie’s stomach at the thought of being paired with a ropin’, ridin’ manly man. She sent a quick prayer heavenward. Dear God, please. Anyone but a cowboy.

A few weeks later, Stacie dropped into the high-backed wicker chair on Anna’s porch, braced for battle. When Lauren had arrived home after an afternoon run, Stacie had told her they needed to talk. She’d stewed in silence about the prospect of Lauren’s proposed match for her long enough.

While she knew it was important for Lauren’s research that she at least meet this guy, it seemed wrong to waste his time. And hers.

Stacie was still formulating the “I’m not interested in a cowboy” speech for Lauren when a cool breeze from the Crazy Mountains ruffled the picture in her hand. She lifted her face, reveling in the feel of mountain air against her cheek. Even after four weeks in Big Sky country, Stacie still found herself awed by the beauty that surrounded her.

She glanced out over the large front yard. Everywhere she looked the land was lush and green. And the flowers…June had barely started and the bluebells, beargrass and Indian paintbrush were already in riotous bloom.

The screen door clattered shut, and Lauren crossed the porch, claiming the chair opposite Stacie. “What’s up?”

Stacie pulled her gaze from the breathtaking scenery to focus on Lauren.

“Your computer hiccupped. It’s the only explanation.” Stacie lifted the picture. “Does he look like my type?”

“If you’re talking about Josh Collins, he’s a nice guy.” Anna stepped onto the wraparound porch of the large two-story house and let the door fall shut behind her. “I’ve known him since grade school. He and my brother, Seth, are best friends.”

Stacie stared in dismay at the teetering tray of drinks Anna was attempting to balance. Lauren, who was closest, jumped up and took the tray with the pitcher of lemonade and three crystal glasses from the perky blonde. “You’re going to fall and break your neck wearing those shoes.”

“Ask me if I care.” Anna’s gaze dropped to the lime-green, pointy-toed stilettos. “These are so me.”

“They are cute,” Lauren conceded. Her head cocked to one side. “I wonder if they’d fit me. You and I wear the same size—”

“Hel-lo.” Stacie lifted a hand and waved it wildly. “Remember me? The one facing a date with Mr. Wrong? Any minute?”

“Calm down.” Lauren poured a glass of lemonade, handed it to Stacie and sat down with a gracefulness Stacie envied. “I don’t make mistakes. If you recall, I gave you a summary of the results. Unless you lied on your survey or he lied on his, you and Josh Collins are very much compatible.”

She wanted to believe her friend. After all, her first match with Sweet River attorney Alexander Darst had been pleasant. Unfortunately there’d been no spark.

Stacie lifted the picture of the rugged rancher and studied it again. Even if he hadn’t been on a horse, even if she hadn’t seen him talking with Seth after the Cattleman’s Association meeting, his hat and boots confirmed her theory about a computer malfunction.

A match between a city girl and a rancher made no sense. Everyone knew city and country were like oil and water. They just didn’t mix.

Sadly, for all her jokes about the process, she was disappointed. She’d hoped to find a summer companion, a Renaissance man who shared her love of cooking and the arts.

“He’s a cowboy, Lauren.” Stacie’s voice rose despite her efforts to control it. “A cowboy.”

“You got something against cowboys?”

The deep sexy voice coming from the front steps sent a jolt through Stacie. She dropped the picture to the table, turned in her seat and met an unblinking blue-eyed gaze.

It was him.

She had to admit he looked even better up close. He wore a chambray shirt that made his eyes look strikingly blue and a pair of jeans that hugged his long legs. There was no hat, just lots of thick, dark hair brushing his collar.

He continued to lazily appraise her. The glint in his eye told her he knew she’d put herself in a hole and was desperately searching for a way to shovel out.

Trouble was, she couldn’t count on Lauren, who appeared to be fighting a laugh. Anna—well, Anna just stared expectantly at her, offering no assistance at all.

“Of course I like cowboys,” Stacie said, feeling an urgent need to fill the silence that seemed to go on for hours but lasted only a few seconds. “Cowboys make the world go round.”

His smile widened to a grin, and Lauren laughed aloud. Stacie shot her a censuring look. Granted, her response might not have been the best, but it could have been worse. She’d been caught off guard. Startled. Distracted. By his eyes…and his timing.

Why, oh, why, hadn’t she kept her mouth shut?

“Well, I can’t say I recall ever hearing that saying before,” he said smoothly, “but it’s definitely true.”

Okay, so he was also gracious, a quality sadly lacking in most men she’d dated, and one she greatly admired. It was too bad he was not only a cowboy, but also so big. He had to be at least six-foot-two, with broad shoulders and a muscular build. Rugged. Manly. A dreamboat to many, but not her type at all.

Still, when those laughing blue eyes once again settled on her, she shivered. There was keen intelligence in their liquid depths, and he exuded a self-confidence that she found appealing. This cowboy was nobody’s fool.

Stacie opened her mouth to ask if he wanted a beer—he didn’t look like a lemonade guy—but Anna spoke first.

