My True Cowboy. Shelley Galloway

       As the closing credits rolled across on the screen, Cal leaned closer to Sue. “Funny how things worked out, huh?”

      “It’s hard to believe, that’s what it is.” When Cal had called her on Friday night, he’d suggested a trip to the drive-in. It seemed innocent enough. But now here they were. Alone in the dark. She didn’t expect the effect it would have on her pulse.

      “I’ve been thinking about this date all day,” Cal whispered, just inches from her lips. “Is this what you had in mind when you agreed to go to the drive-in?”

      “Actually, no …” Sue smiled.

      “No?” he drawled. His lips brushed her jaw, his tongue flicked at a spot under her ear. “Then what were you thinking about?”

      Susan could only sigh for an answer. Cal chuckled softly.

      “So what do you say, Susan? Want to go parking?”

      Dear Reader,

      Is there someone in your family or circle of friends who’s the go-to person? You know, the person who can be counted on to get things done? For me, it’s always been my older brother Gary. In the Riddell family, it’s Cal.

      Cal—or Junior, as he’s known by most—has never dodged a responsibility in his life. He sits at his father’s bedside at the hospital. He makes sure the bills are paid, checks on his brothers and listens to people complain. In short, Junior’s the type of man I’ve always admired. He’s solid and dependable and smart. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that he’s six-foot-three, with black hair and gray eyes … and has that kind of slow Texas drawl that curls a girl’s toes.

      I knew he’d have to find a special woman, and I think Susan Young fits the bill. She’s an Ohio transplant raising a son who was recently diagnosed with diabetes. She’s gorgeous and smart and more than a little stressed. And just independent enough to not be in any hurry to be “managed” by Junior.

      Their relationship pulled at my heart, made me smile and made me cheer a bit, too. I’ve always been a sucker for a happy ending. I hope you enjoy their romance, as well.

      And, I hope you’ll return back to the Riddell Ranch for Trent’s story in My Christmas Cowboy. His romance takes everyone by surprise!

      Happy reading!

      Shelley Galloway

       My True Cowboy

       Shelley Galloway

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

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      To Carole, a very fine woman

      who’s taught me a lot.

      Thank you so much for all your help!

       Chapter One

      Cal Riddell Jr. hated hospitals. He hated how he didn’t have a single ounce of control in the way they were run. Take how Electra Community was set up, for example—the place was designed like a rat’s maze. It took forever to get anywhere, and half the time he got lost.

      He hated the constant noise of the building, too. Metal carts squeaked and clanked as they rolled along the sterile linoleum floors. Doctors and nurses rushing down the halls. And the persistent hum and beeping of various monitors and machines. All of it pressed on his nerves something fierce.

      The smell was bad. Without a doubt, the whole place reeked like gas station bathrooms and disease, all covered up with a hefty dose of disinfectant. It was a far cry from his preferred place to work—a converted tack room in the main barn back at the Riddell Ranch.

      But most of all, Cal hated that his dad was in the hospital and there wasn’t one thing he could do about it.

      “I’m fine, Junior,” his father snapped. “Do not go get me another glass of water.” With an impatient glare, he added, “I told you, I’m not thirsty. Something wrong with your hearing?”

      “No, sir.” Cal strived for patience, but he was losing ground, fast. From the moment Cal had arrived four hours ago, his father had been especially cranky and bullheaded. Though this behavior wasn’t all that new, Cal wasn’t used to being the main recipient of his father’s temper. He had always prided himself on being the son who was responsible and courteous.

      Until very recently, it had gotten him pretty far in life. “The nurses said you needed to drink more liquids.”

      “Dammit, Cal. I’m sixty-two years old, not ninety-two. If I want to sip some water, I can get it myself. Without your help. But I don’t want it. So stop sticking that cup in my face.”

      Cal put the pitcher of water aside and wished one of his brothers would appear at the door and take his place. The old coot could get him riled up like nobody’s business in two seconds flat. “Fine.”

      Faded blue eyes flashed. “Damn right it’s fine. Now, stop fussing. You’re acting like an old woman. Fact is, I don’t even know why you’re here. You should be back at the ranch, making sure everything’s running right.”

      “Everything is.” Cal knew for a fact it was. He’d been at his desk at four-thirty that morning, checking on the latest financial holdings and making sure nothing had blown up overnight. After that, he’d joined two of the hands in the barn and helped load up the truck with supplies to take out to the north pasture.

      At the moment, his BlackBerry was in his pocket, collecting emails and voice messages. He’d check in and take care of business the second he had a spare moment. Really, nothing was going to happen that he didn’t know about.

      But his father was oblivious. Ever since Cal had begun to take on more and more responsibility for the ranch’s vast financial holdings, the old guy had asked less and less about the usual day-to-day business. Now Calvin Sr. was more likely to be riding his horse or hanging out with one of his cohorts.

      That’s why, instead of looking reassured, his dad just looked skeptical. “Sure?”

      “Positive.” As his father shifted and studied the ceiling, Cal eyed him once again. He was looking thinner. His cheeks looked sunken in, and he was agitated, too. Cal didn’t blame the guy. Sitting in bed, waiting for surgery, was a horrible way to spend a day. “Want to watch some television? Maybe there’s a game on.”

      “Doubt it.” But a flicker of interest in his eyes belied his negative words.

      “Let’s check, just in case.” Needing something to do, Cal picked up the remote and turned the TV on. Cartoons blared back at them.

      His father let loose a steady stream of profanities. “Turn that thing off and get on out of here, would you? Don’t know why you’re even here.”

      “You are having surgery tomorrow, Dad. Of course I’m going to be here.”

      “Jarred’s not.