Page 11 of Home to the Cowboy's Arms

“Not much psychology needed. I just had grandparents who knew how to raise kids. I learned by their example. And no to your other question…I have no kids.”

“By design…you don’t want any?”

“That’s a personal question, isn’t it, Mayor? Do I get to ask the same of you?”

“Pardon me. I overstepped.”

“Ah…got personal for you. Well, I can share quite frankly that it isn’t by design as you call it. I want kids…someday. If and when the right person comes along. So far, that has not happened.”

“I see.”

“Somehow, I doubt that you do see…but then we aren’t destined to be buddies, so such sharing isn’t really required. And that’s more to your liking.”

Tori stopped in her tracks and turned to face him. And maybe that wasn’t the best of moves on her part.Much too close…and too…personal.And in an instant, she knew that he had been baiting her. It was a game to him.

“You are correct…no to the buddy idea. But there is fair play. You answered so I’ll give you one back. I may not have the experience of observing great parenting, but I’ve seen enough bad parenting skills to know what not to do. Enjoy the compliment I gave you. Odds are there won’t be that many of them.”

Chapter Six

“The next timeyou come up with an idea like this…don’t!” Maggie had called just as a rain cloud had ended their brief tour of the springs and opened a floodgate as they made it back to the porch of their cabin. They had both parted to find a change of clothes before thoughts of dinner could be discussed.

“Tori, are you on your best behavior? Remember, you can get more done with honey than vinegar.”

Tori shook her head. “Maggie, this is business, and I don’t think honey would go far with this man. Anyway, I have been pleasant.”

“Pleasant…why does that not sound so pleasant?”

“He’s stubborn. He’s already made up his mind and this is going to turn out to be a waste of time.”

“Has he said that?”

“Not in so many words, but I just don’t think he’s taking this seriously. It’s a game of some sort.”

“Then it’s up to you to teach him some new rules of the game. You’ve fought long and hard for this idea to come to fruition and now you have him sort of captive so make the most of it. I would say use your charm but that might be asking too much.”

“Alottoo much. But I’m not giving up yet. It’s pouring rain right now, but once it passes, we’ll get back on track. If this fails, it won’t be becauseIdidn’t try.”

“That’s the spirit.” Maggie agreed with a laugh. “That’s the Tori we all know and believe in. Now go smother him with sweetness and all those facts packed in your head…and smile!”

“Smother him,” Tori said aloud as she dropped the phone back onto the bed. “That might be more manageable than smiling at him.”

“So, I shouldn’t close my eyes tonight for fear of a pillow being dropped on me?”

She swung toward the doorway and the man in question stood looking around the edge of the slightly opened door.

“Ididknock. But I guess you couldn’t hear for the thunder and rain on the metal roof.”

“Well, you should have knocked louder then…and waited for a response before just barging in. And you might work on looking more apologetic.”

“Apologetic? You are asking a lot there, Miz Mayor.”

“And my name is Tori. You may use that and drop all this Miss Mayor stuff.”

“Tori,” he tried it out. “And that would be short for?”

“Victoria. But few people call me that unless I’m in trouble and that is usually my family.” Why had she shared that with this man?

“Tori does suit you…in most cases. But I’ll keep an eye out for those situations where Victoria might be more appropriate.”

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