“It’s good to see you.” Anna crossed the porch, her heels clacking loudly. When she reached Josh, she wrapped her arms around him. “Thank you for filling out the survey.”

Josh smiled and gave her hair a tug. “Anything for you, Anna Banana.”

Stacie exchanged a glance with Lauren.

“Anna Banana?” Lauren’s lips twitched. “You never told us you had a nickname.”

“Seth gave it to me when I was small,” Anna explained before shifting her attention back to Josh. She wagged a finger at him. “You were supposed to forget that name.”

“I have a good memory.”

Stacie could see the twinkle in his eyes.

“I have a good memory, as well,” Anna teased. “I remember Seth telling me that you and he preferred the traditional dating route. Yet, you both filled out Lauren’s survey. Why?”

There was a warm, comfortable feel to the interaction between the two. Stacie found herself wondering if Josh and Anna had ever dated. A stab of something she couldn’t quite identify rose up at the thought. It was almost as if she were…jealous? But that would be crazy. She wasn’t interested in Josh Collins, cowboy extraordinaire.

“Seth probably did it because he knew you’d kill him if he didn’t,” Josh explained. “I completed the survey because Seth asked and I owed him a favor.” He shoved his hands into his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “I never expected to get matched.”

He’s no more excited about this date than I am, Stacie thought, pushing back her chair and rising, finding the thought more comforting than disturbing.

“I’ll try to make the evening as painless as possible.” Stacie covered the short distance separating them and held out her hand. “I’m Stacie Summers, your date.”

“I figured as much.” He pulled a hand from his pocket and his fingers covered hers in a warm, firm grip. “Josh Collins.”

To Stacie’s surprise, a tingle traveled up her arm. She slipped her hand from his, puzzled by the reaction. The cute attorney’s hand had brushed against hers several times during their date, and she hadn’t felt a single sizzle.

“Would you care to join us?” Anna asked. “We have fresh-squeezed lemonade. And I could bring out the sugar cookies Stacie made this morning.”

His easy smile didn’t waver, but something told Stacie he’d rather break a bronc than drink lemonade and eat cookies with three women.

Though several minutes earlier she’d been determined to do whatever it took to cut this date short, she found herself coming to his rescue. “Sorry, Anna. Josh agreed to a date with one woman, not three.”

Lauren rose and stepped forward. “Well, before my roommate steals you away, let me introduce myself. I’m Lauren Van Meveren, the author of the survey you took. I also want to extend my thanks to you for participating.”

“Pleased to meet you, Lauren.” Josh shook her hand. “Those were some mighty interesting questions.”

Stacie exchanged a glance with Anna. Obviously Josh didn’t realize he was in danger of opening the floodgates. If there was one thing Lauren was passionate about, it was her research.

“I’m working on my doctoral dissertation.” Lauren’s face lit up, the way it always did when anyone expressed interest in her research. “The survey is a tool to gather data that will either support or disprove my research hypothesis.”

“Seth mentioned you were working on your Ph.D.,” Josh said. “But when I asked what your research question was, he couldn’t tell me.”

Stacie stifled a groan. The floodgates were now officially open.

Lauren straightened. “You’re familiar with the dissertation process?”

“Somewhat,” he admitted. “My mother is working on her Ph.D. in nursing. I remember what she went through to get her topic approved.”

“Then you do understand.” Lauren gestured to the wicker chair next to hers. “Have a seat. I’ll tell you about my hypothesis.”

“I suggest we all sit down,” Anna said with a smile. “This may take a while,” she added in a low tone only loud enough for Stacie to hear.

Stacie slipped back into the chair she’d vacated moments before. Josh snagged the seat beside her, his attention focused on Lauren. Even if Stacie wanted to save him, it was too late now.

Lauren’s lips tipped up in a satisfied smile. “I was ecstatic when my subject was approved.”

“And what are you studying?” Josh prompted.

Shoot me now, Stacie thought to herself. Just put a gun to my head and shoot me.

“Having relevant, personally tailored information about values and characteristics central to interpersonal relationships increases the chance of successful establishment and maintenance of said relationships,” Lauren said without taking a breath. “It’s a concept already embraced by many of the online dating services. But my study focuses more on what goes into forming a friendship rather than just a love match.”

“Very interesting,” Josh said, sounding surprisingly sincere. “What made you decide to do the research here?”

“Anna suggested I consider it—”

“I told her about all the single men.” Anna poured a glass of lemonade and handed it to Josh. “And that I had a house where she could stay rent free. I decided to come along since there was nothing keeping me in Denver.”

Josh shifted his attention to Anna. “Seth mentioned you lost your job.”

“My employer was supposed to sell me her boutique.” Anna took the last seat at the table. “Instead, she sold it to someone else.”

Josh shook his head, sympathy in his eyes. “That sucks.”

“Tell me about it,” Anna said with a sigh.

The handsome cowboy seemed to be getting along so well with her roommates that Stacie wondered if anyone would notice if she got up and left. When her gaze returned to the table, she found Josh staring.

“It’s been great catching up.” He drained his glass of lemonade. “But Stacie and I should get going.”

