Stealing the Cowboy's Heart

by Debbi Rawlins

  “So you honestly think you could build two bench booths? In your condition?” she asked as she straightened with a large platter in hand. Staring at him with a slight frown, she paused. “And that it wouldn’t cost all that much?”

  Clearing his throat, Landon turned to lean against the island. He didn’t think she’d caught him eyeing her butt, but couldn’t be sure. “How did you find Joe? Someone must’ve recommended him.”

  She nodded. “It was Sadie. I trust that he probably gave me an honest price if that’s what you’re getting at. It’s just more than I expected.” She peeked inside the commercial oven that looked older than dirt. “At least I don’t have to do everything at once. I can have it done in stages.”

  “I wouldn’t offer to help if I thought I couldn’t do it.”

  “You’re serious?”

  “Piece of cake.” The words were barely out of his mouth and he started to sweat.

  The excitement he saw in her eyes lasted all of ten seconds before she shook her head. “It would take too long and you need to rest your leg.”

  “I’ve got two weeks to kill. That’s more than enough time. I wouldn’t know how to tackle the counter.” Landon’s thoughts were zipping all over the map. There had to be a way to do this without making a complete ass of himself, but he had to slow down, think before opening his big mouth again. “Joe can have that job so you won’t worry about taking the work from him.”

  Kylie’s lips tilted up. “Smarty. Think you know me that well?”

  “Yeah, actually.”

  “You’re right,” she said with a soft laugh. “It would’ve bothered me.” She eyed his injured leg before picking up the spatula. “I honestly think this is a bad idea.”

  “I swear I won’t be stupid about it. I want to make the finals more than anything. Hell, I want to win the whole thing and that won’t happen with a bum leg.”

  “Gold buckle fever?” she said with a touch of sarcasm.

  “Sure, that would be nice. But it’s really about the prize money. Not to mention the endorsement deals. That kind of dough is life-changing.”

  Kylie straightened her spine again, then bowed her head, pretending to stir the frosting. He wanted to kick himself. How many times had Gary said that to her? Letting her think the picket fence was just around the corner. The bastard hadn’t even made it past the first round of the finals when he’d started screwing any woman who’d hit on him.

  “Kylie?”

  “What?” She wouldn’t look up.

  “I promise you I won’t do anything that might hurt my leg.”

  “That’s what you say, but—”

  “Have I ever lied to you before?”

  Her hesitation pissed him off, but he managed to keep his cool. Kylie thought he should’ve told her about what Gary was doing behind her back. But Landon’s motives wouldn’t have been pure and she knew that. She’d still been with Gary, which placed him in a tricky position. Regardless, he had never lied to her, not even when Gary had asked him to cover for him. He refused to think about how many times he’d simply kept quiet.

  With a defiant jut of her chin, she finally looked up. “I have no way of knowing that, do I?”

  “You can choose to believe me,” he said, holding her gaze steady. “Just like I choose to trust that you’re always truthful with me.”

  Kylie blinked and a light blush stained her cheeks. Yeah, that didn’t make him wonder if she was thinking about the day he’d almost kissed her. The day they’d come close to admitting their feelings for each other. And then backed off.

  As for giving her the impression he knew anything about building furniture, he’d get help, but he wanted the finished product to be a surprise, that’s all.

  “You didn’t let me finish.” She turned away and plucked a fresh dish towel out of a drawer. “I wasn’t implying that you’d lie, but that you might push too hard without realizing it and set back your recovery.”

  “That’s always a possibility no matter what I’m doing. I’m just saying I’d be extra careful.”

  “Anyway, the counter is more important to me than the extra seating,” she said. “So if they have to wait it wouldn’t be so terrible.”

  “I would’ve thought it was the other way around.”

  “What I haven’t mentioned to anyone besides Rachel and Mallory is that I’m hoping to eventually make the place more like a real coffee bar.” She glanced toward the front and lowered her voice. “Of course I can only offer a small selection of specialty coffees, but the profit margin on those kinds of drinks will be a big help.”

  “You really think you’ll have enough customers? I can’t see the locals paying five bucks for a latte.”

  “Actually, I’m mostly counting on the guests from the Sundance. They’re always asking about the nearest Starbucks. But you’d be surprised at how many cowboys come in looking for fancy coffee drinks.”

  Landon held back a snort. There was no way those guys were coming in for coffee. “What’s the Sundance?”

  “The McAllisters’ ranch. Rachel’s family owns it.”

  “A dude ranch?”

  “Depends on who you ask,” Kylie said, grinning. “They’ve raised cattle for several generations. But when the economy got dicey Rachel turned an unused portion of the house into guest quarters. It’s been super successful so she’s stuck with it. Her brothers still run the cattle operation.”

  “Must be a big spread.”

  “Close to four thousand acres, I think.”

  He let out a low whistle.

  “Isn’t your family’s ranch almost that size?”

  “About half that, enough to keep my brothers and a full-time hired man busy.”

  “You have two brothers, right? Chad and...?”

  “Martin.”

  “It sounds like a lot of work,” she said, frowning.

  “They hire seasonal help when they need it. Lots of teenagers look for summer work in the area.”

