Marrying The Cowboy: A BWWM Cowboy Billionaire Romance Read Free Page B

ready."
    "As a matter of fact, she does. That's why I came out here."
    Bruce chuckled. "So you did not come out here for my winning
smile and my stellar attitude?"
    "Definitely not those," she laughed. "But those
devastating blue eyes and the charming man behind the smile are more
than enough to keep me coming back."
    "Dually noted. Follow me."
    Kate followed as Bruce led the way to the stables. She admired the
way he navigated so fluidly in his surroundings. He put the horse
back in the stable, fed him, and did one last check of the area.
    In that moment, watching Bruce do something he knew so well, she
found him utterly attractive. Even more so than usual.
    "Woman, why are you staring at me like that?"
    Kate sucked in her breath. Bruce was turned around, with his back to
her. How did he feel her eyes on him?
    She was speechless, unsure how to answer. When she sat quietly, he
responded for her. Pulling her in to an embrace, Kate was immediately
struck by his woodsy scent. His strong body enveloping hers made her
soften into his hardness.
    "I missed you."
    Just that small confession from Bruce made her day.
    "I missed you too. Coming to the ranch was a pleasant surprise."
    "I thought that you would appreciate a home cooked meal. You
know, versus the swanky city restaurants with pricey menus."
    She held her arms around him tightly, not wanting to let go.
    "Good idea. I could use the time to slow down a bit."
    A light kiss on the lips turned smoldering within seconds. She was
unable to think of anything other than Bruce's touch as his lips
locked with hers.
    "Stay with me tonight."
    She did not have to think twice. "Of course."
    He backed off just enough, but it was obvious that he could not keep
his hands off of her.
    "If you don't watch it, you may have to undress me right here
and now."
    "Don't tease me like that, woman. All of this talk about taking
your clothes off, I just may take you up on the offer."
    Kate considered it briefly, her body was hot with desire and she was
not sure how she was going to make it through dinner while she pined
away for the man across the table from her. Then she thought that it
would be just the perfect foreplay and decided that teasing him all
night would be a complete turn on.
    "Why don't we get back to the house? I'm sure your mother is
ready to serve dinner."
    As they walked toward the house, Bruce came up behind Kate, kissing
her on the neck. Why he had to tease her, she was not sure. It was
going to make it harder to get through dinner and the rest of the
evening, remembering the way his touch felt.
    "There the two of you are. I was beginning to think that I had
to send out a search party to find you."
    "No, Mother. I was just showing Kate how to get acquainted with
Paddington."
    Mrs. Stanger, brow raised, commented. "Why don't the two of you
wash up? I'm putting the food on the table."
    Bruce showed Kate to the powder room and he disappeared down the
hallway. Once she washed up, she found Bruce's parents in the dining
room. Bruce came in shortly after her and rushed up to pull out her
chair.
    His parents looked on, smiling.
    "So, city girl. How was your trip outside to the stables?"
Mr. Stanger asked.
    "I survived."
    Everyone at the table laughed and dinner was served. Over polite
conversation, mashed potatoes and pork chops, and a few glasses of
wine, Kate enjoyed her evening at the ranch. After dinner was over,
she offered to help Mrs. Stanger clear the table.
    "Thank you, dear. We really love it when you come out to the
ranch."
    "I appreciate it as well, Mrs. Stanger. Dinner was wonderful."
    "Do you cook?" Bruce's mother was busy at work, washing
dishes.
    "Not much. I'm always working, so I tend to get my food on the
go."
    Kate swore she heard the woman suck her teeth. She sat for a moment,
trying to figure out a way to respond.
    "Maybe you could teach me some of your best meals? I have
recently started thinking that it would be good to learn a few new
dishes."
    Mrs. Stanger turned