Cowboy at the Crossroads. Linda Warren

Dam.”

      “Don’t—”

      “No, you listen to me,” Blanche cut in. “Cord hasn’t looked at a woman in over a year, so don’t take those glances seriously. He just needs what all men need, and it has nothing to do with those fairy tales in your head.”

      Becca’s eyes narowed. “You’re a very crude person.”

      “I’m also realistic. You’re a doctor with a medical practice, and here you are baby-sitting a five-year-old girl who throws temper tantrums.”

      “It’s much more than that,” Becca insisted.

      “I don’t think so. Cord and that witch, Edie, have just pampered Nicki since Anette’s death. They haven’t even tried to address the real issue, but I’m staying out of it. I’ve got better things to do.”

      Becca frowned. “I can see you love your granddaughter as much as you love everyone else.”

      Blanche peered at the diamond watch on her arm. “Damn, I’ve got to run. I’m gonna be late for my luncheon.” She whirled toward the door. “Help yourself to my house, sugar, and anything in it, even my son.” She threw the words over her shoulder in a baiting tone.

      Becca felt the urge to stomp her feet and scream like Nicki. Blanche had that effect on her. She probably had that effect on most women. Becca wondered about her relationship with Anette; from the remarks Blanche had made, it didn’t sound like a good one. And how did Nicki fit into the picture? Blanche didn’t seem to care for her at all. Becca ran both hands through her hair and sank onto the sofa. The Prescotts were hard to take. She’d only been here a few hours and she was already yearning for the love and closeness of her own family. Maybe you had to leave something before you could truly appreciate it.

      Becca leaned against the sofa and tried not to think about the things Blanche had said, but they were pounding through her head. She wasn’t attracted to Colton in a sexual way, and Colton knew it. Then, why had he hung around all these years? Oh, Colton, she prayed, please don’t love me. She couldn’t bear the thought of hurting him. Colton had told her not to worry, but she did. They had to talk again, and soon.

      Enough electricity to jump-start Hoover Dam.

      Blanche was right about that. Becca couldn’t deny that she was attracted to Cord; it was there every time she looked at him. She couldn’t explain it and she sure didn’t understand it. He had done nothing to encourage her, except love his little girl. She admired that in him. She’d noticed it the very first time she’d met him—his love, his heartfelt pain and his strength. She genuinely liked Cord Prescott, and beyond that she didn’t want to think. Her goal was to guide Nicki through this rough time, then go back to Houston to begin her new life. She’d finally achieved the goal she’d been working toward for almost ten years.