He stood, and Stacie automatically rose to her feet. She adored her roommates, but going with her match seemed a better option than staying and talking research with Lauren or rehashing job disappointments with Anna.

Josh followed her to the steps. Though he’d already given her a quick once-over when he’d first arrived, she caught him casting surreptitious glances her way.

If the look in his eye was any indication, her khaki capris and pink cotton shirt met with his approval. Stacie felt the tension in her shoulders begin to ease. Anna had said he was a nice guy, and his interactions with her roommates had shown that to be true.

There was certainly no need to be stressed. But when she started chattering about the weather, Stacie realized her nerves were on high alert.

But if Josh found the topic dull, he didn’t show it. In fact, he seemed more than willing to talk about the lack of rain the area had been experiencing. He’d just started telling her about a particularly bad forest fire near Big Timber a couple years earlier, when they reached his black 4x4.

He reached around her to open the door. When she stepped forward, he offered her a hand up into the vehicle.

“Thank you, Josh.”

“My pleasure.” He coupled the words with an easy smile.

Her heart skipped a beat. She didn’t know why she was so charmed. Maybe it was because Mr. Sweet River attorney had gotten an F in the manners department. He hadn’t opened a single door for her or even asked what movie she wanted to see. Instead they’d watched an action flick he’d chosen.

Josh, on the other hand, not only opened the door without being asked, but he waited until she was settled inside the truck before shutting the door and rounding the front of the vehicle.

She watched him through the window, admiring his sure, purposeful stride. The cowboy exhibited a confidence that many women would find appealing. But as he slid into the driver’s seat, her attention was drawn to the rifle hanging in the window behind her head. Her earlier reservations flooded back.

But how would she tell this nice guy that he wasn’t her type?

“I can’t get used to how flat the streets are,” she said, buying herself some time. “When Anna talked about her hometown, I pictured a town high in the mountains, not one in a valley.”

“It can be disappointing when things aren’t what we expect,” he said in an even tone.

“Not always.” Stacie’s gaze met his. “The unexpected can often be a pleasant surprise.”

They drove in silence for several seconds.

“Did you know I’m psychic?”

She shifted in the seat to face him. “You are?”

“My powers,” he continued, “are sending me a strong message.”

“What’s the message?” Stacie didn’t know much about paranormal stuff, but she was curious. “What are your powers telling you?”

“You really want to know?” Josh’s blue eyes looked almost black in the shadows of the truck’s cab.

“Absolutely,” Stacie said.

He stared unblinking. “They’re telling me you don’t want to be doing this.”

Stacie stilled, and for a moment she forgot how to breathe. She adjusted her seat belt, not wanting to be rude and agree, but hating to lie. “What makes you say that?”

“For starters, what you said about cowboys.” His smile took any censure from the words. “That, coupled with the look in your eye when you first saw me.”

Though he gave no indication she’d hurt his feelings, she knew she had, and her heart twisted at the realization. “You seem very nice,” she said softly. “It’s just that I’ve always been attracted to a different kind of man.”

His dark brows pulled together, and she could see the puzzlement in his eyes. “There’s more than one kind?”

“You know,” she stumbled over her words as she tried to explain. “Guys who like to shop and go to the theater. A metrosexual kind of guy.”

“You like feminine men?”

She laughed at the shock he tried so hard to hide. “Not feminine…just more sensitive.”

“And cowboys aren’t sensitive?”

“No, they aren’t,” Stacie said immediately, then paused. “Are they?”

“Not really.” Josh lifted a shoulder. “Not the ones I know, anyway.”

“That’s what I thought,” Stacie said with a sigh, wondering why she felt disappointed when the answer was just what she’d expected.

“So what you’re saying is this match stands no chance of success,” Josh said.

Stacie hesitated. To be fair, she should give him a shot. But wouldn’t that only postpone the inevitable? Still, there was something about this cowboy…

Cowboy. The word hit her like a splash of cold water.

“No chance,” Stacie said firmly.

Josh’s gaze searched her face, and she could feel her cheeks heat beneath the probing glance.

“I appreciate the honesty,” he said at last, his face showing no emotion. “For a second I thought you might disagree. Crazy, huh?”

For a second she had been tempted to argue… until she’d come to her senses. Josh might be gentlemanly and have the bluest eyes she’d ever seen, but she could tell that they were too different.

“That doesn’t mean we can’t be friends,” Stacie said. “Of course, you probably have plenty of friends.”

“None as pretty as you,” he said. He cleared his throat and slowed the truck to a crawl as they entered the business district. “If you’re hungry we can grab a bite. Or I can show you the sites and give you some Sweet River history.”

Stacie pondered the options. She wasn’t in the mood to return to the house or to eat. Though Anna had given both her and Lauren a tour when they’d first moved to Sweet River, she didn’t remember much of the town’s history.

“Or I can take you home,” he added.

“Not home.” She immediately dismissed that option. Since they’d cleared the air, there was no reason they couldn’t enjoy the evening. “How about you do the tour-guide thing? Then, if we feel like it, we can eat.”

“Tour guide it is.”

