Page 30 of Snow Kisses

He tried to smother a chuckle and failed. “That would be one for the books, in several ways.” He touched her lips with a lazy finger. “Abby, I’ve never undressed in front of a woman.”

She could feel her own surprise coloring her cheeks. “Never?” she burst out.

“Look who’s shocked,” he mused. “Have you ever stripped for a man?”

“For you, once,” she reminded him, avoiding his suddenly explosive gaze. “It was an accident, of course,I had no idea you were anywhere near the ranch that night.”

“I know that.” A rough sound broke from his throat, as if an unwanted memory was plaguing him. “I’d better go see about that bull. We’ll be moving cattle into the pens today. If that call I’m expecting from California comes, take the number and call Hank on the radio. He’ll find me.”

“Yes, boss,” she said smartly.

He looked down at her with narrowed eyes. “How did you get so short?”

“I’m wearing flat-heeled shoes,” she said. “And you tower over everybody.”

He grinned. “Keeps the men intimidated.”

“Your temper’s enough to do that.” She laughed. “Don’t work yourself into a stupor.”

“Work keeps my mind off other things,” he returned, letting his eyes run boldly up and down her body. “If it’s pretty tomorrow, I’ll take you on a picnic.”

Her whole face brightened and she smiled so sweetly that his eyes froze on her and she couldn’t seem to move away.

“Down by the river?” she asked hopefully.

“You love those damned cottonwoods and pines, don’t you?” he asked.

“It’s spring,” she reminded him. “I love the color of the cottonwoods when they’re just budding out. The softest kind of green, and the grass is just beginning to get lush….”

“Well, I need to check the fences down there,” he mused.

“You work all the time,” she grumbled. “You can’t even go on a picnic without combining it with business!”

“The ranch isn’t my business, Abby. It’s my life,” he said quietly.

She sighed angrily. “Don’t I know it? You’re married to it!”

His dark eyes narrowed. “What else have I got?” he demanded.

The question startled her. She watched him swing gracefully into the saddle. The rich leather creaked under his formidable weight as he settled himself and gripped the reins.

“Don’t forget about that California call,” he said. “And keep close to the house. I don’t know some of these new men except by reputation.”

“Cowboys are mostly polite and courteous,” she reminded him.

“And some of them aren’t.” He stared down at her hard. “I’d kill a man who tried to hurt you while you were on my land. You keep that in mind.”

He wheeled the big horse and went cantering away, leaving Abby standing in the shade of the trees, staring after him. She hadn’t needed to ask if he meant that threat. She knew him too well. In the old days, when he was younger and much more hot-tempered, she’d seen him give “object lessons” to cowboys who thought they could push him. He was quick on his feet, and he knew how to handle himself in a fight. The men might grin when he blustered around in a temper over ranchproblems, but they knew just the same that there was a line nobody crossed with him.

She wrapped her arms around herself and walked back into the house. It was only then that she realized how vague the memory of the attack was becoming. Being here, away from the city, had given her new perspective, healed the mental wounds. She’d be more careful in the future, but she wouldn’t let that one bad experience ruin her life. Her mind kept going back to what Cade had said, about giving the would-be rapist rights over her. Trust him to know the right thing to say.

She wandered back into the den and sat down at the computer. She was glad Cade didn’t have a ranch office as such, like many cattlemen did. The den was comfortable and informal, and she liked its homey atmosphere.

The sudden jangling of the phone made her jump, but she recovered quickly and reached for it.

“McLaren Ranch office,” she said automatically.

“Abby Shane, please,” came a pleasant female voice in reply.

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