The Sticky Cowgirl (Lone Star Sweets, Book 2) by Lissa Matthews Page A

Worthington. Thank you for having me.”
    Samuel bit back a grin. As if he’d given his mother a choice in the matter. Throwing her off guard was usually the only way to get true and real reactions out of her. It was also one of the only ways to get her off the path of meddling in his love life.
    “It’s always a pleasure to meet Samuel’s friends and acquaintances. I don’t see enough of my son as it is, so if he must bring someone along, who am I to argue?”
    Samantha did little more than nod. She was also likely planning his demise following their afternoon with his family. He didn’t exactly warn her what was in store either.
    He took her hand in his and ushered her inside the house behind his mother, who took up residence on his other side, possessively linking her arm through his. He cast a sideways glance at her, but she didn’t return the gaze. Just as well. She was probably plotting his demise right along with Samantha.
    He’d stepped in so much shit recently professionally and personally that he probably deserved whatever was coming to him. He hoped they made it quick though and didn’t make him suffer too much.
    “Your home is gorgeous,” Samantha said into the silence. Her voice was full of awe and once again, Samuel tried to see things as she would.
    The two-story foyer was intimidating in its own right. Marble floors, dark wood furniture, crystal light fixtures. The walls were lined with art he knew nothing about instead of with pictures of family and friends.
    An ornate, double staircase was a focal point until you walked beneath the landing and the back of the house opened up to a wall of windows and French doors overlooking a formal garden and pool.
    Samantha gasped and Samuel glanced down at her. Wide eyes peered up at him in disbelief, then looked away. With each step further into the house, her fingers tightened in his hand. “You have an incredible home, Mrs. Worthington.”
    “Thank you, dear. It is rather impressive, isn’t it?”
    “I was thinking intimidating.”
    Samuel bit back another grin as his mother’s lips tightened into a thin line. Bitsy Worthington had met her match in the rough and tumble, ranch raised woman he couldn’t get enough of.
    Samantha wouldn’t stand on ceremony and she wouldn’t bite her tongue once she became more comfortable. She was down to earth, hard working, and wouldn’t allow herself to be manipulated, bullied, or cowed in any way.
    He had to admit that those were the things he admired about her. She was strong, fierce in her beliefs and her loyalty.
    “I suppose to someone not used to such surroundings it would be intimidating,” his mother said evenly.
    “I grew up here and it intimidates me,” Samuel added.
    “Oh, Samuel.”
    “It’s true. When you grow up with it and then go away from it, coming back is overwhelming from time to time. I still remember what it was like before we —”
    “We don’t need to bring that up, darlin’,” Bitsy interrupted quickly.
    “Before what?”
    Samuel chuckled. He should’ve known Samantha wouldn’t let it go, that she’d be curious.
    “It’s nothing to discuss in polite company, my dear. So, what is that you’ve brought, Samantha? It’s such an interesting bag.”
    Samuel looked down at the red and white striped bag Samantha carried. What was interesting about it? It matched the color and paint scheme of her bakery. Of course, his mother hadn’t been to The Sticky Cowgirl.
    Still, it was fairly simple.
    “Thank you,” Samantha said graciously. “I’ve brought some of my new sticky buns.”
    “Sticky buns? I don’t think —”
    “Dessert, Mother.”
    “Oh. That was so sweet, but we already have dessert planned.”
    “I’m sure it will keep,” Samuel interjected. “These are special. Made just for today.” That last part wasn’t exactly true, but a little white lie wouldn’t hurt under the circumstances. There were bigger fish to fry with his little stunt of bringing Samantha to