Claiming the Rancher's Heart Read Online Free PDF Page A

her?” Seth Anderssen let out a hoot of laughter that echoed throughout the Coffee Pot Café.
    Josh scowled and wrapped his fingers around the small cup, wishing he’d kept his big mouth shut. After all, Seth’s sister, Anna, was Stacie’s friend. If Seth mentioned to her he’d been blabbing about the date, it might get back to Stacie. And she might get the mistaken impression that he was interested. Which he wasn’t. Not in the least.
    “Did she come back into the house?” Seth asked in an all-too-innocent tone. “So you two could get even better acquainted?”
    Josh met his friend’s blue eyes. “Are you asking if I slept with her?”
    Though no one was seated nearby, Josh had automatically lowered his voice. When his marriage crumbled he’d provided more than his share of grist for the town’s gossip mill, and he wasn’t eager to repeat the experience.
    Seth’s gaze remained steady. “Did you?”
    “Of course not.” Josh responded immediately, making sure his tone left no room for doubt. “We just met. Besides, she’s not my type. And I am not hers, either. She told me so.”
    A smile quirked the corners of Seth’s lips. “Tell that to someone who’ll believe it.”
    “She’s Anna’s friend.” Josh ground out the words, irritated at the teasing, yet not sure why. Seth had always liked to rattle his cage. Why should now be any different?
    “She’s also very pretty,” Seth pointed out.
    “She’s a city girl,” Josh continued. “A hothouse flower not suited to this climate.”
    Just like Kristin, he thought.
    “Sometimes those hybrid varieties can surprise you—”
    “Then you go out with her—” Josh stopped himself, finding the thought of Stacie dating Seth strangely disturbing.
    “I’m not her perfect match.” Seth took a sip of coffee. “You are.”
    The words hung in the air for a long moment.
    “I don’t believe that bull,” Josh said finally. “Look at Kristin and me. Everyone said we were a perfect match. Didn’t even make it three years.”
    Though he now realized they were better off apart, the failure of his marriage still rankled. When he’d said his vows, he’d meant every word. He’d been willing to do whatever it took to make it work. But he’d learned the hard way that for a marriage to succeed, both parties had to share that commitment.
    “That’s because you and the wicked witch weren’t matched by a computer.”
    “Get real. You don’t believe in that stuff any more than I do.”
    “I filled out the questionnaires, didn’t I?”
    “Only ’cause you knew Anna would have your hide if you didn’t.”
    “Speaking of which…” Seth’s gaze settled on the doorway. “We got us some company.”
    Even before Josh turned around he knew who he’d find standing there. The click-clack of heels had been his first clue. The light scent of jasmine mingling with the smell of café cooking grease was the giveaway.
    “Stacie…Anna…what a surprise.” Josh pushed back his chair to stand, but Anna waved him down.
    “Stay put,” Anna said. “We’re not staying. I saw Seth’s truck parked out front and had a quick question for him.”
    Seth leaned back in his chair and lifted the coffee cup to his lips. “What can I do for you, baby sister?”
    “I need more men.” Anna cast a sideways glance at Stacie. “I mean, we need more men.”
    “I’m sorry Josh wasn’t man enough for you.” Seth’s gaze focused on Stacie and his tone oozed sympathy.
    Josh shot him a dark glance, warning him to back off.
    The merest hint of a twinkle in Seth’s eyes was his only response.
    “I never said that.” Stacie’s cheeks turned a becoming shade of pink as her eyes sought his.
    “Seth is a joker,” Josh said, offering her a reassuring smile. He hated seeing her distressed. Her worried frown brought out his protective instincts and he wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms…
    Whoa…where had that come from? He reined in the emotion and told himself