brides for brothers 04 - cowboy surrender by judy christenberry

“What is it?”
    “I just thought I’d tell you that the girls are planning a Halloween-birthday party. I’m sure they think we’re together and will expect you to-to look forward to the party.”
    “Okay.” She kept trying to figure out why he thought it necessary to tell her that first thing this morning. It wasn’t as if she’d throw up her hands in horror if one of her friends mentioned the party. “Is that all?”
    “They may expect you to buy me a birthday present,” he added, seemingly a little embarrassed.
    B.J. knew her cheeks were bright red, but she couldn’t help thinking about Mildred’s suggestion. “I’ve already discussed that with Mildred.” Then she wished she’d kept her mouth closed.
    “Oh? Did Mildred have any ideas?”
    “Nothing that would work. I don’t suppose you could give me any ideas?” That would be a help, since she couldn’t think of a single thing to get him. And she hoped her question would distract him from what Mildred had suggested.
    “Anything will do. I’ll pay you for it as soon as you buy something.”
    She stared at him. “Why would you do that?”
    He shrugged his shoulders. “No reason for you to waste your money on a gift for me.”
    She was amazed to see his cheeks redden, as if her buying something for him would embarrass him. “Do your brothers give you presents?”
    “We never did much for birthdays. We were a houseful of men, you know. Dad usually gave us each a savings bond.”
    B.J. stared at him, picturing a little boy Toby’s age receiving a savings bond as his only birthday present. “Toby wouldn’t be satisfied with a piece of paper,” she murmured, smiling wryly at Jake.
    “I need some ideas about a present for Toby,” Jake immediately said, a smile lighting his face.
    “He likes toy trucks.” She couldn’t help smiling back. “How about you? Do you like trucks?”
    “Only big ones.”
    “Mmm,” she said, chuckling. “I think a big one is out of my price range.”
    “That’s okay. Mine is in good shape. And I think I’d rather have something else from you.” The light in his eyes gave her a hint of his meaning.
    “Like what?”
    “Let’s go back to what Mildred suggested.”
    “What are you talking about?” she said, but she turned to study the saddle hanging on the wall rather than look at him.
    “I’m not sure. But whatever it is sure makes you blush. I figured it must be pretty good.”
    “Jake, you’re teasing me. Don’t you have to get to work?” One thing she already knew about the big, handsome cowboy—he loved to tease.
    “I guess you’re right. My brothers were already curious when I told ’em to go on without me.”
    “Then I’ll be on my way, too. I’ve got some calls to make.”
    When she started to move past him, he reached out and caught her shoulders. “Wait a minute. I’ve been good. I think I deserve a goodbye kiss.”
    She swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. “There’s no one around to impress. I don’t see any reason to—”
    “I do.”
    His lips covered hers. Groaning, she gave herself up to the magical touch that always sent her heart soaring. She slid her hands across his chest, beneath his jacket, indulging her needs.
    “Mommy, Aunt Mildred said—”
    Toby’s piping voice intruded upon her bliss. She ripped herself from Jake’s embrace to find her little boy staring up at the two of them.
    “Hi, Mr. Jake. Why are you kissing my mommy?”
    J AKE ALWAYS ENJOYED spending time with Toby. But he wished the boy had arrived five minutes later. That might’ve given him enough time to enjoy B.J.’s kiss.
    Instead, he noticed the stricken expression on B.J.’s face. Squatting down, he scooped Toby up in his arms, bringing him to his eye level. “Well, Toby, that’s something men do when they think a lady is pretty.”
    Toby gave him a doubtful look. “I think Amber Lloyd is pretty, but I don’t kiss her.”
    “Right, son. That’s because you’re not grown-up. When