Cooper's Woman Read Online Free PDF Page B

still a tempting specimen.
    Completely off-limits, she reminded herself sensibly. There could be no association between them whatsoever. Webster might become suspicious and she shouldn’t have spoken to Coop on the street, but she hadn’t been able to resist. From now on, she would avoid encounters with him.
    A curious frown knitted her brow when she glanced out the window to see Elliot Webster striding into Valmont Saloon. She’d like to be a fly on the wall and hear what Coop and Webster had to say to each other, if anything. But she quelled her curiosity and reminded herself that tomorrow she’d have a chance to familiarize herself with Webster’s home. He had invited her to supper, as she’d hoped he would. As for tonight, Kate would be joining her in town to dine at one of the local restaurants.
    Alexa sighed impatiently. She was anxious to hear what the townsfolk had to say about Webster. The more she could learn about him the better she would understand him. With that in mind, she turned a smile on the female proprietor of the boutique and made a few casual inquiries.
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    Coop had been on the job less than five minutes when Elliot Webster sauntered inside, looking arrogant and defensive at once. Out of pure orneriness, Coop plunked down the nameplate that said, Wyatt Cooper, Bartender and Bouncer on Duty. Provided by the efficient Mr. Chester, no doubt.
    â€œNeed a drink, friend?” Coop asked cordially.
    Webster nodded his blond head and requested a shot of the best whiskey in the house—no surprise there. After he downed it in one gulp, he stared straight at Coop and said, “There’s an unspoken rule in society that states that men with your reputation don’t associate with women like my soon-to-be fiancée, Alexa Quinn. No offense intended, of course. I’m just reminding you of that fact.”
    Better men than Elliot Webster had tried—and failed—to put Coop in his place. He had no respect for the rich, for they seemed to think they were entitled to privileges that he wasn’t.
    â€œAnd you are?” Coop asked, as if he didn’t know.
    He drew himself up to full stature and tilted his chin to an aloof angle. “Elliot Webster. I own and operate the town’s most profitable dry goods store.”
    And you gouge miners, ranchers and cowboys to feather your nest, every chance you get, Coop thought.
    â€œI also own a ranch outside of town and sell livestock to the forts and Indian reservations,” he boasted proudly.
    Coop suspected this man was cheating the soldiers and Indian tribes to increase his profit. The bastard.
    â€œJust for the record,” Coop said, “I didn’t strike up a conversation with your soon-to-be-fiancée. She spoke to me first.”
    â€œObviously she had no idea who she was talking to.”
    â€œObviously.” Coop forced a smile and envisioned himself planting his fist in Webster’s jaw. The man was an ass.
    To his surprise, Webster leaned close to request another drink then said, “I wonder if I might hire you to check my neighbors’ ranching practices. A few of my cattle have gone missing lately.”
    Coop suspected it was probably the other way around.
    Three jobs at once? he mused. That might be an interesting twist. Mr. Chester wouldn’t like it, but he could work for the man he’d come to investigate. “You mean at night when I’m off duty at the saloon? This is gravy money. I’m not giving it up.”
    â€œYes, at night. That’s when the rustling takes place,” Webster replied sarcastically.
    â€œCould be some of your own hired men,” Coop speculated as he refilled Webster’s shot glass.
    â€œDoubt it. They are well paid to be loyal. You will be, too.”
    This was too perfect to pass up, thought Coop. If he were on Webster’s payroll, he’d have an excuse to come and go from the ranch without inviting suspicion.
    Coop