To Tame A Texan Read Online Free PDF

“Houston, wind up the phonograph.”
    Ace took her hand in his and took a deep breath.
    In turn, Lynnie looked down at her fluffy house slippers and wished she did not need to get to the ball so desperately that she would have to attend with Ace Durango. He had a reputation across the whole Lone Star State for being a rascal, a womanizer of the first order, who defied every girl’s effort to trap him and tame him. Other women said he was charming, too, but Lynnie was mystified as to why they thought that. She had clashed with him at family gatherings for as long as she could remember, because he wanted to take charge of every game and every situation and Lynnie was not about to be bossed by some male brute.
    Young Houston finished winding the big phonograph and put on a wax cylinder. “The Blue Danube” waltz began to play, with a noticeable scratching noise.
    â€œNow, Lynnie, remember, I step forward and you step backward as I lead.”
    â€œRemind me again, why is the man allowed to lead?”
    Ace started to say something, turned in silent appeal to the watching relatives. They all either shrugged or rolled their eyes, indicating that this was his mess to deal with. “Just do it my way and you can change things when women get the vote, okay?”
    â€œAnd I suppose you think that will be never?” Her red hair was showing her temperament now.
    â€œLet’s just get through this evening”—his voice was grim—“and we’ll fight that battle later.”
    â€œAll right, you big oaf, you can lead this time,” she conceded, “but don’t think that I’ll forget about it.”
    â€œI’ll just bet you won’t.” He sounded tired and more than a little annoyed. “Now, remember to let me lead.”
    She didn’t like his being in charge, but he took charge anyway as he deftly guided her around the room to the strains of the music. Besides shaving lotion, he smelled of sun, tobacco, and maybe bourbon, all distilled into a masculine scent that made her a little shaky in the knees. She wasn’t used to that feeling, but then, she’d never let a man hold her this closely before. Pure biology, she decided.
    Behind them, her sister and Cimarron applauded, but the children giggled and hooted.
    â€œWhy, Sis, you’re doing just fine. You’ll be the belle of the ball tonight,” Cayenne said.
    Ace snorted, “Not if you keep trying to lead.”
    â€œOh, shut up,” Lynnie snapped back.
    â€œLadies don’t tell people to shut up,” Ace whispered over the music.
    â€œIf you’d behave like a gentleman, I wouldn’t have to correct you,” Lynnie returned, “but you’re a big brute of a Texan who’s about as civilized as one of our range bulls.”
    He grinned down at her wickedly as they danced. “And most women like me that way.”
    â€œThe kind of saloon whores you favor wouldn’t know a gentleman if they met one.”
    He blinked in shock. “Nice girls don’t know about such things.”
    â€œNo, but I’ll bet you do.”
    â€œLordy, Dad would kill me if he heard this discussion. He thinks you’re the sweetest, nicest little thing.”
    She smiled up at him innocently and then deliberately stepped on his toe.
    â€œLynnie, you’re scuffing my new boots,” he griped.
    â€œBehave yourself and I won’t,” she shot back.
    Just then, the music ended and the needle sawed noisily on the wax cylinder. Ace let go of her waist and hand as if afraid she might bite him. “I reckon that’s enough practice.”
    â€œDon’t be silly, son,” his mother said. “It’s not nearly enough.”
    Houston started the phonograph again.
    â€œIt’s enough for me,” Ace muttered under his breath.
    Lynnie steeled herself and closed her mouth primly as Ace’s big hand settled on her waist and his other big paw