Back Where You Belong Read Online Free PDF Page B

body.”
    She leaned a hip against the counter, smiling at the memory. “You said a special mystique surrounded a horse marked in that way. How a Comanche warrior believed himself invincible if he rode such a horse into battle. I took what you said to heart and rode into each barrel-racing competition believing my pinto and I were unbeatable.”
    He reached out and fingered one of her curls. His simple action sent desire galloping through her once more.
    “And you were unbeatable, if I recall.”
    “Lacy, ain’t you got breakfast on the table yet, girl?”
    Tyler’s hand dropped as Grandpa and Pete stepped into the kitchen. Carlos, their ranch foreman followed them.
    “We got hungry men here with a full day of work ahead of ’em.”
    Another blush slapped her cheeks. She really had to stop mooning over Tyler Desmond and all the memories she had of him. “You men wash up and have a seat. I’ll pour your coffee as soon as it’s ready.”
    Within minutes, she had platters of French toast, scrambled eggs and bacon on the table. She set a pitcher of maple syrup in front of Tyler. “Your warm syrup as promised.”
    “Thank you.”
    His hand covered hers for a second until she pulled away. While the men dug into breakfast, she stepped around the table, topping off coffee cups.
    Grandpa held his mug out for her to refill. “Tyler, you doin’ any bull riding?”
    The very macho object of her rattled nerves nodded as he poured syrup over a mound of French toast. “Competing in the rodeo at Lubbock next weekend. Probably be one of my last times on a bull.”
    Pete laughed and slid his mug to the side for Lacy to top off. “He’s getting too old.”
    “That I am.”
    Carlos chuckled and jerked his chin toward Frank. “Pete, hope your boss mellows more with age than mine did.”
    “Kiss my grey-haired ass.”
    “Grandpa! Mind your manners. Carlos, more coffee?”
    “ Si , Miss Lacy.” He extended his mug for her to fill.
    She stepped around the table to Tyler, who picked up his mug, too.
    Grandpa pointed his fork at Tyler. “Seems to me, it’s time you stayed off the bulls and found a good woman to add some excitement to your life.”
    Lacy closed her eyes. Grandpa, no. How obvious can you be? She wanted to disappear.
    “Ow!”
    Her eyes snapped open to find Tyler jerking his hand back from under the stream of coffee.
    “Oh, damn!” She set the pot down, her gaze searching for a napkin.
    Seeing one on Tyler’s lap, she grabbed for it. Her fingers curled around something in haste, and he groaned.
    Lacy’s gaze locked on his startled, if not bemused expression. “Please tell me I didn’t just…”
    A slow, badass smile spread. “Best damn thrill I’ve had in years.”
    Grandpa leaned forward. “What’d you say, Tyler?”
    He coughed and shook his burnt hand. “I said the pain’s about to bring me to tears.”
    “Does it burn? I’ll get you some first aid cream.” She pursed her lips, her heart racing and her fingertips tingling from what they’d touched. Tyler Desmond’s here in my kitchen with half a hard-on, and I just curled my fingers around it. Oh my God, brings new meaning to French toast.
    As if he could read her thoughts, Tyler cleared his throat, snapping her back to the here and now.
    “Grandma always used butter, but they say that’s not the right thing to use. Don’t go anywhere, I’ll go see if we’ve got some burn ointment.”
    “For God’s sake, girl, it’s just a little coffee. He’s probably gotten harsher rope burns while bull ridin’. Stop yer prattlin’ and settle.”
    She glanced at the scalded red spot across Tyler’s hand, and her stomach twisted with guilt. “No, he needs something on it.” She hurried out of the kitchen.
    When Tyler found her a couple minutes later, she was standing at the vanity in the bathroom, holding a tube of Neosporin and crying. Oh, crap, more embarrassment.
    “Hey.” He turned her and enveloped her in his arms. “What’s all this