They cruised slowly through the small business district with the windows down. She learned that the corner restaurant had once been a bank and that the food mart had been resurrected by a woman who’d moved back to Sweet River after her husband died. He gave an interesting and informative travelogue, interspersed with touches of humor and stories from the past.

“…and then Pastor Barbee told Anna he didn’t care if she dressed it like a baby—she couldn’t bring a lamb to church.”

Laughter bubbled up inside Stacie and spilled from her lips.

“I can’t believe Anna had a lamb for a pet.” She couldn’t keep a touch of envy from her voice. “My parents wouldn’t even let me have a dog.”

He looked at her in surprise. “You like dogs?”

“Love ‘em.”

“Me, too.” He chuckled. “I better…I’ve got seven.”

Stacie raised a brow. “Seven?”

“Yep.”

She marveled that he could look so serious when telling such a tall tale.

“Wow, we have so much in common.” Stacie deliberately widened her eyes. “You have seven dogs. I have seven pink ostriches.”

Josh cast her a startled glance. “I’m serious.”

“Yeah, right.”

“Okay, one dog and six pups,” he clarified. “Bert, my blue heeler, had puppies eight weeks ago.”

He seemed sincere, but something still wasn’t making sense. “Did you say Bert had puppies?”

“Her given name is Birdie.” The look on his face told her what he thought of that name. “My mother chose it because Bert loves to chase anything with wings.”

Stacie laughed. “I bet they’re cute. The puppies, I mean.”

“Want to see them?”

She straightened in her seat. “Could I?”

“If you don’t mind a road trip,” he said in a casual tone. “My ranch is forty miles from here.”

He was letting her know that if she agreed, they’d be spending the rest of the day together. And he was giving her an out. But Stacie didn’t hesitate. She adored puppies. And she was enjoying this time with Josh.

“It’s a beautiful day,” Stacie said, not even glancing at the sky. “Perfect for a drive.”

“Don’t give me that,” he said, a smile returning to his face. “I’ve got your number. You don’t care about the drive. Or the weather. This is all about the dogs.”

“Nuh-uh.” Stacie tried to keep a straight face but couldn’t keep from laughing.

He did have her number. And she hoped this was all about the dogs. Because if it wasn’t, she was in big trouble.

Chapter Two

Josh pulled up in front of his weathered ranch house and wondered when he’d lost his mind. Was it when he’d first seen the dark-haired beauty sitting on the porch and felt that stirring of attraction? Or when he’d started talking about the weather and she’d listened with rapt attention? Or maybe when her eyes had lit up like Christmas tree lights when he’d mentioned the puppies?

Whatever the reason, bringing her to the ranch had been a mistake.

He cast a sideways glance and found her staring wide-eyed, taking it all in. When her gaze lingered on the peeling paint, he fought the urge to explain that he had brushes and rollers and cans of exterior latex in the barn ready to go once he got the rest of the cattle moved. But he kept his mouth shut.

It didn’t matter what she thought of his home; it was his and he was proud of it. Situated on the edge of the Gallatin National Forest and nestled at the base of the Crazy Mountains, the land had been in his family for five generations. When he’d first brought Kristin here as a bride the house had been newly painted and remodeled. Still, she’d found fault.

“It’s so—” Stacie began, then stopped.

Shabby. Old. Isolated. His mind automatically filled in the words his wife—ex-wife, he corrected himself—had hurled at him whenever they’d argued.

“Awesome.” Stacie gazed over the meadow east of the house, already blue with forget-me-nots. “Like your own little piece of paradise.”

Surprised, Josh exhaled the breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding.

“Oh-h.” Stacie squealed and leaned forward, resting her hands on the dash, her gaze focused on the short-haired dog, with hair so black it almost looked blue, streaking toward the truck. “Is that Bert?”

Josh smiled and pulled to a stop in front of the house. “That’s her.”

“I can’t wait to pet her.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Josh saw her reach for the door handle. Before she could push it open, he grabbed her arm. “Let me get the door.”

“That’s okay.” Stacie tugged at his firm grasp. “I’ll let you off being gentlemanly this once.”

“No.” Josh tightened his fingers around her arm. When her gaze dropped to the hand encircling her arm, he released his grip, knowing he had some quick explaining to do. “Bert can be territorial. You’re a stranger. I’m not sure how she’ll react to you.”

He didn’t want to scare Stacie, but last week the UPS man had stopped by and Bert had bared her teeth.

“Oh.” A startled look crossed Stacie’s face and she sank back in the seat. “Of course. I don’t know why that never occurred to me.”

“She’ll probably be fine,” he said a trifle gruffly, disturbed by the protective feelings rising in him. “I just don’t want to take any chances.”

A look of gratitude filled her eyes but he pretended not to notice. He pushed open the door and stepped from the truck. He didn’t need her thanks. He’d do this for any woman, including old Miss Parsons, who’d rapped his knuckles with a ruler in third grade. Yep, he’d do this for any female, not just for a pretty one that made him feel like a schoolboy again.