  “They must miss you. I bet they can’t wait for you to quit the rodeo and join them.”

  Landon shrugged. “I don’t know, they’re doing pretty well without me.”

  For the second time today, one of them was saved by the bell.

  Kylie groaned even before she turned to see who it was. “I’ll be right with you, Mrs. Perkins,” she said with a bright smile.

  “Take your time, dear. I’m in no hurry.”

  “Great,” Kylie mumbled under her breath. “I’m never going to finish these cupcakes in time. That woman can talk my ear off.”

  “Let me help her. If I have a question, I’ll ask you.”

  Staring at him, Kylie set down the spatula. “Are you serious?”

  “Why not?” He shrugged. “How hard can it be?”

  Kylie laughed, then tried covering it up by clearing her throat. “Not hard at all.”

  Two hours and five customers later, Landon realized he should’ve paid more attention to the way Kylie had laughed and not what she’d said. The senior ladies of Blackfoot Falls could put the military’s best interrogators to shame.

  At least, in the few minutes he’d had without a customer, he’d convinced her to have dinner with him. But first he needed to find Joe Hopkins and propose a deal that would earn him some extra cash, assuming he could keep the arrangement to himself.

  * * *

  UNTIL FIVE MINUTES before she left to meet Landon, Kylie had considered wearing the second dress Rachel had badgered her into buying. Then she saw reason. The semi-sexy dress would send the wrong message. This wasn’t a date. Tonight was nothing more than two old friends catching up.

  She did wear her good jeans, though. And a relatively new green knit top. After all, they were going to the steak house and not the diner.

 
At 5:30 p.m., the evening air was already nippy as she hurried toward Main Street. A few trucks were parked in front of the Full Moon Saloon. After the dinner hour, it would be much busier. As she came around the corner, she saw Landon standing outside the restaurant. She slowed her steps even as her heart picked up speed.

  She loved it when he wore blue shirts—any shade. They always made his eyes look bluer and, with his wavy dark hair, he truly was a good-looking man. A fact many of the other riders’ wives and girlfriends had certainly noticed. And the female fans? They always mobbed him after events. Which said something considering there’d been a long stretch where he wasn’t ranked and hadn’t earned any big money. Although she did recall Gary mentioning something about Landon being a fool for taking a whole year off, even if it was for family, because of how well he’d been doing. So maybe that was part of the reason he attracted the buckle bunnies. Yet she’d never seen him flirt. Not once. She wondered why that was.

  As soon as he spotted her, he headed toward her. “You walked?”

  “I live less than ten minutes away. Where are your crutches?”

  “I thought we were going right in to dinner so I didn’t need them.”

  “And yet, here you are,” she said, shaking her head. “Not smart, Landon.”

  “We can fix that. Come here.”

  “What?”

  “Put your arm around my waist,” he said at the same time as he slid an arm around her shoulders and leaned against her slightly.

  At first she couldn’t speak. He smelled so good. Felt too good. The warmth of his body seeped into hers, beckoning her closer. He was all lean muscle. Rock solid. But she’d already known that from the time he’d gotten bucked hard against the rails and she’d wrapped his bruised ribs. He’d refused to see a doctor, just like all the other rodeo idiots.

  “Is the leg bothering you?” she asked, tightening her arm around him.

  “Not especially.”

  Suspicious, she looked up at him. “So why are we plastered to each other?”

  “Hmm. Well, speaking for myself, I like it.”

  Kylie rolled her eyes to hide the giddiness zipping through her. Even as they made it to the door of the restaurant, she didn’t let go...and then her phone beeped. It was Kevin. Fate? No, karma.

  “Go on and take that if you want.” Landon lowered his arm. “I’ll get us a table.”

  “I’ll just be a second,” she said, then answered. “Hi.”

  “Hey, you. Did you get some sleep? Hope I didn’t keep you out too late,” Kevin said with a laugh, since he’d teased her about having an early curfew.

  Landon opened the door, then stepped back to let an older couple exit. The timing could’ve been better. Though she didn’t care if he knew it was Kevin. Or heard any of her conversation. Why should she?

  The couple looked like so many tourists who’d been stopping in Blackfoot Falls over the summer months. The man nodded and the woman smiled at Landon. “Thank you, young man,” the wife said.

  “Kylie?”

  “Yes? Oh, I’m fine. Went right to sleep.”

  And of course someone else followed directly behind them. She couldn’t catch a break.

  “I had a great time last night,” Kevin said, dropping his voice.

  Kylie smiled at the second couple and moved closer to the curb to give them all room. “Me too.”

  Kevin paused. “You sound—hey, sorry. I should’ve asked if this was a good time.”

  “Actually, I’m about to have dinner with Landon,” she said and was met with silence. “He said thanks for the discount.” She saw his little smile as he ducked his head to see if anyone else was coming.

  “Yeah, no problem.”

  “I’ll call you later, okay?”

  “Sure. And if you’re free Saturday night?” Kevin asked. “We’ll talk when you call.”

  “Yep. Thanks.” She realized she’d sounded awfully abrupt and shouldn’t have been so quick to disconnect. But like so many things in her life, it was too late.

