The Reluctant Rancher~Badlands (Contemporary Western Romantic Suspense) by J.D. Faver Page B

in Langston and it was all due to the woman in his arms. How could he have done such an about face in less than a week?
    He glanced down at her pretty face. He had known plenty of pretty women. Dallas was full of them. No, it was definitely something else. Something that made this woman special, but he couldn’t put his finger on it.
    It hit him hard. She cares.
    He had enjoyed previous relationships with beautiful Dallas women; women who were measuring him against the success of their daddies; women who were out to catch the best fish in the pond. But they didn’t care.
    E.J. realized the only other woman who had actually cared about him as a person was his mother. This woman didn’t give a damn if he had a nickel in his jeans. She liked him in spite of himself. He grinned in the dark. And damned if I don’t care about her too.
    ~*~
    Sara Beth placed her baby in the cradle next to the bed in the Ryan’s guest room. She sat down on the edge of the bed and heaved a sigh. She wasn’t really tired, but she didn’t want to intrude on the Ryan’s privacy. She had sensed there was some kind of tension between them tonight and had made an excuse to go to her designated room as soon as she had helped Cami clear the table.
    She appreciated their many acts of kindness, none the least of which was opening their home to her when she was in danger. Not that she knew what the danger was all about. She had no idea why anyone would be watching her, nor wh y they would shoot up her home.
    For her part, she preferred to grieve in private. She was mourning for her sweet little house, now ravaged by bullets .
    The loss of her car was another blow. Having a car meant independence and being able to transport herself and her baby to and from her store. Now she was totally dependent.
    Lastly, she was mourning her husband’s departure and continued silence. She felt sorrow and fear and anger all at the same time.
    Sara Beth fisted her hands, controlling the urge to scream; to cry out. It isn’t fair! It just isn’t fair. How could Nick leave me? What if he’s hurt and can’t call me? Conflicting thoughts raced through her head, battered her with questions until finally, she slipped out of her clothing and into a gown rescued from her home. She lay awake for hours, staring at the ceiling and listening for the sound of gunfire.
    ~*~
     
     
     
    CHAPTER  EIGHT
     
    When the film end ed, Jenna stretched and yawned.
    “Sleepy?” he asked.
    She nodded. “Um huh. I brought my toothbrush.”
    That statement hit E.J. like a fist in the gut. He swallowed. “Your toothbrush?”
    “Did I read you wrong?” Her eyes opened wide. “I kinda thought you would want me to stay over...I mean, after...”
    “I do,” he assured her. “Ah...Why don’t you run upstairs and I’ll choose a bottle of wine for us to enjoy?”
    She shook her head. “Thanks, but none for me. I don’t seem to have much of a head for alcohol.”
    He took in a deep breath and let it out soundlessly. “I’ll just get some for me then.”
    She smiled and pulled herself out of the recliner. “See you upstairs.”
    He watched her leave the room and a strangling sensation clogged his throat. I’ve got to tell her!...But how?
    He stood and exhaled a deep breath. Man up! He swallowed and took a few steps toward the door. Crap! I hope my damned prank doesn’t blow up in my face. I don’t want to lose her.
    He climbed the stairs with dread in his chest. Not the usual state for a man planning to bed a woman. He tapped on his bedroom door, heard her laugh and cursed himself for being a fool.
    He opened the door and stood in the doorway, unable to move. The most beautiful and desirable woman he had ever known was lying in the middle of his bed, apparently naked with the covers pulled up around her shoulders.
    “Why, if it isn’t E.J. Kincaid.” Her Texas drawl caressed each word, gave him wood from across the room. “What can I do for you this evening, Mr. Kincaid?” Her