Page 40 of A Cowboy Of Her Own

“A dude ranch is where you learn all aspects of ranching, even working the ranch and although Devin and Jaxon do that too, they also have other activities for the guests, like playing tennis and swimming. Any guest that stays here can either join in the ranching or just relax.”

“I’d go for the relaxing part.”

Roark laughed. “Some of them think they’re ready to work the ranch but once they start doing it, they’re ready to quit. It’s not for everyone. It’s damn hard work.”

“I know. I’m learning that by following you, which I’ll be doing more of tomorrow.”

Roark glanced at her. “Good luck with that.”

After parking the truck, he opened his door and stepped out then walked around to her side, and opened the door for her. She swung her legs to the side and then cupped his face in her hands, and leaned in to kiss him.

“Hey, none of that,” a deep male voice said from nearby them.

Priscilla looked over to see a tall, gorgeous man staring at them.Wow!

“Go away, Sam,” Roark muttered.

The incredibly good-looking man Roark called Sam was leaning against the truck with his strong-looking arms folded across his broad chest. He had dark brown, almost black hair, and the most amazing blue eyes Priscilla had ever seen. His black cowboy hat sat low on his forehead. He grinned then winked at Priscilla and she fell in love a little bit… although, he wasn’t Roark.

“Why would I do that, Roark?”

Roark blew out a breath and looked at him. “Don’t you have a wife to find?”

Sam laughed. “Oh, yeah, she’s around somewhere. Who’s your friend?”

“This is Priscilla Butler. She’s doing an article on me for Western Cowboy.”

Sam’s eyebrows rose. “Doing an article, eh? Is that what you were just doing?”

“Fuck you, Garrett,” Roark said in a low growl making Priscilla and Sam laugh.

“Hello, Sam,” Priscilla said putting her hand out to him, which he shook.

“Sam Garrett, the Sheriff of Clifton County,”Roark added in such a way as to make it sound like an afterthought.

“It’s nice to meet you, Sam.”

“You too, Priscilla. Well, you two have a good time. I do need to find my wife.” He saluted then walked off.

Roark looked at her and raised an eyebrow. “Go ahead… I’m waiting.”

“For what?” She frowned at him. He was annoyed and she had no idea why.

“About how good-looking Sam is. I hear it all the damn time.”

Priscilla laughed. So that was it, he was jealous of Sam. “Well, he is very good-looking but he has nothing on you, Roark Callahan.”

Roark grinned. “Glad to hear it. Women just love him but he only has eyes for his wife, Tessa.” He seemed relieved, or was that her imagination? “Come on, let’s get some food, and find a seat.”

“Is he the Sheriff here?”

“No. This is Hartland County. Grayson Beckett is the Sheriff here. Sam is just here for the dance with his wife. Tessa is the veterinarian in Clifton. I’ll introduce you to her and some other friends of mine. My family might be here too.”

Chapter Nine

Priscilla smiled when he took her hand in his and he led them into the barn. Glancing around, she smiled even brighter. It looked amazing. Bare lightbulbs hung from wires wrapped around the beams in the roof. Hay bales sat stacked along one wall and a buffet with all types of food sat along the opposite wall. A parquet floor sat in front of a low stage where a country band played. The little dance floor was crowded. Tables sat closer to the doors where they’d entered, and some people occupied them either eating or watching other people dance.

Two tall men walked toward them and she knew they had to be Devin and Jaxon. They both had those Callahan good looks and when they grinned, she knew she was right because delectable dimples appeared in their cheeks just like Roark had. The two stopped in front of them, and they shook Roark’s hand in succession in friendly greeting.

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