Read Online The Cowbear's Curvy Christmas (Curvy Bear Ranch 2) by Liv Brywood - Free Book Online

ex-bride?” she asked with a smirk.
    “I don’t think you’re crazy.”
    “Sometimes I’m not sure I can even get up in the morning.”
    “You got up today.”
    “And almost burned down the house,” she pointed out.
    “Almost.”
    She swallowed and stared out into the darkness. “I’m sorry I lied. I needed to get away from Seattle and all the people who looked at me with pity.”
    “Maybe it wasn’t pity. Maybe they just care about you.”
    She sniffed as fresh tears threatened to fall. Her chest tightened and each breath took more effort than the last. “I feel so alone.”
    She had no idea why she felt so comfortable confessing everything to Mack. He hadn’t been the easiest person to talk to when she’d first interviewed for the job. But now, she couldn’t stop talking.
    “I’m glad you’re telling me everything now. I suspected something wasn’t right this morning, but I couldn’t put my finger on what it was. I’m glad you finally told me.”
    “You’re not always the easiest person to talk to.”
    He huffed. “What?”
    “When you interviewed me, you were rather abrupt… and a bit overbearing.”
    “Me?” he asked indignantly.
    “Yes, you.” She playfully tapped his hip.
    “I just want things to go right on the ranch. Now that my parents are both gone, I’m the head of the household and it’s my responsibility to take care of my family.”
    “You’re a good man.”
    “I try. I have a legacy to uphold. The bed and breakfast is one of the most well-liked hotels in the area. We have a reputation for having a family-like feel. Many people who have stayed with us say that they felt like they were staying with family.”
    She laced her fingers into his large hand. “I’m sorry I let you down. I understand if you want to replace me with someone who actually knows what they’re doing.”
    “You might need some help in the kitchen, but you’re smart enough and resourceful enough to do the job. I have confidence in you.”
    “Really?”
    He gathered her into his arms and gave her a tight hug. “I might have to stand by with a fire extinguisher when you’re cooking, but you deserve a chance to continue.”
    She nestled into his arms. He felt like a giant teddy bear. The way he held her against him infused strength into her soul. He was right; she could survive the next few weeks. She’d figure out how to cook without burning the place down. How hard could it really be? And with Mack by her side, she could accomplish it.
    “Did your mom leave any cookbooks lying around?” she asked.
    He laughed. “Actually, I was looking around for the Curvy Bear Ranch’s official cookbook. I could have sworn Sarah had left it on one of the bookshelves, but she may have stored it somewhere else. It’s filled with all of my mom’s old recipes.”
    “I bet she was an amazing cook.”
    “With six sons, she learned how to make hearty food as well as some amazing pies.”
    “I love pie,” she said.
    “She has a really old family recipe for huckleberry pie that will blow your socks off. I haven’t had it since she passed away. Sarah tried to make it once, but it just wasn’t the same. My mom had a magical touch. Her pie crust was always golden brown, and the flaky layers would melt in your mouth. I used to joke with mom that if I ever found a woman who could cook a pie like her, I’d marry her.”
    Her smile dropped. “I hope you find someone to love. You seem like a loyal man, not one who will chase women’s skirts like a dog.”
    “I picked you up in a bar and had sex with you in the parking lot. I don’t know how honorable that makes me.”
    She laughed. “That’s different.”
    “Oh?”
    “We were just having fun, blowing off steam. It didn’t mean anything.”
    “And in the barn?”
    She swallowed and looked away. “I’m sorry about that.”
    He gently clasped her chin and turned her face back to his. “I’m not.”
    With only a whisper of space between them, an arc of