The Lone Rancher Read Online Free PDF Page A

not unfamiliar with the practices and the duties demanded of running a ranch.”
    How dare this arrogant cowboy come marching over here to persuade her to sell out before she had a chance to meet and greet the ranch hands and to set up housekeeping! Adrianna silently fumed as she raked the big oaf from the top of his raven head to the toes of his scuffed boots. He was six foot two inches of brawn and muscle—and possessed a pea-size brain. Ruggedly handsome though he was in his Western clothing, spurs and leather chaps that showcased the crotch of his breeches—and demanded entirely too much feminine attention—she wanted to double her fist and smash it into the five-o’clock shadow that lined his jaw.
    And how dare he nickname her Boston, in an attempt to remind her of where he thought she belonged. He wasn’t looking past outward appearances and that infuriated her to no end. He reminded her of the opinionated highbrows she had left behind.
    Never mind that she had sailed into her cluttered parlor and felt a jolt of unexpected physical awareness when she met the brawny rancher with silver-gray eyes and wavy raven hair. He was nothing like the sophisticated dandies who sauntered through marble foyers, in hopes of charming her into a marriage that would set them up for life with her inheritance. That was a point in his favor—until he opened his big mouth and declaredshe couldn’t manage this ranch and he wanted to buy her property.
    Blast it, he had no way of knowing how competent she was, how adaptable she could be when she tried. Hadn’t she portrayed the genteel sophisticate to appease her father? Damn this brawny cowboy. He made her want to revert to her hoyden days on the country estate and show him how disagreeable she could be when she really tried.
    â€œI hear we have our first guest,” Bea said as she veered around the corner. “Shall I fetch tea?”
    â€œThat won’t be necessary.” Adrianna gestured toward her annoying guest. “Beatrice Fremont, this is Quin Cahill, one of the town founders. Mr. Cahill is on his way out.”
    â€œGood day to you, then, Mr. Cahill.” Bea tossed Adrianna a bemused glance, then shrugged a thin-bladed shoulder. “I’ll get back to work.”
    When Bea swept out, Elda swept in. Adrianna swallowed a grin when she noticed the cook had unpacked crumpets and toasted them with cinnamon and sugar for their afternoon treat. It didn’t matter what was on hand to whip up for snacks or meals. Elda waved her magic wand and always came up with something tasty.
    â€œEzmerelda Quickel, this is one of our neighbors, Quin Cahill,” she introduced hastily. “I doubt Cahill is hungry.”
    How could he be? Obviously, he was quite full…of himself.
    â€œOf course, I’m hungry,” Quin insisted as he plucked up a few treats from the tray. “I skipped lunch in order to welcome my new neighbors.”
    Adrianna gnashed her teeth when the ruggedly handsome rascal flashed Elda a wide grin and winked down at her. Elda was at least fifty if she was a day, but she let this Texas devil charm her. Elda blushed like a school-girl when Quin oohed and ahhed over the tasty snacks. The annoying rancher gave new meaning to the cooking term buttered up.
    Impatient to have Quin gone, Adrianna clutched his arm and grabbed a few crumpets to lure him out the door like a pesky dog that had barged, unwelcome, in the house. She shoved him onto the porch and thought, And stay out!
    â€œNice of you to drop by, Cahill,” she said dismissively. “Hope to see you in Ca-Cross sometime soon.”
    He gobbled down a couple more crumpets, then turned to face her. “Accept my offer to buy you out, Boston. Go home where you belong.”
    She really wanted to clobber him for being so persistent and agitating. Somehow, she managed to restrain herself. She was convinced it was divine intervention at work. Either that