Josh shifted his attention to the predominantly black-and-gray-colored dog that stood at his feet, her white-tipped tail wagging wildly.

“Good girl.” He reached down and scratched Bert’s head. She’d been a birthday gift from his mother, six months before Kristin moved out. She’d never liked the dog. But then, by the time she left, Kristin hadn’t liked much of anything; not the ranch, the house or him.

“Can I get out now?”

Josh grinned at the impatient voice coming from the truck’s cab. Shoving aside thoughts of the past, he hurried to her door, Bert at his heels.

He paused and dropped his gaze to the dog. “Sit.”

Bert did as instructed, her intelligent, amber-colored eyes riveted to him, ears up, on full alert.

“Miss Summers is a friend, Bert,” Josh warned as he opened the passenger door. “Be good.”

Despite the warning, the hair on Bert’s neck and back rose as the brunette exited the vehicle. Josh moved between her and the dog.

“Nice doggie.” Stacie’s voice was low and calm as she slipped around him. She took a step forward and held out her hand. “Hello, Bert. I’m Stacie.”

Casting a look at Josh, Bert took a couple steps forward and cautiously sniffed Stacie’s outstretched hand. Then, to Josh’s surprise, Bert began to lick her fingers.

“Thank you, Birdie. I like you, too.” Stacie’s smile widened as the dog continued to lick her. “I can’t wait to see your babies. I bet they’re pretty, like their mama.”

Bert’s tail swished from side to side and Josh stared in amazement. For a woman who’d grown up without pets, Stacie certainly had a way with animals.

“Australian cattle dogs—that’s another name for blue heelers—are known for being smart and loyal. They’re great with livestock.” Josh paused. “Still, not many would call them pretty—”

“She’s very pretty.” Stacie bent over and clasped her hands over the dog’s ears, shooting Josh a warning look.

“My apologies.” Josh covered his smile with a hand. “Would you like to see the six smaller versions in the barn?”

“Are you crazy?” Stacie straightened and grabbed his hand. “Let’s go.”

Her hand felt small in his, but there was firmness in the grasp that bespoke an inner strength. When he’d discovered that he’d been matched with Anna’s friend from Denver, he’d wondered if Anna had monkeyed with the results.

He realized now that he and Stacie had more in common than he’d first thought. And he found himself liking this city girl. Of course that didn’t mean she was a good match.

He’d been with a city girl once. Fell in love with her. Married her. But he was smarter now. This time he’d keep his heart to himself.

“I feel guilty.” Josh stabbed the last piece of apple dumpling with his fork. “You spent the whole evening in the kitchen.”

Stacie took a sip of coffee and smiled at the exaggeration. She hadn’t spent the entire evening in the kitchen. They’d played with the puppies for the longest time. After that Josh had shown her all Bert’s tricks, including catching a Frisbee in midair. By then, they were both hungry and she’d offered to make dinner.

“I told you,” Stacie said, relishing the taste of the rich Columbian brew against her tongue. “Cooking is a hobby of mine. I love making something out of nothing.”

Josh lowered his fork to rest on his now-empty plate. “You’ve impressed me. That noodle thing with the sausage and peppers tasted like something I’d get in a restaurant.”

“And we didn’t even have to go out.” Stacie glanced around the modern country kitchen. After seeing the outside of the house, she’d been a bit apprehensive about the inside. But when Josh had ushered her through the front door and given her a tour, she’d been pleasantly surprised.

While the exterior needed some attention, the interior was up-to-date and exceptionally clean. When she’d complimented Josh on his tidiness, he sheepishly admitted that he had a housekeeper who came during the week to cook and clean.

“I’d have taken you out,” Josh said, his gaze meeting hers. “I hope you know that.”

“I do,” Stacie said. “But this was more fun.”

“I agree.” Josh smiled and the fine lines that fanned out from the corners of his eyes crinkled appealingly. He pushed back his chair. “How ‘bout we take our coffee into the family room?”

Stacie rose. Her gaze lingered on the dishes in the sink before returning to the ones still on the table.

“Don’t even think about it.” He placed his hand in the small of her back and nudged her toward the doorway. “I’ll clean up later.”

Moments later, Stacie was sitting on a burgundy leather sofa listening to Josh finish his story about the fire that had threatened 180,000 acres several years earlier.

“I was fortunate,” Josh said. “The damage to my property was minimal. It could have been so much worse.”

Stacie studied the rugged cowboy who sat on the sofa a mere foot away from her. “You love it, don’t you?”

He tilted his head. “Love what?”

“The land. Your life here,” Stacie said. “I see it in your eyes. Hear it in your voice. This is your passion.”

“From the time I was small, all I’ve wanted to do was be a rancher.” His expression turned serious. “This land is part of me, and it will be part of my legacy.”

“What about your parents?” Stacie asked, realizing that up to this point they hadn’t discussed family at all. “Are they around?”

“They live in Sweet River,” Josh said. “My dad runs the bank. My mother is the director of nursing at the hospital.”

Bank? Hospital? “I thought you’d grown up on a ranch?”

