Page 19 of The Roper & the Author

“I think I was just overwhelmed, stressed about Abuelita, and lonely,” Marci said, catching Walker’s gaze then focusing on Mama.

Lonely? Walker couldn’t rescue Abuelita, but he had to cure Marci’s loneliness. He was in charge of her protection now, after all.

“I’m sorry I missed out on breakfast and lunch and had you all worried.”

“Don’t you be sorry for a moment, you doll. The stress of what you’re going through would take most people into a deep funk. Autumn and the rest of Aiden’s people will save your grandma and you’ll be home safe and happy before you know it.” Mama looked from Marci to Walker and back again. She had to see how flushed they both were. What would she say or do?

“Thank you, Mama. I so appreciate all of you.” Marci looked at him again.

She appreciated him? Could she love him?

Walker turned away and grabbed the loaf of bread and a cutting board. He couldn’t love her. Easton had fallen for her and Marci might help his twin overcome his pining and broken heart for Cassie.

He put family first, especially his twin brother. He could not start being selfish now, no matter how drawn he was to Marci. No more opening fridges together or brushing hands and especially no more wrapping her up tight. He couldn’t be the one to cure her loneliness.

A deep funk?

Yep. That was where he was headed.

Chapter

Seven

Marci atethe delicious soup and bread and chatted with Walker and Millie. Walker was considerate, interesting to talk to, and incredible to look at. He had a way of looking into her eyes as if what she said was the most important thing in the world. Hervaquero guapowas all around incredible, truly.

Millie was a nurturing angel and made her miss Abuelita. The women were very different. Abuelita hadn’t made a loaf of bread in her life, busy with her charities and trying to spend all the money Papa left her. She was rarely at home, off traveling the world, while Millie thrived on hearth and home. But both women made Marci feel special and loved.

Sadly, Walker had put up a wall as soon as Mama walked in. Did he not want to flirt with his mother looking on? That would make sense. Maybe he couldn’t like a girl he was protecting. The real question: was he interested in Marci or not? He seemed interested, but what did she know? She might write romance into most of her books but she certainly didn’t live it. She could count on one hand the number of official dates she’d been on since graduating from the university and moving back to KeyLargo, building her cottage to be near Abuelita and soak up the inspiration of the beautiful island and the sunshine.

Right now, she was leaning towards Walker thinking she was a nice and interesting person but not someone he wanted to date. Then he focused on her with those blue eyes and his lips curved in a slow, lingering smile and she was soaring.

She was always the first to look away. It was easy to write about characters staring into each other’s eyes endlessly, but actually taking part in that staring contest was both thrilling and unnerving. She didn’t quite know where to look or how to act.

After she ate, she helped Walker clean up and then they started dinner preparations with Millie. It was only four in the afternoon and already Millie was focused on dinner. She’d never met a homemaker and nurturer like Mama Millie. Her own mother had been a loving mom but focused on her career. Abuelita was also loving but couldn’t be bothered with cooking or cleaning. She had a fabulous chef and a maid service. Marci liked to cook but didn’t take the time away from her writing most days.

She didn’t mind helping in the kitchen and was impressed that Walker was helpful and knew his way around a spatula. She would’ve loved to get outside with Walker, go on a walk or a horseback ride, anything to be alone with him, but the warm, happy kitchen with its delightful smells and people was a great way to spend the afternoon.

They assembled chicken enchiladas and got them in the oven and then Mama shooed them out of the kitchen with a glint in her eyes. “You two go on a walk or a horseback ride. Enjoy this beautiful fall day. We won’t eat for another hour.”

Mama had read her mind. Bless this instinctive woman.

Walker turned to her. “Would you like to go on a walk or a ride?”

“I want to ride on a horse!” She clapped her hands together, ecstatic. “Por favor,” she added.

Walker’s slow grin lit up his face. She fanned her face and caught Mama giving her a very interested look.

“All right,” Walker said.

“Gracias, Mama,” Marci said. “The soup and bread weredeliciosa.”

“Of course, love. Thanks for helping me prep dinner. I’ll see you both in an hour.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Walker said. He bent down to kiss Mama’s cheek as Mama hugged him.

Marci was certain she would melt in a puddle on the hardwood floor. This strong cowboy helped in the kitchen and kissed his mama? Had there ever been a hero to equal Walker Coleville? She created the best heroes in the industry, in her humble opinion, but her books were high-level suspense. She’d never thought of having one of her men interact tenderly with his mama. She was writing that scene into her new book for certain. Ah. No woman could resist Walker.

Wait a minute. Did any woman resist him? Was he a player? Though he didn’t flirt like Easton, he could be enjoying beautiful cowgirls’ company as the star of the rodeo and then casting them away every other weekend. She frowned. She’d seen some cowgirls cozying up to him in the videos she’d watched. What if he was the type who kept a girlfriend in every city?

---