Heart of Texas Vol. 3 by Debbie Macomber Page A

Travis.”
    It shocked him how his heart raced, how exhilarated he was by the sight of her.
    â€œI’m putting a chicken on to roast,” Nell said, her voice unmistakably nervous.
    â€œLet me help,” he insisted and didn’t give her a chance to object.
    â€œYes, let Travis help,” Ruth murmured, sounding as if she was about to burst into laughter. “Nell’s never cooked a chicken in her life.”
    Nell marched into the kitchen with Travis following, and just the way she walked told him she wasn’t pleased. “I don’t need any help roasting a chicken,” she announced brusquely.
    â€œI didn’t think you did. I just wanted to talk to you.”
    â€œIf it’s about Bitter End, there’s nothing to say.”
    â€œAt least explain to me why everyone reacts this way the minute I say the name.”
    â€œI already have.”
    â€œTell me again.”
    â€œNo.” She paused. “Bitter End’s the only reason you came here, isn’t it?”
    â€œYes.” He wasn’t going to lie.
    â€œThen there’s nothing to talk about.”
    â€œThere’s everything to talk about.”
    She stared at him, her expression wary.
    â€œI want to know what it is about this ghost town that evokes this type of response. Don’t you want to find out what caused everyone to leave? Aren’t you curious?”
    â€œI don’t need to know—no one does,” she said, then dragged in a deep breath. “You don’t understand.”
    â€œThen explain it to me.”
    â€œI’m afraid,” she admitted reluctantly. “Afraid it’ll be like opening Pandora’s box. I really believe that in this case, ignorance might be bliss.”
    He frowned.
    She shook her head. “Leave it, Travis…please?”
    â€œFine. I’ll leave it—but just for the moment.” He lowered his voice. “Right now I’m more concerned with settling this matter between you and me. We were on the brink of getting to know each other.”
    â€œNo, we weren’t,” she denied vehemently. “You’re reading more into one kiss than you should…You caught me at a weak moment.”
    â€œI want to catch you again.”
    â€œNo,” she said with such force she appeared to surprise herself. “Don’t even try.”
    It took a moment for her words to sink in, and when they did, a slow satisfied smile appeared on his lips. “You liked it that much, did you?”
    â€œNo!” she said. “I…I wish it’d never happened.”
    â€œIt frightened you half to death, didn’t it?”
    She shook her head, which sent her braid flying. “This is the most ridiculous conversation I’ve ever had. It’d be best if you left now.”
    â€œNot on your life. Oh, Nell, sweet Nell, don’t you realize I felt it, too?”
    â€œThere was nothing to feel, damn it!” She whirled around and headed for the sink. A chicken rested in a pan on the countertop. Reaching for it, she thrust it under the faucet.
    â€œIt’s only natural for you to be afraid,” he said in low soothing tones as he slowly advanced toward her. He rested his hands on her shoulders, but the instant she felt his touch, she jumped.
    â€œNell, sweet Nell,” he whispered and kissed the side of her neck.
    â€œDon’t do that!”
    â€œThen what about this?” He ran his tongue around her ear and felt a sense of triumph at the almost imperceptible sound of her moan.
    â€œNot that, either,” she said, obviously struggling to put some starch in her voice.
    â€œAnd this?” he asked as he wrapped his arms around her middle.
    The chicken fell unheeded into the sink.
    â€œNo one’s going to help you…”
    â€œHelp me what?”
    â€œLook for the town.”
    â€œFine, I’ll look for it on my own.” He spread a series of nibbling kisses along