“I did,” he said in a matter-of-fact tone. “But my father was never into it. As soon as I returned home from college, he turned the place over to me.”

“Sounds like the passion for the land skipped a generation,” Stacie said in a light tone.

Josh lifted a shoulder in a shrug. “It’s a great life, but definitely not for everyone.”

Stacie wished her family had the same attitude. Why couldn’t they understand that what worked for them didn’t work for her? That’s why she’d gone away to college and stayed in Denver after graduation rather than returning to Michigan. She wanted to find her passion, her purpose, not lead a life she hadn’t chosen.

A coyote howled in the distance, the eerie sound drifting in on the breeze through the screened patio door. Stacie shivered. “It’s so quiet out here…so isolated. Do you ever get lonely?”

“I have friends.” The smile that had hovered on the edge of his lips most of the evening disappeared and his shoulders stiffened. “I see my parents at least weekly.”

“But you live by yourself.” Stacie wasn’t sure why she was pressing the issue, but the answer somehow seemed important. “Almost an hour from civilization.”

“Sometimes I get lonely,” he said. “But when I have a family of my own, it’ll be different.”

“The solitude would drive me bonkers.” Stacie took a sip of coffee. “I need people. The more the merrier.”

“It’s important to know what you want and what you don’t.” Josh’s expression gave nothing away. “I need to find a woman who could be happy with this kind of life.”

“Cross me off that list,” Stacie said, keeping her tone light.

Josh’s gaze never left her face. “I’ve never been much for lists.”

Regardless of his obvious reluctance to hurt her feelings, she knew he’d made his decision, just like she’d made hers. No matter what the computer thought, she and Josh weren’t meant to ride together into the sunset.

She took another sip of coffee and gazed out the screen door, feeling a little sad at the thought. Which made absolutely no sense at all. “The good thing is we haven’t completed our first date and we already know it’s not going to work.”

“What’s so good about that?”

Didn’t he understand that she was doing her best to see the glass as half-full? “We don’t have to waste time—”

“Are you saying tonight was a waste?”

She exhaled an exasperated breath. “No, but—”

“I don’t think it was a waste at all,” he said. “I can’t remember the last time I’ve had this much fun or ate such a delicious meal.”

He smiled and her pulse skipped a beat. Yikes. She’d never thought a cowboy could be so sexy.

Stacie placed her cup on the coffee table. “I should be getting home.”

“Not yet.” Josh reached forward and gently touched her face, letting his finger glide along her jaw.

He’s going to kiss me. He’s going to kiss me. He’s going to kiss me.

The words ran through her head like a mantra. She told herself to pull away. To put some distance between them. To just say no. He was Anna’s friend, after all, and he was looking for someone special. But instead of moving back, she leaned into his caress, her body quivering with anticipation.

He moved closer. Then closer still. So close she could see the flecks of gold in his eyes and feel his breath upon her cheek. She was already anticipating the taste of his lips when he abruptly sat back, his hand dropping to his side. “This is a bad idea.”

Her heart dropped like a lead balloon and she felt like a child whose favorite toy had been snatched from her grasp.

For several heartbeats they simply looked at each other.

“You’re right.” Her pulse, which had stalled, began to thump like a bass drum. “It’s late. I should get home.”

When she stood he didn’t try to stop her. By the time she reached the front door, her heart had settled into a regular rhythm. She paused on the porch and took a deep breath of crisp mountain air, hoping it would clear her tangled thoughts. Darkness had fallen, but thanks to a brilliant moon and a sky filled with stars, she could see clearly.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Bert racing across the yard toward her. Her spirits lifted and she stopped at the base of the porch steps to give the dog a goodbye hug. Bert reciprocated with a wet kiss to her cheek. She laughed and gave the animal another quick squeeze.

When she straightened, she found Josh staring.

“What can I say?” she said. “Animals love me.”

“Of course they do,” she thought she heard him mutter under his breath.

Though the truck in the drive was less than twenty feet away, the walk seemed to take forever. She quickly discovered that heeled sandals and a gravel drive weren’t a good combination. Not to mention that every time she took a step, Bert pushed against her, forcing her closer to Josh.

When they got to the pickup, Josh reached past her to open the passenger door. Stacie inhaled the spicy scent of his aftershave and a yearning to play “kiss the cowboy” returned.

But instead of giving into temptation, she stepped back, putting a more comfortable distance between them. She was congratulating herself on her good sense when sharp teeth sank into the back of her heel. She yelped and leapt forward, crashing against Josh’s broad chest.

His arms closed protectively around her and a look of concern blanketed his face. “What’s wrong?”

Stacie turned in his embrace to cast the dog a reproachful look. “Birdie bit the back of my foot.”

The animal cocked her head and swished her tail slowly. Her dark lips curved upward until it almost looked as if she were smiling.

“Nipping heels is one of the ways she herds cattle,” Josh said in an apologetic tone. “It’s her nature.”

“I don’t like that part of her nature.” Stacie wagged a finger at Bert. “Don’t do that again.”

The dog stared for a moment and then lifted a paw and proceeded to lick it.

