Read Online Crazy for Lovin’ You by Teresa Southwick - Free Book Online Page A

for the kids. It’s a big undertaking. I can’t coordinate that in a day or two.”
    â€œSo you just said.” She folded her arms over her chest as she gave him a patient look.
    â€œBesides, you can fake hospitality for a couple of days. If I see for myself, I can give it a sincere thumbs-up.” He took a breath. “I know a few reporters. And I can bring some influential people here for the championships. If they’re impressed with the B&B setup, you’ll get enough referrals to keep you busy for thenext two years. Minimum. I can do that if I stay on the ranch,” he concluded, as if he were a lawyer presenting his case.
    Her lips turned up in a small, quirky smile. “Are you trying to convince me or yourself?”
    â€œYou.” And myself, he added silently.
    He stared at her. He’d expected her to say no—about him being under the same roof with her. He’d anticipated an argument and prepared rebuttals—subconsciously.
    â€œAs long as you lend your name to the publicity, I’ll be a contented woman.” She smiled serenely.
    Why did she have to say it like that, looking like that? An instant picture popped into his head. Her beside him in bed—sexy and satisfied. Was he making a mistake moving in with her?
    All of the reasons he’d given her were valid. He did have a lot to do in a very short period of time. It would be a challenge under the best of circumstances, but throwing Taylor into the mix added another element. They said bull riders liked to live on the edge. That they did it for women and money. He didn’t need either.
    So why had he nodded his head in her direction?
    Something about seeing her with Dev Hart, he realized. It brought out his protective instincts. She was alone on the ranch. Her family was scattered. He’d always felt like a big brother to her.
    He ignored the voice inside, trying to warn him that she was all grown up now.
    â€œOf course I’ll pay you for room and board,” he said.
    She shook her head. “A positive endorsement fromformer rodeo champion Mitch Rafferty will be worth a lot more than that. I wouldn’t think of charging you.”
    He saw the stubborn set of her chin and said, “I suppose it wouldn’t do any good to insist?”
    â€œYou always were quick, Mitch.”
    â€œIn that case, it will be my pleasure, ma’am, to lend my name to your advertising campaign. If everything checks out.”
    â€œFair enough.” She stuck out her hand. “Welcome to the Circle S, roomie.”
    Â 
    The following day, Taylor watched Mitch bring a couple of leather duffel bags into her living room and set them down inside the front door. He flashed her a cocky grin and her chest tightened, her stomach dropped and her knees went weak. In her humble opinion, he made the Marlboro man look like a pansy. If he didn’t already define the word masculine, one glance would be worth more than a thousand words. Worn jeans molded to long muscular legs and the sleeves of his cotton shirt were rolled up to reveal wide strong wrists. The sparkle in his eyes softened the lean cheeks and angular jaw but in no way diminished the effect on her female sensitivities.
    What on earth had she been thinking to agree so easily to his plan? She hadn’t even put up a fight—not even token resistance. And why had she felt it necessary to be here to greet him? Especially after a long, restless night of ticking off in her mind all the things that could go wrong. Starting with her apparently enduring attraction to Mitch.
    But the answer came to her instantly. She was in the hospitality business now. Hospitable dude ranchers met their guests with a smile, a howdy, a make yourself athome, and how can I make your stay more pleasant. If she was going to earn his positive opinion, she would be the best there ever was at all of the above.
    â€œI’ll go out to your truck and get the rest of your