Her Rugged Rancher by Stella Bagwell Page A

she didn’t say anything else on the matter. In fact, she didn’t say anything for a long time and Noah decided he didn’t like her silence. Even when she was saying things that provoked him into thinking and feeling things he’d rather forget, he still enjoyed the sound of her voice and the idea that she wanted to connect herself with him through conversation.
    After several more moments stretched in silence, he said, “Your parents obviously had their differences. Did they do a lot of loud arguing—fighting?”
    She shook her head. “Not at all. I know that sounds odd, but you have to understand that my dad was, and I’m sure still is, one of those gentle souls that wouldn’t raise his voice to anyone. Mom always said it was impossible to have an argument with Dad because he was always so kind and loving with her and us kids. I guess what I’m trying to say is that the memories of when our family was whole are very happy ones.”
    â€œYou’re lucky.”
    â€œI know that, Noah. In my work, I see far too many torn families.”
    Releasing a heavy breath, he looked away from her. “Yeah. I imagine you do.”
    He finished the last of his coffee, then before he could talk himself into remaining with her for a few minutes longer, he rose to his feet.
    â€œThanks for the meal, Bella. It’s getting late, so I’ll say good-night.”
    She quickly got to her feet. “Just a minute and I’ll get your hat for you.”
    Noah knew better than to follow her back into the kitchen. Not when he wanted to find any excuse to pull her into his arms.
    He waited at the door of the screened-in porch, until she emerged from the kitchen, carrying his hat. With a quick thank-you, he took it from her and levered it low on his forehead.
    â€œI’ll walk you to your truck,” she said as she tied the shawl she was wearing into a knot between her breasts.
    â€œThat isn’t necessary.”
    â€œI never said it was.”
    She moved past him, through the porch door and down the steps to leave Noah with no other choice but to follow.
    As they walked along the footpath toward the barn, neither of them said anything and Noah could only wonder what she was thinking, wanting, feeling, and why any of that should matter to him.
    Once they reached his truck, she stood no more than a step away and her flowery scent mingled with that of the nearby pines.
    She said, “I’m glad you stopped to check on me, Noah. And I’m especially glad you decided to stay.”
    His hand rested on the door handle, but he couldn’t bring himself to trip the latch. “I hadn’t planned on it,” he admitted.
    â€œWhy did you stay?” she asked.
    His gaze left the shadows beyond her, to focus on her face. “I’m not exactly sure,” he muttered, then shook his head. “That’s not the truth. I stayed because I wanted to. Because I’m a glutton for punishment, I suppose.”
    She frowned. “So you consider spending time with me punishment?”
    â€œIf I let myself get involved with you it will be. We both know nothing good could come of it. Our worlds don’t fit. We’d only end up hurting each other.”
    She moved closer and he drew in a sharp breath as her palm came to rest against the middle of his chest.
    â€œWhy wouldn’t we fit together?” she asked softly. “I know what you are and you know what I am. There wouldn’t be any surprises.”
    She made it sound so simple and tempting.
    â€œLook, Bella, I’m not a family man,” he said huskily. “Hell, I wouldn’t know how to be. And that’s what you need. Not someone like me.”
    She brought the other hand up to join the one already lying on his chest and Noah wondered how so much heat could radiate from her palms. Fire was flashing from his face all the way down to his groin.
    â€œI need a man in my life before I