Her Dream Cowboy Read Free Page A

she darted her gaze away and propped her chin on her knees as she watched the sunset. Luke got to his feet with a sigh, wiped his hands across his jeans, and set about making camp.
    “Do you need a hand?” she called to him.
    “Nah, I got it under control.”
    Sophie shrugged. She liked doing everything for herself normally. It was the only way of making sure things were done properly, but she enjoyed watching Luke efficiently putting up the tents and making a camp fire. Something teased at a primeval part of her that took pleasure in seeing a man working. And there was no doubt Luke worked hard. The muscles that flexed against his flannel shirt spoke of the physical labor he did but running the ranch required brains too.
    Smart and gorgeous, how unfair was that?
    Once Luke had set up two small blue tents, he turned his attention to their supper. Sophie’s stomach growled, and he lifted an eyebrow toward her, making her giggle.
    “Hungry?” he asked.
    “Starving. Not often I have someone cook for me.”
    “For you, darlin’, I will prepare something extra special.” He pressed his fingers to his lips and made a kissing noise, as if cooking cordon bleu instead of a simple canned stew.
    Sophie laughed again, feeling the tension of the afternoon drain away. Hopefully he’d forgotten all about their kiss and they could continue the next few days like this. It would be nice if they at least came out of this trip as friends.
    Once the food was heated, he spooned in into two bowls and offered her a drink. Sophie took the bowl gratefully and sucked in the smell of meat and veg. Delicious.
    “You should cook all the time,” she said with a nudge of her elbow into his side as he positioned himself next to her.
    “I can’t take much credit, I’m afraid. I only heated it up.”
    “Well, whatever, it’s still yummy.”
    “You are definitely easily pleased.”
    Sophie shook her head. “My ex didn’t think that. Too much of a control freak for him.”
    Luke tilted his head and studied her. “Funny, you don’t seem the control freak type to me. Not now anyway.”
    She considered this as she blew at the stew. “I don’t think I am really. But life with David seemed to suck all spontaneity from me. I think I’ve forgotten how to be any other way.”
    “Well,” he said between spoonfuls, “maybe this trip will help you remember.”
    She grinned. “Fingers crossed.”
    “Uh, Sophie, you have a little…” He pointed to her chest.
    “What?” She glanced down at her top. “Have I spilled something?”
    He coughed and shifted. “Just, uh, there…on your…cleavage…”
    She peered down again but couldn’t see anything. Was he teasing her? “Where?”
    “Between…” his voice came out strangled as he motioned to her breasts again.
    “Luke,” she exclaimed, exasperated, “are you making it up? There’s nothing there.”
    Time seemed to freeze as he moved closer and his hand hovered over the exposed flesh at the neckline of her T-shirt. A question hung in his gaze and, swallowing heavily, Sophie thrust her chest forward. She closed her eyes as a rough fingertip grazed the curve of one breast.
    Willing him on mentally, she remained perfectly still as the finger continued its exploration, tracing the top of her other breast. He probably felt the pounding of her heart.
    “Is it all gone?” she whispered.
    “What?”
    “The—the stew…”
    His finger stopped, and she gulped down her disappointment. Then his shirt rustled, and she felt the heat of his body nearby. His palms came upon her knees. She whimpered, realizing he was knelt in front of her. Thighs spread wide, she dropped her bowl to one side, inviting him in, and he took what she offered, moving close until he hooked both hands around her back.
    The shock of his mouth against her collarbone galvanized her, making her arch into him. His tongue darted out to lick at her skin and she tingled from head to toe with sensation. Sophie unfurled her