Read Online Along Came a Cowboy by Christine Lynxwiler - Free Book Online Page A

face me. “Did you hear about Ron?”
    Guilt clenches my gut as I shake my head. I meant to call and check on him, but when Jenn showed up, everything else took a backseat. “What’s going on with him?”
    â€œHe’s definitely looking at surgery.”
    â€œOh no!” I feel awful for him. And not so great for me, either. I was counting on him being back for the committee meeting next week and me bowing out gracefully. “When do you think they’ll do it?”
    â€œEarly next week. Then six to eight weeks of recovery.”
    I want to whine, but at least I’m not the one who’s having surgery. I told Ron I’d take care of things, and I will. “Think your mom and I can handle it? With your help, of course?”
    He grimaces. “Actually, Mom has gone to Batesville to stay with my sister.”
    â€œLet me guess. Your sister’s pregnant.”
    He raises his eyebrows and draws them together at the same time. On him it’s a cute look. Trust me. “Not that I know of. Why?”
    â€œI just—” I wave my hand. “Never mind. Is it going to be a long visit?”
    â€œI don’t know. She’s staying there to be close to Ron, since he has no other family nearby.”
    Of course she is. I hope Ron appreciates it, but somehow I doubt it. “So I guess I’ll be the committee for a while,” I say without thinking.
    He frowns. “You sound like that’s a death sentence.”
    I give a half smile. “Sorry, but you have to admit our first ‘committee meeting’ ”—I put air quotes around the words with my fingers—“didn’t go so well.”
    His brown eyes gaze at me intently, and for once he doesn’t smile. “Rachel, don’t write us off just because we had a rocky start.”
    I know he’s talking about our working relationship as committee member and rodeo producer. Surely. But the way he says “us” sends a shiver down my spine.
    â€œOkay, okay.” I force a smile. “I guess it’s too late to get new bids now. I’ll give it a shot.”
    He swipes his hand across his forehead. “What a relief.”
    I swat toward the brim of his hat. “Yeah, I know you were worried.”
    He ducks and feints away, a slow grin spreading across his face. “Worried might be an overstatement, but it’s nice to know my future is financially assured now that I’m going to get to produce the Shady Grove Centennial Rodeo.”
    â€œOh yeah.” I return his grin as I remember my hotheaded comment at Coffee Central. “Sorry about the whole nepotism crack. I know the town appreciates you giving us a deal.”
    We’re joking. And it’s fun. The realization makes me stiffen. As if in direct response, Jack stiffens, too, and his smile fades.
    â€œI wanted to ask you. . .” He looks toward the house then back at me. I can’t believe my eyes. Jack Westwood is nervous. I brace myself for a really personal question.
    When he doesn’t speak, I snap, “Ask me what?”
    â€œIf you’d like to go out with me this Saturday night.”
    â€œOut?”
    He motions with his hand but doesn’t really look in my eyes. “Out to eat. To a show. Bowling. Whatever people do on dates around here.”
    I stare at him. This cannot be happening. Jennifer’s here full of questions, I’m thrust back into regular contact with my parents, and now, the drop-dead-gorgeous cowboy I have been trying desperately to avoid asks me out. And here’s the worst thing. I’d like to say yes. And that’s all the more reason to say no. “I’m sorry. But I can’t.”
    â€œOh.” He looks down at the ground. “You are in a relationship?”
    Because obviously that’s the only reason he’s ever been turned down.
    â€œMore relationships than I can handle.”
    He winces.
    I relent.