Read Online To Wed a Rancher by Myrna Mackenzie - Free Book Online Page A

wondered if Shane knew that and had thrown out the topic of photography to help her get her bearings. But, no, she had never shared just how passionate she was about photography with anyone, not even Dennis, who had been a photographer himself. She’d learned as a child that being overly passionate about something sometimes invited criticism, even laughter or derision. Still, she was grateful for the chance to do something she understood even if she still had a lot to learn before she would feel that she had even come close to mastering her craft.
    â€œYou’re safe,” she said. “I know how to take photos. I’m not a pro by a long shot, but you won’t have to go looking for someone else as long as you don’t need anything too involved.”
    â€œJust basic shots,” he agreed.
    â€œAnd these basic shots…they’re of the barn you’re working on? Of the house?”
    â€œA few of those, and some of the other landmarks on the ranch. Also I’d like some of the horses.” Hadhis voice warmed just a little? Maybe. Maybe not. His expression gave nothing away.
    Rachel wasn’t nearly as successful at concealing her feelings. “You’re bringing the horses back?” She couldn’t help smiling.
    â€œYou like horses?”
    â€œI—I don’t know. That is, of course I’ve seen them, and they’re beautiful, but I’ve never actually spent time with any. Still, they’ll add some life to the ranch, won’t they? I mean…it’s beautiful, but so quiet. Lonely.”
    â€œYou don’t like solitude?”
    â€œI do. Sometimes.” But not too much. She’d spent too much of her life alone, or essentially alone. When she finally settled in Maine she wanted neighbors and friends she could keep for the long haul. But she hadn’t started this topic to discuss her own past or preferences. She’d been trying to be practical, for once.
    â€œIt just seems that a ranch would sell better and faster if it had horses,” she said. She remembered what Ruby and Angie had said about there not being many potential buyers around here.
    â€œYou’re probably right. And horses are more than just beautiful creatures who’ll help sell the ranch. They’re useful, loyal and more. I’ll teach you to ride,” he said with a sudden devastating smile.
    Oh, boy, there it was, that guy Ruby had referred to, the one who could talk a girl out of her clothes and her common sense, even though she knew he didn’t have a thing to offer her.
    â€œFor practical purposes,” he clarified. “Eventually I’ll want you to take a few photos of some of the more remote areas of the ranch where there are no roads.”
    A vision of herself and Shane riding side by side through a meadow, stopping to water their animalswhile he reached up and helped her from her horse, sliding her down the length of his body, came to her. Darn it, why did she suddenly feel so hot? Was she blushing? And why did she always have to have such a vivid imagination? It made her feel things she shouldn’t feel and long for things that just weren’t smart. Sometimes she craved impossible things. Like now.
    Trying to shut down her imagination, she fell back on her years of boarding school training. She knew how to make polite responses in her sleep. “I’ll look forward to it.”
    The part of her that had conjured up that ridiculously foolish vision agreed completely with her statement. But the part of her that insisted on reality and truth knew that, as enchanted as she was with the idea of horses and riding horses, Shane was never in this lifetime going to get her up on one of those mammoth creatures.
    She sure hoped he had an ATV stashed in the back of the garage somewhere. If she had to get somewhere remote she could probably manage one of those.
    But horses were definitely out. In a minute, or maybe in a day, she’d