  Chapter Seven

  The steak house was small, dimly lit and crowded. A middle-aged woman welcomed them with a smile and a surprised look at Kylie before she showed them to the last vacant booth.

  “If you’d prefer a table, we have those two over there near the window,” the hostess said, gesturing with the menu.

  “This is fine, Irene, thanks.” Kylie darted a look at him. “I assume this is okay with you.”

  “Anywhere you want.”

  As they slid onto the black vinyl seat, Irene laid the menus on the table. “Glad to see you finally made it in here to eat, Kylie.”

  “It’s a special occasion.” She glanced at Landon. “I have a friend visiting from out of town,” she said and made a quick introduction.

  After the woman left with their drink orders, Kylie glanced around at the signage and pictures on the walls, all from a long-ago era. “It’s nice, isn’t it?” she said. “Rustic and cozy.” Landon nodded, but he couldn’t pull his gaze away from Kylie. Her hair was down, all shiny with some bounce to it, and skimming her shoulders every time she turned her head. Being able to look at her across the table, watch the way her eyes sparkled had its advantages. Even though he would’ve preferred her sitting closer to him. Hopefully that time would come soon.

  Last night, lying in bed, unable to sleep, he’d done a lot of thinking. When he’d first met Kylie, four years ago, she’d always been quick to help any busted-up cowboy Gary brought home, Landon included.

  And then two years ago, she’d stopped. At least with him. He knew why, of course. That day when she’d been so upset because some strange woman kept calling for Gary...it had been the beginning of a long and painful time for her. That day, though, he’d somehow ended up with her alone in the house, and he’d itched to comfort her. And tell her the truth about Gary, but how could he, when he wanted her so badly for himself? She’d find out, and she’d hate him for it.

  Instead, he’d pulled her into a hug, something he should never have done. She’d moved back just enough to look him in the eyes. Her own had been red from crying, but she was still beautiful to him. When her lips had parted, he’d leaned down...

  They’d both come to their senses before they’d crossed that final line. He’d left, hating himself. After that, she’d continued to patch up the other guys but she’d always seemed to have an excuse to avoid him.

  Now, after seeing her again, he still believed that long-ago attraction had been real, even if she truly hadn’t given him a thought since she’d left. But she’d admitted he made her heart race. It was a start.

  He focused on her smile. “Why haven’t you been in here? This is the only restaurant in town besides the diner, right?”

  “Yes, but they haven’t been open that long. The owners had another restaurant here years ago, apparently, but closed it. Anyway, I don’t eat out much. Other than going to barbeques at the Sundance and the Lone Wolf.” She opened the menu and her eyes widened. “Oh, look at all these choices. I’ll never be able to decide.”

  Landon smiled at her enthusiasm and let her look at the selections in peace. But right after Irene brought his beer and an iced tea for Kylie, he asked the question that had been nagging at him. “So, were you trying to make Kevin jealous, or trying to brush him off?”

  Kylie looked up, her eyes narrowing. “What on earth are you talking about?”

  “Earlier, when you told him you were having dinner with me.”

  “It’s no big deal. You’re an old friend. He knows that.”

  “Ouch,” he said, and smiled. “I think we’ve moved past the denials, don’t you?” A blink was her only response. “I’m pretty sure you knew that I was attracted to you from the first minute we met. But you were with Gary, so I kept to myself...or at least I tried t
o. Go ahead and tell me if I’m wrong, but I think you felt something too.”

  Kylie blinked again, then briefly looked away. “Okay. I’ll admit, there were sparks. But honestly, Landon, I never let myself think about it. Especially when everything went to hell with Gary. It just felt wrong...” She put the menu down and folded her hands over it. “Ever since I left Iowa, I’ve been determined to give myself a decent life. A real home of my own, start a business, even though it cost every penny I had. I’ve built my life here one brick at a time. One that’s safe, that I can be proud of.”

  It killed him to ask, but he had to. “And Kevin fits into that life?”

  She didn’t answer right away. “To tell you the truth, I barely know Kevin. He hasn’t even reached friend status yet.”

  Landon cleared his throat, but met her eyes squarely. “Do you think you might want to entertain the idea that there could be something between us?”

  She inhaled, although she had to realize he wasn’t just going to turn tail and run. “I don’t know,” she said. “And that’s as honest as I can be.”

  “Mind if I stick around until you do?” he asked softly.

  Kylie looked down at her hands, and he noticed her cheeks flush. When she looked at him again, she said, “I can’t say when that will be.”

  “Fair enough.” He smiled, knowing he’d take whatever she’d give him.

  She nibbled at her lip, opened her menu again. “Have you ever had trout before?”

  Landon hadn’t thought Kevin was anyone to worry about but now that he knew, he’d take it into account. He just wished he was more certain about his own future. “My brothers and I used to catch trout by the bucket loads every summer. Had to clean the suckers, too, or my mom wouldn’t touch them. She’d pan fry them or put ’em in the smoker. By August I was damn sick of trout no matter how they were cooked.”

  She smiled. “How is your family?”

  “They’re all doing well. Working hard and giving me crap because I’m not there helping get ready for winter.”