One Wild Cowboy Read Online Free PDF

old.”
    â€œI’m twenty-eight,” Emily said drily. “That’s nine years older than you. It’s a big difference.”
    Xavier shrugged. “Doesn’t matter to me. I’ve always wanted to go out with a cougar. And you’re hot!”
    Was he serious? Apparently so.
    Emily went back to loading dishes in the machine. “I’m curious. You are obviously a smart guy with a lot going for him. Why aren’t you in college?”
    Xavier seemed flattered by the attention. “I didn’t want to go. So my dad bought me a franchise restaurant to run instead.”
    Of course. Can’t solve a problem so throw money at it instead. And while you’re at it, get the problem kid out of the picture, too.
    Emily smiled with encouragement. “You both may want to rethink that. College can be a fun, exciting time…with lots of girls your own age who are dying to go out on dates.”
    â€œI don’t want a girl. I want you!”
    Emily sighed and walked toward the exit. “Well, it’s not going to happen.”
    â€œSee?” Xavier caught up with her as she reached the dining room. He clamped his arms around her and crowded her all the more. “That’s what I like about you. You’re a real spitfire.”
    Not about to let him so much as try to kiss her, Emily stomped on his toe with all her might. “And you’re a real horse’s rear end,” she spat out.
    â€œOuch!” Xavier hopped up and down in pain.
    The door to the café opened and Dylan strode in. It took him all of two seconds to size up the situation. “Allow me.” He grabbed Xavier by the back of his Cowtown Diner T-shirt and escorted him to the door.
    Dylan let him go just inside the portal. “If you ever touch her again, you’re going to have to deal with me.”
    â€œOn what grounds?” Xavier straightened his shirt. He regarded Dylan pugnaciously, clearly spoiling for a fistfight.
    She was afraid there just might be one if the kid didn’t cut it out.
    â€œI don’t see an engagement ring!”
    Eager to be rid of the callow youth, Emily swung open the door to the café and glared at the teenager. “I don’t need a ring to be his. Now go.”
    â€œYou heard the lady.” When Xavier didn’t immediately comply, Dylan shoved him out the door and shut it firmly in his face.
    Emily turned to Dylan. She knew it was unnecessary andpolitically incorrect of her, but she really liked the idea of Dylan jumping to her defense. Unfortunately, it wasn’t an action she could let stand as precedent.
    She rolled her eyes comically. “Obviously, I was exaggerating…about being your woman.”
    The way Dylan was looking at her—as if he didn’t know whether to kiss her or chide her—forced Emily to remember exactly how good it had felt to be held in his embrace.
    â€œI am aware of that,” he retorted.
    â€œAnd for the record,” Emily continued stiffly, telling herself she and Dylan would not end up kissing again, no matter what, “I don’t need you to come to my rescue.”
    The corners of Dylan’s lips twitched. “It would appear you did.”
    Was it possible he had enjoyed defending her honor as much as she had? Emily pushed the bothersome thought away.
    â€œNo,” she corrected forcing herself to stay on track. She needed to keep her emotions under wraps. “I didn’t.”
    â€œUh-huh.” Dylan came closer, all sexy, determined male. “If you change your mind…”
    Emily’s pulse jumped. “Why would I do that?”
    â€œBecause guys like that don’t like to be told no,” Dylan said in a low, cautioning tone.
    Emily had been successfully fighting her own battles for as long as she could recall. “Well, in this case the kid is going to have to get used to it, because I am not interested in being his cougar.”
    One corner of