How to Lasso a Cowboy by Shirley Jump

Lottery?”
    Her eyes widened with panic. “Uh, now?”
    He chuckled. “Now would be a great time.”
    She opened her mouth, closed it. Her gaze fastened on the microphone, and she backed up a bit, as if it might bite. She seemed frozen, and a second, then another, of dead air ticked by.
    He remembered the speech she’d given in the park—and how nervous she’d seemed that day. Had inviting her into the studio been a mistake? Clearly, Sophie Watson didn’t like speaking in public. Why had he thought the radio would be any different?
    Another second of dead air—the worst thing that could happen to a radio show—passed. Tension curled in Harlan’s gut.
    Then he had a brainstorm. “Sophie, why don’t you tell me about the charity that the Love Lottery will benefit. I heard it’s a great one.”
    Her features relaxed, her shoulders lost their tension and a smile flitted across her face. “All proceeds from this week’s events go toward building a community wellness center. We already have a space, but we need funding to renovate, furnish and staff it.”
    â€œThat sounds like something this town needs.”
    â€œWe do. One thing people in this town have been asking for is a place where they can go to take exercise classes, hold bingo nights, and community suppers. We’re hoping the wellness center brings Edgerton Shores in new ways, and gives everyone a home away from home.”
    That was it. When he tapped into her passion, Sophie opened up and lost her nervousness about speaking. It was as if she forgot what paralyzed her and just let go. “Tell me more,” he said.
    And for the next five minutes, Sophie did. She talked about her grandmother, about how her declining health had been the inspiration behind the project. She talked about the community, about the contributions of everything from a penny to a hundred-dollar bill that had been dropped into the jar on the counter at Cuppa Java. She talked about the center’s flexibility, about how it could become something for everyone.
    Harlan listened, caught in the fervor in her voice, the animation in her features. He’d known Sophie Watson for nearly two months, and never seen her so energized before. It gave him a new perspective on her—and made him wonder if maybe he’d only been seeing what he wanted to see in the last few weeks.
    Too quickly, the segment came to an end. Harlanthanked Sophie for coming on the show, then switched the programming to music. “That went fabulous. Thanks.”
    Her smile shook on her face. “You really think so? I think I rambled.”
    â€œIt was a good ramble.” He grinned. “Believe me, if you’d been boring, I would have cut you off.”
    â€œDragged me right out of there?”
    He laughed. “Absolutely.” Through the glass, he saw Carl signal that he was stepping out for a while. That left him and Sophie alone.
    In a small room.
    With nothing to distract them anymore.
    She ran a finger along the counter. “I’m surprised you do this job.”
    â€œWhy? Am I terrible at it?”
    â€œNo, really, you’re great. It’s just your furniture is so amazing that I’m surprised you don’t go into business doing that instead.”
    He scowled. “I’m not the entrepreneurial type.”
    â€œI never thought I was, either, until I made the leap. I think if you’re passionate about something, that makes being your own boss a lot more enjoyable.”
    â€œI enjoy this job.”
    But did he really? Hadn’t he had that been-there, donethat feeling lately? He shook off the thoughts. He didn’t need to be getting sidetracked by things that weren’t going to happen.
    â€œI just thought…” She shrugged and didn’t finish the sentence.
    â€œJust thought what?”
    â€œThat you’re the last person I would expect to be working the nine-to-five