Read Online Cupcakes and Cowboys (Sunset Plains Romance Book 1) by Lindzee Armstrong - Free Book Online

same stream that ran through the property for sale that he’d looked at online. Trees dotted the banks of the water, most small and new. But one tree grew tall and strong, towering above the others. Tall grass swayed in the breeze, the impossibly blue sky just meeting the tops of trees in the distance.
    “It’s not much, but I love it.” Cassidy took his reigns and looped them over the saddle horn. He raised an eyebrow, and she smiled. “They’ll stay close.”
    He nodded, watching as the two horses wandered away to graze. “It’s beautiful here. I feel like we’re the only two people in the world.”
    She smiled, clearly pleased. “Exactly. The stream cuts close enough to the property line that the cows don’t bother wandering this far.”
    “I love it.”
    He walked over to Brownie and retrieved the food from her saddle bags. Cassidy laid a blanket underneath the biggest tree, and they both sat down. Jase handed her a sandwich, and her eyes lit up.
    “Their food is my favorite.”
    “Good. I wasn’t sure what to get, but all the boys assured me Jackie’s Diner is the best.”
    “They’re right.”
    The next few minutes passed in silence as they ate. Jase was beginning to understand why Cassidy loved this spot. The tree shaded them from the sun perfectly, and the light breeze passed over the stream and made the air a pleasant temperature.
    “Are you getting what you hoped to get by coming to the ranch?” Cassidy asked. “For the role, I mean.”
    He’d spent less time researching his upcoming role and more fantasizing about the rancher’s daughter than he’d anticipated. “I think so. Mason’s great about answering my questions, and the other guys are all helpful, too.”
    “I’m glad. I want you to feel like your time here has been worthwhile.”
    He leaned on an elbow, giving her a lazy smile. “Just meeting you would’ve made my time here worthwhile, Cassidy.”
    She blushed scarlet, making her eyes sparkle and lips turn up in an embarrassed smile. “I can see why you were nominated for an Oscar. You’re very good at what you do.”
    “Do you think I’m acting with you?”
    She looked away. “You’re famous. You make more money on one film than I’ll make in a lifetime. I think you’re getting into your role, and falling for the country girl is part of it.”
    The words sliced through him, and he gritted his teeth. “I’m not Drew.”
    “I know. But you still live in the same world as him. All the things that were points of contention with him exist with you—constant traveling, never knowing if you’re being genuine or playing a part, women fawning all over you.”
    Everything she said was negative, but all Jase heard was that she’d thought of him in a relationship capacity. He reached out, caressing her cheek lightly with his finger. “I don’t enjoy the Hollywood lifestyle.”
    “I don’t enjoy accounting, but it’s still part of my job.”
    He leaned forward until they were close enough he could smell the strawberry scent of her shampoo. “I like you, Cassidy.”
    She exhaled, her minty breath surrounding him. “I won’t put aside my dreams for someone else again.”
    “I’m not asking you to.” He cupped the back of her neck. “All I’m asking for is trust. Let me prove I’m a decent guy. Can you do that?”
    Her eyes held his, and her tongue flicked out, licking her lips. When she spoke, her voice was barely a whisper. “It’s not that easy.”
    “I know. But can you try?”
    Her gray eyes were wide and vulnerable. Electricity sparked between them at every touch. Slowly, she nodded. “I trust you.”
    The weight of her trust surrounded him like a warm blanket. Jase brought his other hand to her cheek, caressing it with his thumb. She inhaled, her lips trembling. But she didn’t pull away, didn’t tell him to get lost. Slowly, he lowered his head toward hers. He paused, their lips almost touching but not quite, giving her a chance to pull away.
    She