Claiming the Rancher's Heart. Cindy Kirk

Anna’s friend.” Josh ground out the words, irritated at the teasing, yet not sure why. Seth had always liked to rattle his cage. Why should now be any different?

      “She’s also very pretty,” Seth pointed out.

      “She’s a city girl,” Josh continued. “A hothouse flower not suited to this climate.”

      Just like Kristin, he thought.

      “Sometimes those hybrid varieties can surprise you—”

      “Then you go out with her—” Josh stopped himself, finding the thought of Stacie dating Seth strangely disturbing.

      “I’m not her perfect match.” Seth took a sip of coffee. “You are.”

      The words hung in the air for a long moment.

      “I don’t believe that bull,” Josh said finally. “Look at Kristin and me. Everyone said we were a perfect match. Didn’t even make it three years.”

      Though he now realized they were better off apart, the failure of his marriage still rankled. When he’d said his vows, he’d meant every word. He’d been willing to do whatever it took to make it work. But he’d learned the hard way that for a marriage to succeed, both parties had to share that commitment.

      “That’s because you and the wicked witch weren’t matched by a computer.”

      “Get real. You don’t believe in that stuff any more than I do.”

      “I filled out the questionnaires, didn’t I?”

      “Only ‘cause you knew Anna would have your hide if you didn’t.”

      “Speaking of which…” Seth’s gaze settled on the doorway. “We got us some company.”

      Even before Josh turned around he knew who he’d find standing there. The click-clack of heels had been his first clue. The light scent of jasmine mingling with the smell of café cooking grease was the giveaway.

      “Stacie…Anna…what a surprise.” Josh pushed back his chair to stand, but Anna waved him down.

      “Stay put,” Anna said. “We’re not staying. I saw Seth’s truck parked out front and had a quick question for him.”

      Seth leaned back in his chair and lifted the coffee cup to his lips. “What can I do for you, baby sister?”

      “I need more men.” Anna cast a sideways glance at Stacie. “I mean, we need more men.”

      “I’m sorry Josh wasn’t man enough for you.” Seth’s gaze focused on Stacie and his tone oozed sympathy.

      Josh shot him a dark glance, warning him to back off.

      The merest hint of a twinkle in Seth’s eyes was his only response.

      “I never said that.” Stacie’s cheeks turned a becoming shade of pink as her eyes sought his.

      “Seth is a joker,” Josh said, offering her a reassuring smile. He hated seeing her distressed. Her worried frown brought out his protective instincts and he wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms…

      Whoa…where had that come from? He reined in the emotion and told himself he was merely reacting to her appearance.

      After all, she looked as pretty as the bluebells that filled his pasture. Instead of wearing jeans like most women in Sweet River, she had on a pair of shorts the color of the summer sky and a sleeveless, loose-fitting white shirt with something blue underneath.

      Though the shorts came down midthigh and the shirt wasn’t at all revealing, Josh remembered the feel of that body against his. In fact, he could still taste the sweetness of her lips and feel the softness of her hair against his cheek…

      “I’m game,” Seth’s voice broke into his thoughts. “How ‘bout you, Josh?”

      Josh refocused to find the three staring expectantly at him. He quickly considered his options. He could admit that his mind had been traveling down a dead-end road or he could just go along. After all, Seth had already agreed. “Okay by me.”

      “Great.” Anna smiled. “We’ll see you at eight.”

      With their business concluded, the two women turned and headed for the door, admiring looks following in their wake.

      “Should be interesting,” Seth said.

      “What?”

      Seth grinned. “I knew you weren’t listening.”

      It wasn’t the smile that worried Josh; it was the gleam in Seth’s eye. A sinking feeling filled the pit of Josh’s stomach. “Tell me.”

      “Anna wants me to round up some more guys for the survey,” Seth said. “Most ranchers from the area will be at the dance tonight. I promised I’d ask around.”

      A rush of relief flowed through Josh. For a second, he’d let his imagination soar. “So all we have to do is recruit?”

      “That’s all I have to do,” Seth said. “You have a different assignment.”

      Josh stilled. Why did he have the uneasy feeling the other shoe was about to drop? “Which is?”

      “You’re escorting Stacie to the dance.” Seth motioned to the waitress for more coffee. “When the guys see how good your match turned out, Anna figures they’ll want one of their own.”

      “This doesn’t feel right.” Stacie stared in the mirror and frowned. Dressed in blue jeans and a long-sleeved shirt with pearl snaps, she looked more like an extra in a Hollywood Western than a stylish twenty-first-century woman.

      “I knew it.” Anna’s gaze dropped to Stacie’s feet, to the Tony Lamas they’d picked up in town. “I thought you should have gone up a half size—”

      “They fit fine.” Stacie hastened to reassure her. If boots were indeed de rigueur for country dances, she’d found her fashion statement. The pink crunch goats had been the prettiest the Montana Western store had to offer.

      “O-kay.” Anna tilted her head, confusion clouding her blue eyes. “If it’s not the boots, what doesn’t fit?”

      All the misgivings that had been plaguing Stacie since she first heard Anna’s plan surged forth. “Me. Josh. This going-to-the-dance-together bit. I don’t want to do it.”

      Anna’s eyes widened as though this was the first she’d heard of Stacie’s misgivings. Which didn’t make sense, considering they’d been having this discussion off and on since Anna dropped the bombshell in the café. Frankly she’d been stunned when Josh agreed to the plan. When he’d taken her home after their first—and only—date, it had been clear to both of them that a romance wasn’t going to work.

      “I thought you liked him.” Anna sounded hurt. As if Stacie was dissing her friend.

      “I told you before…Josh is a wonderful guy.” Stacie dropped on the bed and heaved a heavy sigh. “But he’s not the man for me. And this—” she fingered the collar of her cowgirl shirt “—this isn’t me.”

      For a moment Anna didn’t say anything. Then she sashayed across the room, the rhinestones in her jean skirt glittering in the light. Once she reached the bed, she plopped down next to Stacie. “I’m not saying you have to stay in Sweet River and marry the guy. Just go to the dance with him. Have some fun.”

      “Going as his date just seems so…” Stacie struggled to find the words that would convey her feelings without insulting her friend.

      Anna met her gaze. “Deceitful?”

      Stacie nodded, relieved that Anna finally understood. “We were matched, but we aren’t a couple.”

      “I believe,” Anna pressed a finger to her lips, a contemplative look on her face, “you’re thinking