Her Rodeo Cowboy by Debra Clopton Page A

will be something they can be proud of when that happens. That’s my legacy.”
    It suddenly made sense. He was the protector. His mother had left him in charge of Colt and Jess, and he was doing that. It didn’t matter that they were strong, capable men; this was a challenge he’d accepted, and he was seeing it through. He was taking pride in himself, like the verse said.
    Focused. That’s what he was, just like she was focusing on her riding. But he was also thinking about God’s direction in his life, too. She was more amazed by him with every moment that passed. “We’re a lot alike, it seems, Luke Holden.” Not exactly, but sort of—what was she saying? She’d handed him the emptied glasses. He took them and his fingers brushed hers. His touch sent her pulse skittering. They were standing close enough for her to see the light flicker in the depths of his eyes.
    â€œHow’s that?” he asked, his voice smooth as he held her gaze.
    Thoughts of his arms around her slammed into her. “We…we’re alike—” Her mind went totally blank and she had no clue what she’d been about to say.
    He cocked a brow ever so slightly, and one corner of his lips turned up. “We’re both focused,” he prompted. “And we know what we want.”
    Yes, that was true. She leaned against the counter and he did the same, his arm touching hers as he watched her, amusement lighting his eyes. Her heart suddenly was pounding inside her chest, and there was a flutter of butterflies in her stomach. “Yes, that’s right,” she managed. Did she truly know what she wanted? Looking at Luke, she seemed to forget for a minute.
    â€œAre you all right?” he asked, leaning closer, her heart thumping like a rabbit’s foot.
    In the other room, Tate stirred and whimpered. The sound was like an ice chest of cold water being dumped on her head. She snapped to attention and immediately put distance between them.
    â€œGotta check on Tater Man!” As if on cue, he started crying. Scooping him up she hugged him to her—unceremoniously, using him as a shield again as she turned back to Luke. He had stopped at the edge of the large area rug. He looked about as uncomfortable as she was—she had a feeling he’d felt exactly what she’d been feeling. There was no way to kid themselves that they weren’t attracted to each other. But that was all it was. Attraction. Nothing more…well, admiration. And that was dangerous to her.
    â€œI need to change his diaper,” she said, glad to have an excuse to bring this impromptu dinner to a close.
    He yanked a thumb toward the door behind him. “I need to head out. I’ve stayed longer than I should have.”
    She wasn’t about to suggest that he stick around—oh, no, that was not a good idea. She held Tate closer. “Okay, see you later. Sorry there was no meeting.”
    â€œYou mean sorry we were set up?” He gave a light smile.
    Was she sorry? Not exactly. “That’s right. Watch out for the posse in the bushes.”
    He laughed as he strode toward the door. “I’ll let myself out. You tend to that little guy.”
    She trailed him to the front door but held back a few feet. “See you.”
    â€œYeah.” He opened the door and grabbed his hat from the hat rack next to the door. Snugging it onto his head, holding her gaze the whole time. “Good night, Montana. You aren’t half-bad.”
    She laughed. “You, either.”
    Grinning, he strode out, closing the door behind him. Through the bank of glass windows she watched him stride off toward his truck. His stride long and sure, his shoulders straight—she liked the proud, strong look of him. Especially after hearing about his childhood. “Not half-bad at all,” she said to Tate. “Not half-bad at all.”
    Â 
    Luke couldn’t get the picture of Montana