The Rancher's Marriage Pact Read Online Free PDF

“Yeah. She’s the only mother I’ve ever really known. Then Jen came into the mix and now I have two mothers. Double trouble. They mean well but sometimes they’re both a little too motherly.”
    â€œRight down to choosing your mate?”
    He shot her a smile, throwing her for a mental loop. “They try but I don’t listen to them when it comes to my choice in female companionship.”
    That led Paris to a question she’d been dying to ask, perhaps at her own detriment if she dared. “You really don’t have a girlfriend waiting somewhere in the wings?”
    He turned those silver-blue eyes on her. “Nope. I’ve had a couple of steady girlfriends in the past, but rodeo and relationships didn’t mix well.”
    â€œApparently you no longer rodeo, so do you see yourself eventually settling down?”
    He sent her an odd look before he brought his attention back to the mementos from his past. “Only if and when the time is right.”
    â€œI’m sure you’re considered quite the catch in these parts. Probably throughout the state.”
    He turned and leaned a shoulder against the case. “I’ve had my share of propositions, but it’s kind of hard to tell if they’re more interested in my personality, or my personal finances.”
    Or his stellar physical attributes. “I’m sure more than a few are drawn to the cowboy fantasy and the notion you’ll scoop them up and ride off into the sunset.”
    â€œIs that your fantasy?”
    Not until that moment. Not until he favored her with that winning, dimpled grin again. “My exposure to cowboys has been nonexistent, so I’d have to say no.”
    He inched a little closer. “Now that you’ve been exposed, do you think you might change your mind?”
    Heaven help her, he was flirting like a teenage jock. And she responded like an adolescent schoolgirl with a self-conscious smile. “The jury is still out. I’ll let you know after dinner.”
    â€œAnd I’ll do my best to show you there’s something to be said for the cowboy way.”
    They stood there in silence, tension as thick as a morning haze hanging over them as Dallas’s focus landed on her mouth. Paris sensed if she moved just a little closer, gave him just a little encouragement, he might actually kiss her. And she might actually hurl caution to the warm wind and let him.
    The sound of staccato footsteps interrupted the moment and drew Paris back into reality and her attention to the doorway where Jenny now stood sporting a knowing look. “Dinner is served, y’all. Just come on out to the veranda when you’re finished doing whatever it is you’re doing.”
    As soon as Jenny disappeared, Paris turned back to Dallas. “Shall we go? I’m suddenly starving.”
    â€œSo am I,” he replied, keeping his gaze centered on hers. “Food sounds pretty good, too.”
    Paris released a nervous laugh. “I can tell you have a little bad boy in you.”
    â€œYeah, darlin’, I do. But don’t ever doubt I’m every bit a man.”
    That wasn’t up for debate. Paris had a sneaking suspicion if she hung around too long after dinner and let down her guard, she could very well see exactly how manly he could be.
    * * *
    She was getting under his skin, a dangerous prospect. He didn’t need to lose all control around her, but he almost had. He didn’t need a woman complicating his life, even if he couldn’t deny he needed a woman. But not just any woman. This woman.
    Dallas pushed his empty plate aside and watched as Paris sipped at the second mint julep Jenny had served her. He’d settled for a beer, but only one, in order to keep his wits about him. He didn’t know enough about Paris to bring out the usual moves, even if those fantastic green eyes had reeled him in like a trout on a fly from the minute she’d walked