Takin' The Reins Read Online Free PDF

women.”
    She chuckled. “Right. Can’t you come up with a better line than that?”
    “Forget pretty boy,” the Hispanic man interjected. “Let a real man show you a good time.” He pounded on his chest with his fist and chortled. Bile clogged her throat.
    “Shut up, Cruz.” Cole’s smile vanished. “Treat the lady with respect or don’t speak to her at all.”
    “You shut up, Roberts.” He sucked some tobacco juice up through his teeth.
    “Both of you shut up or get out,” the cook barked.
    “Here you go, Cole.” Nicki placed a Styrofoam take-out carton on the counter and jammed a finger in her hair and twirled a strand. He laid some dollar bills down and told her to keep the change. Then he picked up the carton, reached into his shirt pocket, and extracted a business card.
    “Here, Jordan. Call me. We can talk about getting that ranch of yours back in to shape. I know the house could use a face lift.” He winked.
    She slipped the card into her purse. “Thanks. I’ll consider it. It was nice to meet you.” She ignored the two cowboys who were still watching her and swung off the stool and strode toward the door, having had enough for one day. Footsteps behind her made her crane her neck around. Cole sidled up to her and whispered, “Would you allow me to walk you to your car?”
    “It’s out front. I think I can manage on my own. But thanks.”
    “At least let me hold the door open for you.” He leaped in front of her, and his friendly demeanor made it hard for her to refuse.
    “Okay. If you insist.”
    “Come back soon,” Nicki called. Jordan turned to see if the waitress was speaking to her or Cole. She saw the two cowboys plunk down some change and swivel off their stools. As she and her handsome escort started down the sidewalk, she heard the clicking of boot heels echoing behind them. Uneasiness slid over her. When she looked behind her, she saw the pair had crossed the street and climbed into an old red pickup with a dent in the side. The man with the scar was in the driver’s seat. He swung into the street and made a U-turn with a squeal of the tires. His partner blew her a kiss as their truck shot past. Cole placed his hand at the small of her back. His voice grew serious.
    “Those two are trouble. Their names are Joe Campbell and Cimarron Cruz. They work for Addison Stillwell. Have you heard about him yet?”
    Her eyes widened. “As a matter of fact, I have. My lawyer, Mr. Taylor, told me Mr. Stillwell tried unsuccessfully to buy the ranch from Lydia.”
    “That’s right. Everyone knows his story. He’s going to know you’re in town now. It probably won’t be long before he makes a house call.” A look of concern shadowed Cole’s face.
    “Keep your eyes open. It’s not beyond that man to do whatever it takes to get what he’s after.”
    This Stillwell man seemed to be a legend in his own time. But if an old lady was able to stand up to him, Jordan wasn’t too worried. “Thanks for the advice, but I think I can take care of myself.” She smiled so he wouldn’t think she was rude. “And thanks for walking me to my car.” They both chuckled because it had only been a few steps from the café to the curb. Cole’s face softened again.
    “I’m serious about the ranch. I’ll be glad to come out and give you an estimate for some repairs. I know the house could use some remodeling.”
    “What makes you think I’m even staying?” she asked.
    “Well, I just assumed…” His voice trailed off. “You are staying. Aren’t you?”
    “Even if I am, how do you know I have the money to do remodeling?”
    His face turned pink with embarrassment. “Gosh, I’m sorry. I’m a jerk. I figured Lydia must have left you a nest egg. I apologize for jumping to conclusions.” He was sweet and seemed sincere.
    “It’s okay,” she assured. “As a matter of fact, I was thinking the place could use modernization.”
    Cole’s eyes brightened again. “Great! Then I’m your man.