“She’s sorry,” Josh said, a little smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

“Yeah, right.” If Stacie didn’t know better she’d believe the animal had wanted her in Josh’s arms and had done what she could to make that happen.

“Nothing will ever hurt you,” Josh said, his eyes dark and intense. “Not on my watch.”

“Are you saying the cowboy will protect me against the big, bad dog?” she asked in a teasing tone.

“Most definitely.” His gaze drifted to her lips.

Though she knew she was playing with fire, Stacie slipped her arms around his neck, raking her fingers through his thick, wavy hair. “What I want to know is, who’s going to protect me against you?”

She wasn’t sure he heard the question. Because the words had barely left her lips when his mouth closed over hers.

Chapter Three

“You kissed her?” Seth Anderssen let out a hoot of laughter that echoed throughout the Coffee Pot Café.

Josh scowled and wrapped his fingers around the small cup, wishing he’d kept his big mouth shut. After all, Seth’s sister, Anna, was Stacie’s friend. If Seth mentioned to her he’d been blabbing about the date, it might get back to Stacie. And she might get the mistaken impression that he was interested. Which he wasn’t. Not in the least.

“Did she come back into the house?” Seth asked in an all-too-innocent tone. “So you two could get even better acquainted?”

Josh met his friend’s blue eyes. “Are you asking if I slept with her?”

Though no one was seated nearby, Josh had automatically lowered his voice. When his marriage crumbled he’d provided more than his share of grist for the town’s gossip mill, and he wasn’t eager to repeat the experience.

Seth’s gaze remained steady. “Did you?”

“Of course not.” Josh responded immediately, making sure his tone left no room for doubt. “We just met. Besides, she’s not my type. And I am not hers, either. She told me so.”

A smile quirked the corners of Seth’s lips. “Tell that to someone who’ll believe it.”

“She’s Anna’s friend.” Josh ground out the words, irritated at the teasing, yet not sure why. Seth had always liked to rattle his cage. Why should now be any different?

“She’s also very pretty,” Seth pointed out.

“She’s a city girl,” Josh continued. “A hothouse flower not suited to this climate.”

Just like Kristin, he thought.

“Sometimes those hybrid varieties can surprise you—”

“Then you go out with her—” Josh stopped himself, finding the thought of Stacie dating Seth strangely disturbing.

“I’m not her perfect match.” Seth took a sip of coffee. “You are.”

The words hung in the air for a long moment.

“I don’t believe that bull,” Josh said finally. “Look at Kristin and me. Everyone said we were a perfect match. Didn’t even make it three years.”

Though he now realized they were better off apart, the failure of his marriage still rankled. When he’d said his vows, he’d meant every word. He’d been willing to do whatever it took to make it work. But he’d learned the hard way that for a marriage to succeed, both parties had to share that commitment.

“That’s because you and the wicked witch weren’t matched by a computer.”

“Get real. You don’t believe in that stuff any more than I do.”

“I filled out the questionnaires, didn’t I?”

“Only ‘cause you knew Anna would have your hide if you didn’t.”

“Speaking of which…” Seth’s gaze settled on the doorway. “We got us some company.”

Even before Josh turned around he knew who he’d find standing there. The click-clack of heels had been his first clue. The light scent of jasmine mingling with the smell of café cooking grease was the giveaway.

“Stacie…Anna…what a surprise.” Josh pushed back his chair to stand, but Anna waved him down.

“Stay put,” Anna said. “We’re not staying. I saw Seth’s truck parked out front and had a quick question for him.”

Seth leaned back in his chair and lifted the coffee cup to his lips. “What can I do for you, baby sister?”

“I need more men.” Anna cast a sideways glance at Stacie. “I mean, we need more men.”

“I’m sorry Josh wasn’t man enough for you.” Seth’s gaze focused on Stacie and his tone oozed sympathy.

Josh shot him a dark glance, warning him to back off.

The merest hint of a twinkle in Seth’s eyes was his only response.

“I never said that.” Stacie’s cheeks turned a becoming shade of pink as her eyes sought his.

“Seth is a joker,” Josh said, offering her a reassuring smile. He hated seeing her distressed. Her worried frown brought out his protective instincts and he wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms…

Whoa…where had that come from? He reined in the emotion and told himself he was merely reacting to her appearance.

After all, she looked as pretty as the bluebells that filled his pasture. Instead of wearing jeans like most women in Sweet River, she had on a pair of shorts the color of the summer sky and a sleeveless, loose-fitting white shirt with something blue underneath.

Though the shorts came down midthigh and the shirt wasn’t at all revealing, Josh remembered the feel of that body against his. In fact, he could still taste the sweetness of her lips and feel the softness of her hair against his cheek…

“I’m game,” Seth’s voice broke into his thoughts. “How ‘bout you, Josh?”

Josh refocused to find the three staring expectantly at him. He quickly considered his options. He could admit that his mind had been traveling down a dead-end road or he could just go along. After all, Seth had already agreed. “Okay by me.”

“Great.” Anna smiled. “We’ll see you at eight.”

With their business concluded, the two women turned and headed for the door, admiring looks following in their wake.

