The Cowboy And The Debutante Read Online Free PDF

meant to pry into his private life. Nor was it a good idea to know all that much about the man. But she wanted to know, and that was the most disturbing part of it all.
    Several long minutes passed without so much as a glance from her. Miguel’s gaze fell to her left hand resting against her thigh. There was no ring of engagement or marriage. Though he didn’t know exactly how old she was. He thought he’d remembered someone saying the twins were twenty-four or -five. Not that old as far as age goes, but certainly old enough to be married.
    The idea put a dour look on Miguel’s face. Women of Anna’s status rarely needed or wanted a man around their neck. And when they did make the mistake of marrying, it always ended disastrously. When he’d first met Charlene, she’d been young and rich, just like Anna. And he’d been a hopeless fool to think he could keep her happy.
    â€œYou haven’t gotten the urge to marry?”
    She turned a shocked glare on him. “Who’s been talking about me?”
    Her odd reaction caused Miguel to study her for long moments. “I don’t repeat or listen to gossip, Anna. I know nothing about your marital status. I was merely making conversation.”
    Embarrassed heat flooded her cheeks. Of course he couldn’t know about Scott. No one except her parents knew her intended had turned to another woman before the wedding plans were completely finalized.
    Staring straight ahead, she said flatly, “Well, for your information, I’m not married. I doubt I ever will be.”
    From the corner of her eye, Anna noticed he didn’t appear a bit surprised by her grim announcement. But then, he’d overheard her opinion about men in the stables. Apparently he’d not forgotten her vow.
    â€œI’m sure having a husband would be a hindrance to your life-style.”
    She stared at him, her features wrinkling with dismay. “A hindrance?”
    Miguel quickly shook his head. “Forget it. We’d better kick our mounts up. The boys are probably waiting on me.”
    Miguel Chavez believed she was selfish. He obviously thought nothing mattered to her except living the high life. She could have very nearly laughed if the whole thing hadn’t been so painful. From the time she’d been a small child Anna had never done what she really wanted. Even where Scott was concerned, she’d planned to make all sorts of sacrifices to ensure their marriage would start out on solid ground. But let Miguel think what he wanted. What she carried around in her heart was her own business.
    In mutual consent, Anna touched her heels to Ginger’s sides. Their horses immediately broke into a short lope and the faster gait put a halt to any more conversation. Anna was relieved. The man was like barbed wire. Every word, every glance from him pricked her in the most irritating way.
    Within a few minutes they topped a rise. In the valley below, a group of portable cattle pens and a squeeze chute had been set up to make a working ranch yard. Six more cowboys and twice that many saddled horses were gathered around the orange metal fencing. Several yards beyond, a chuck wagon was parked and ready to prepare the noonday meal. Near to the makeshift kitchen, a fire had been built and a huge granite coffeepot hung over the low flames. As she and the foreman rode into camp, the scent of the strong brew mingled with horses and leather and crushed sagebrush. It was a mixture of smells Anna loved, and as she sniffed she was enveloped with fond memories.
    Several years had passed since Anna had helped with spring roundup. Since then, Lester had retired, and now Miguel Chavez had stepped in to fill his boots. The fact that her mother had hired the man told Anna she obviously respected him as a person and, also, that he knew his business well. Anna normally trusted her mother’s judgment, but this was one time she was anxious to see if the man lived up to