The Cowboy's Girl Next Door: A BWWM Cowboy Romance Read Online Free PDF

shielded his face until he was almost right on her, but when he was close enough, she could see his tanned skin, green eyes, and perfectly shaped lips. Young, attractive , she thought, and then scolded herself. You’ve got work to do. Stay focused!
     
    Jess stopped Horatio and looked appreciatively at his new neighbor. “Beautiful,” he murmured, taking in the sight of her. Long legs in perfect dark denim, a loose purple tank revealing the smooth nut-brown skin of her arms. Her hair was a riot of curls trying to be tamed, but tendrils crept out despite her best efforts, framing her face, drawing his eyes to a pretty, pouty mouth. Her eyes were a deep brown, and he looked directly in to them for a moment before speaking.
     
    “Hi. I’m Jess Hardy. Welcome to Heart’s Home.” He handed her the covered pie dish.
     
    “Hi Jess. Claire Robinson. Nice to be welcomed.” She watched him effortlessly dismount, a true horseman entirely in his element. She extended her free hand and he took it in his, giving her a firm warm handshake. She could feel the callouses on his palm and she wondered what he made of hers, before gently removing her hand and turning her attention to his horse.
     
    “Beautiful Arabian,” she said. “What’s his name?”
     
    Jess smiled at her breed knowledge. “Horatio. Pride of my stable.” He motioned to her that it was alright to touch him, and Claire smiled as she extended her hand to stroke Horatio’s sleek black coat.
     
    “I can see why he’s your pride,” she remarked. “I can’t take my eyes off him.”
     
    I can’t take my eyes off of you , Jess thought, quickly biting his tongue to keep from saying the words aloud. He was completely taken with her. He shook his head. “Mixed berry. From our orchard.” Her questioning look made him add, “...the pie. Homemade.”
     
    She flashed him a warm smile. “My favorite. Thank you; this is truly kind.” Claire bit at her bottom lip, unsure what to do next. There was plenty of work to do, but she didn’t want to appear, well, un-neighborly, especially not for such a neighbor. “Would you like to come inside? We’re just getting settled, but my Mom insisted on bringing the coffee pot and some kitchen stuff in the car so she could get things started right.”
     
    Jess looked hesitant, so she quickly added, “Horatio is welcome to a stall while you’re inside, if you like. Just had the stable repaired, and everything inside is fresh and new.”
     
    She was thankful for the wide grin that spread at her offer, and his voice was soft and steady as he spoke. “I’d love to have coffee and pie with you and your mother. Thank you.”
     
    She led him to the stable and helped him to get Horatio settled in a roomy stall. Jess patted the horse’s flank as they finished. “Behave, boy,” he ordered. “Gotta be nice for the new neighbors.” He tipped his hat to Claire once he’d secured the stall. “Lead the way, my lady.”
     
    Claire’s heart skipped a beat at his words. She swallowed hard. Charming, that’s all , she thought to herself, and she quickly walked him out of the stable and toward the house.
    Jess had to move at a quick trot to catch up to her, and when he did, he offered to carry the pie. When she refused, he remarked, “The last thing I want your mother to see is me making you do anything you don’t have to do. First impressions are important, especially between new neighbors.”
     
    She stopped walking and they stood, the pie between them, his hands gently taking it from hers. “I need to say one thing, Mr. Hardy.”
     
    “Call me Jess,” he interrupted. “Mr. Hardy was my dad.”
     
    “Jess, then,” she said, resolute. “I appreciate your kindness, but I’m not looking for anything more than a good friend. I’ve got a lot to do to make this place successful.” In her thoughts, she added and I don’t have time to get lost in those green eyes .
     
    Jess stiffened, but managed a small smile.