“Should be interesting,” Seth said.

“What?”

Seth grinned. “I knew you weren’t listening.”

It wasn’t the smile that worried Josh; it was the gleam in Seth’s eye. A sinking feeling filled the pit of Josh’s stomach. “Tell me.”

“Anna wants me to round up some more guys for the survey,” Seth said. “Most ranchers from the area will be at the dance tonight. I promised I’d ask around.”

A rush of relief flowed through Josh. For a second, he’d let his imagination soar. “So all we have to do is recruit?”

“That’s all I have to do,” Seth said. “You have a different assignment.”

Josh stilled. Why did he have the uneasy feeling the other shoe was about to drop? “Which is?”

“You’re escorting Stacie to the dance.” Seth motioned to the waitress for more coffee. “When the guys see how good your match turned out, Anna figures they’ll want one of their own.”

“This doesn’t feel right.” Stacie stared in the mirror and frowned. Dressed in blue jeans and a long-sleeved shirt with pearl snaps, she looked more like an extra in a Hollywood Western than a stylish twenty-first-century woman.

“I knew it.” Anna’s gaze dropped to Stacie’s feet, to the Tony Lamas they’d picked up in town. “I thought you should have gone up a half size—”

“They fit fine.” Stacie hastened to reassure her. If boots were indeed de rigueur for country dances, she’d found her fashion statement. The pink crunch goats had been the prettiest the Montana Western store had to offer.

“O-kay.” Anna tilted her head, confusion clouding her blue eyes. “If it’s not the boots, what doesn’t fit?”

All the misgivings that had been plaguing Stacie since she first heard Anna’s plan surged forth. “Me. Josh. This going-to-the-dance-together bit. I don’t want to do it.”

Anna’s eyes widened as though this was the first she’d heard of Stacie’s misgivings. Which didn’t make sense, considering they’d been having this discussion off and on since Anna dropped the bombshell in the café. Frankly she’d been stunned when Josh agreed to the plan. When he’d taken her home after their first—and only—date, it had been clear to both of them that a romance wasn’t going to work.

“I thought you liked him.” Anna sounded hurt. As if Stacie was dissing her friend.

“I told you before…Josh is a wonderful guy.” Stacie dropped on the bed and heaved a heavy sigh. “But he’s not the man for me. And this—” she fingered the collar of her cowgirl shirt “—this isn’t me.”

For a moment Anna didn’t say anything. Then she sashayed across the room, the rhinestones in her jean skirt glittering in the light. Once she reached the bed, she plopped down next to Stacie. “I’m not saying you have to stay in Sweet River and marry the guy. Just go to the dance with him. Have some fun.”

“Going as his date just seems so…” Stacie struggled to find the words that would convey her feelings without insulting her friend.

Anna met her gaze. “Deceitful?”

Stacie nodded, relieved that Anna finally understood. “We were matched, but we aren’t a couple.”

“I believe,” Anna pressed a finger to her lips, a contemplative look on her face, “you’re thinking too hard.”

Stacie blinked, stunned. It was the type of dismissive response she usually got from her family…as if she were too stupid to understand. She expected it from them, not from her roommate.

She lifted her chin, but when she met Anna’s gaze, there was no condescension in the liquid blue depths.

“Why do you think most of the guys filled out the survey?” Anna asked when she remained silent.

“Because your brother made ‘em.”

“Good answer.” Anna smiled. “Why else?”

“Because they’re lonely and looking for their soul mates.”

“Perhaps,” Anna conceded. “Why else?”

Stacie shifted under Anna’s expectant stare.

“Marriage or even a long-term relationship isn’t really what Lauren’s study is about,” Anna explained.

“It’s not?” Stacie couldn’t keep the surprise from her voice. Though Lauren’s dissertation topic wasn’t fixed in her mind, she’d been sure the bottom line was matchmaking.

“You and Josh have a lot in common, right?”

Stacie thought for a moment. “I like to cook. He likes to eat.”

Anna’s lips twitched. “What else?”

“We both love animals,” Stacie added, warming to the topic. “And he’s easy to talk to.”

“You enjoyed his company,” Anna said matter-of-factly. “He enjoyed yours.”

Stacie nodded. She couldn’t deny it. In fact, when Josh had driven her home that night, he’d taken the long way, giving them more time to talk. He hadn’t been uncomfortable, despite what happened. And though he hadn’t kissed her again, the look in his eyes had told her he wanted to…

“Some guys are looking for a wife.” Anna stood and moved to the mirror, pulling her long blond hair up in a ponytail before letting it drop back down. “But a lot of them would be satisfied with simply meeting someone who enjoys their company. Someone to go out with and have a good time. Someone to be their friend and take the edge off their loneliness.”

Stacie took a moment to digest Anna’s words. She thought back to her evening with Josh. She’d had fun and knew he had, too. Maybe that was enough.

“Okay. I’ll do it,” Stacie said reluctantly, hoping she wasn’t making a mistake. “I’ll do it. But I refuse to wear a hat. And square dancing is absolutely out.”

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