Page 1 of The Cowgirl's Secret Love
1
April, five years ago. Rocky Mountain House, Alberta
After a full day attempting a job that was still well beyond her, every part of Karen Coleman’s body ached. She glared at the wooden exterior of Traders Pub and debated going home.
Only there was nothing back at the ranch that would improve her mood. She brushed her hands against her jeans, cringing as the palm of her left hand connected too vigorously with the solid thigh-to-ankle cast encasing her leg.
It wasn’t the reminder she needed at that moment.
Neither was the piercing whistle that rang across the parking lot. Her cousin’s taunt echoed in the quiet outside the pub.
“Damn, that’s pathetic. You look like something the cat dragged in.”
Jesse, one of the more annoying male cousins in the horde Karen faced almost daily, wore far too happy an expression as he jogged forward.
She was ready to cut him down to size when someone tall and muscular stepped from the shadows and intercepted Jesse.
“Watch your mouth.” The dark-haired stranger folded his arms over his chest, biceps pressing against the cotton of his shirt. He eyed Jesse with disdain.
Jesse stopped in his tracks, completely thrown by the call down.
“Don’t bother,” the stranger said when Jesse recovered from his shock enough to open his mouth, probably to offer another wisecrack. “Keep walking.”
Karen had many reasons to be cranky, not the least because her deep-seated annoyance at being below full physical strength was not going away any time soon.
But when for once in his life Jesse actually took the smart route and left with nothing more than an exaggerated eye roll, she had to admit to being slightly charmed by her well-meaning protector.
Charmedturned to something heated when her nameless defender rotated toward her.
She’d caught a glimpse of his firm jawline in profile, but the strength of his face combined very nicely with dark brown eyes that held the possibility of a dangerous smolder. He checked her over quickly, his gaze lingering on her cast and the crutches she’d finally caved and agreed to use.
It seemed only right that while he was occupied, she should return the favour.
Yes, his face was very pleasant, without any sort of fanfare. He looked the type to be silent except when he had something important to say.
She examined his mouth, amused by the solemn set of his lips. He’d obviously thought Jesse was a lot more of a threat than the turkey truly was.
A moment’s glance over the rest of her champion allowed her to admire the entire cowboy. He wasn’t wearing a hat, but his boots were real, freshly polished and worn in the right pattern to be more than window dressing.
“You okay?” His voice was a soft rumble that teased her senses.
Karen’s gaze shot up to meet his. Those eyes were serious, and yet a hint of a twinkle appeared momentarily. It might be fun to try and trigger other kinds of reactions in the man.
He’d come to her rescue, unneeded as it was.
“I’m good. Name’s Karen.” She thrust a hand forward, teetering as she fought to keep her balance and control the crutch trying to escape.
Her hero moved instantly, his firm grip sliding around her waist and bringing her back to vertical before she could tumble to the ground in an inglorious heap. “Careful. Looks as if you’re still a little shaky on those colt legs of yours.”
A laugh burst free. “Oh, honey, a colt is the last thing I should be compared to right now.” She gave her thigh a careful pat, not hard enough to hurt. “I’ve seen newborns get to their feet with far more grace than I’m capable of with this contraption.”
He was so close his scent wrapped around her and made interesting responses flash through her body. Ones she hadn’t expected tonight, let alone while doing her best elephant limbed imitation.
Dammit, the warmth of his body teased in a million tempting ways, and Karen considered leaning in a little harder rather than moving away.
Somehow she did the right thing, finding her equilibrium then meeting his gaze again. “Thanks for standing up for me, but Jesse didn’t mean any harm.”
The stranger examined her face before tilting his chin slowly. “I’m sure you could’ve taken care of him, but I didn’t mind stepping in. It’s only right.”
