Page 26 of Take Me Please, Cowboy
Rye studied her a long moment.“But if she’s happy?”
“Exactly.She was raised in a family a lot like ours.Her dad was a military dad and they moved around a lot.Mom has always taken her job as the wife, mother, homemaker seriously, and she’s been good at that, and it apparently fulfilled her.I just—” She broke off, and weighed her words.“Want more.”Her gaze met Rye’s and held.“And why not?None of my brothers would be satisfied staying home, cleaning house, organizing the pantry, canning peaches every summer.Why should I have to be satisfied doing it?”
His gaze was warm, amused.“You don’t.”
“That’s right.”
“You can be whoever and whatever you want to be.”
“Exactly.” She laughed, then smiled at him.“Do you really believe that, or are you just humoring me?”
“I really believe that.And if you met my sisters, you’d know that’s how I feel.I want them to pursue their interests and have the financial freedom that would allow them to be independent, not just of our family, but of needing to depend on a man.It’s important women have the ability to decide if a relationship isn’t right for them, but it’s hard to do that if you have no way to support yourself.”
Ansley set her plate behind her.“You’re a good brother.”
“They’re good sisters, good people.I want them happy.And I want them to have options, options that you’d only have if you’re not broke or in debt.”
Her gaze slowly traveled over his face, taking in the strong brow, the straight nose, the high hard cheekbones.He was deeply tan with faint lines at the corners of his eyes.It was clear he spent his days outside.“They must know how you feel.”
“Yes, but one of them, Hannah, is seeing someone for the wrong reasons.She knows I don’t approve—”
“What does that mean?”Ansley interrupted.
“He’s too old for her.He’s got some money.He gives her gifts and acts like he’s spoiling her, but he’s really controlling her, and I don’t like him.I don’t trust him.And I know she doesn’t love him.But I think she’s trying to help the family by not needing my financial support, but I’d rather help her with school and her expenses than have Ron pay her bills.”
“How do you know Hannah doesn’t love Ron?”
“There’s no light or excitement in her eyes when she sees him.There’s no… joy.If she loved him, wouldn’t she light up a little bit?Wouldn’t there be some… spark or warmth?She used to practically dance when she entered the room.Even as a teenager she was always twirling and laughing… sparkling.There’s no sparkle anymore.I hate it.I hate Ron’s effect on her.He’s smothered the light in her and I pray that before it’s too late she’ll realize he’s not the one.”
Ansley put her hand on Rye’s, her fingers sliding between his.His skin was warm, and she felt an immediate connection.It happened every time they touched.“I hope that, too,” she said softly.“For both of your sakes.”
Rye lifted her hand to his mouth, kissed the back.“Will you show me where you paint?I’d love to see what you’re working on.”
“Yes.”
“Good.I’d love to see your work.”
“I’ve never shown you?”
He grinned.“We only officially met yesterday.”
She laughed.“I did see you Thursday.”
“From afar.”
“It counts,” she said.
“I guess it does.I feel like I’ve known you forever.”
Ansley’s insides melted, her pulse quickening.“I feel the same way.”
Chapter Five
Ansley ran thedishes into the house and then led Rye to the big, brown barn which Clyde had told her was easily one hundred years old, if not older.It had room at one end for storing hay and alfalfa, and on the other side, room for livestock.Her loft extended over the haybales rather than the livestock, which was good as the smell of manure on a hot day permeated the entire barn.
She turned on the light and climbed the ladder, waiting for Rye to follow.In the loft, Ansley shifted a few of the smaller stacked paintings, laying them flat out so he could see.“This size is really popular on Etsy.I price them so they’re affordable and relatively inexpensive to mail.
“They’re stretched canvases,” she added, as he picked up one, “and a thinner frame.When I first started, I painted on canvas board, but the boards would bend, and the paint would crack.Customers would be disappointed.So, these lightweight canvases are good for smaller projects.”
