A Cowboy To Kiss. Mary Leo

his bed, but the more he stirred the more uncomfortable he became, the headboard knocking against the wall with each of his movements.

      “No, but your father did, so you’re stuck with me.”

      He put his book down next to him, careful to keep it open to his page, sat up and added another pillow under his back. Then he snuggled in tight to the pillow.

      “Only for tonight. You’re free to go in the morning.”

      “Actually, I’m free to go right now.”

      She sat up and pulled her arm inside. Apparently, she hadn’t liked what he’d said.

      “Then why don’t you?”

      He squirmed down farther in his tiny bed. “And leave all this country hospitality? I’m just now settling in.”

      His feet popped out of the covers that had been tucked into the bottom of the bed. He felt exactly like an overturned beetle.

      She sniggered at his struggle to settle, and he realized it was the first time he’d seen her laugh since he’d arrived, and he liked it...a lot. Her eyes sparkled when she laughed and her face lit up, despite any harsh words that might pour out of her mouth.

      “I’m sure you would be much more comfortable in your own bed...in your own house...in Montana.”

      “I’m sure I would, but first I have a job to do.”

      “Well, do it and leave.”

      “I can’t. You refuse to cooperate.”

      “If your job has anything to do with my mares, you’re darn right I won’t cooperate.”

      The laughter had disappeared from her voice.

      “Then I can’t leave. Not until I’ve convinced you that pasture breeding is superior to a cold injection.”

      Her face tensed. All the sleepy sweetness was gone. He wished he could get it back but he knew he’d stepped over the sweetness line.

      “Fine, be obstinate.”

      “I will if you will.”

      “If I will what?”

      “Be stubborn.”

      She was spitting mad now, he could tell...and she looked more adorable than ever...which only caused him more discomfort.

      “Jake Scott, you drive me crazy.”

      He couldn’t help the smile that seemed to come from somewhere deep within him. She sounded exactly like that little girl he’d fallen for all those years ago. “Kenzie Grant, I sometimes believe that’s my whole purpose in life.”

      She let out a little throaty squeak, then abruptly disappeared inside and slammed the window shut so hard the lamp popped off the table and landed on the floor, shattering the bulb.

      “Damn,” he cussed as darkness encircled him.

      “Thank you for putting out the light,” she cooed through the closed window.

      He didn’t respond.