Page 5 of Roaring Fork Wrangler

“I’m Juni—Juniper—Chance. That’s my brother, Grayson.”

I turned to the other woman. “I’m guessin’ you must be their sister.”

She blushed. “I’d tell you complimenting me wouldn’t get you a room upgrade, but it looks likeit already did.” She stood and approached me too. “I’m Patricia Chance, Juni and Gray’s mother.”

When I shook her hand, I knew where her daughter had learned how to greet people. Her eyes met mine, and her grip was firm.

“Patricia’s my mama’s name.”

She studied me. “Is she from around here?”

“No. Colorado.”

She cocked her head. “Do you have other family you’re visiting for the holidays?”

“He said he’s not here for that.”

Patricia shot her son a look. “Pardon my Grayson’s interruption. He’s about to take a dinner break and is teetering on the edge ofhangry.”

I looked over at Grayson. “I’m teeterin’ there myself. Anywhere you can recommend I get a bite to eat?”

“This way.” He motioned for me to follow him.

“Gray, Mr. Wheaton hasn’t checked in yet,” said his mother.

“Please call me Cord, ma’am.” I turned back to her son. “They serve burgers wherever you weretakin’ me?” I asked.

“The best,” Juniper answered for him. “How do you like it?”

“Medium rare with bacon and cheddar if they’ve got it.”

“Fries?”

“Why not? Thanks. Hey, hold up,” I said when she followed her brother. “Let me give you some money.”

“It’s okay. We’ll just put it on your room.”

I could feel her mama’s eyes on me as I watched her daughter walk away. Tight jeans, boots—although more for the snow than riding—a flannel shirt like mine, and long brown hair that swayed just above her perfect little ass.

Dreading looking at her mother, I reached into my pocket and pulled out my wallet. “Figure you need ID and a credit card,” I said, handing both to her.

“Have a seat, cowboy.” She winked and I smiled. “So, are you just passing through?”

“Nah, I’ll be here a while.”

She cocked her head.

“I, uh, got a job at a place called the Lilacs.”

Her eyes opened wide. “You must be taking over for JD. Such a shame.”

“JD?”

“He worked for the Coverts his whole life. And his father did before him.”

“Did you say Covert?”

“I did. Do you know the name?” she asked.

---