Stealing The Cowboy's Heart

Once she opened the bakery, she’d have a steady stream of customers. So even if he showed up right away, she’d be too busy to talk.

Patty, who worked the front desk, was setting out plates and utensils when Kylie entered the lobby. The strong smell of coffee had her inhaling deeply, as if she hadn’t already downed half a pot.

“Hey,” Patty said, looking over at her. “I figured you’d be late, not twenty minutes early.”

“Why would you—” Kylie sighed and set down the boxes. No telling how many people knew she’d gone out with Kevin last night. Any news was big news in this town. “What are you doing here? Didn’t you work late yesterday?”

“I swapped shifts with Misty so I can go to my son’s ball game this evening.” Patty gave her a little teasing smile. “Did you have fun last night?”

“We had dinner at an Italian restaurant in Kalispell. It was nice.”

“And?”

“And what? We didn’t stay out late. I had to get up early to do the baking. Which reminds me...you mentioned you have a friend who’s looking for part-time work?”

Patty nodded. “Celeste. She was hoping you needed kitchen help. She likes to work early shifts so she can be home for her kids after school. Plus, she’s a great baker.”

“Perfect. I’ll get her number from you or she can call me.” Kylie was happy they’d changed the subject, and even happier that she might get someone to take some of the pressure off her in the mornings. She’d never imagined a town the size of Blackfoot Falls would keep her so busy.

“Go grab some coffee in the back,” Patty said as she set out the muffins on doily-covered silver trays.

“Thanks, but I’ve got to get back and open.” She glanced toward the elevator. “What time do the guests start coming down?”

“There’s always one or two who show up at the stroke of seven.” She checked her watch. “We’ve got twenty minutes. You sure you don’t want a cup? I broke out the good stuff.”

Kylie laughed. Patty couldn’t be more obvious. She wanted the skinny on Kylie’s date with her boss. But there was nothing to tell. Kylie had been distracted most of the evening. It wasn’t fair to Kevin. He’d been wonderful and thoughtful, and she’d tried her best to return the attention. But she hadn’t been able to stop thinking of Landon.

What made things worse was that Kevin was exactly the kind of man she should be looking for. He was the sort of steady, reliable man she wanted in her life. Not someone who would live for the adrenaline of bucking broncos and didn’t mind living out of a duffel bag. She wished, though, that he was a little more exciting. But excitement wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. Kylie had finally accepted his third dinner invitation. And she planned to accept another date...soon-ish.

She sniffed the air. Macadamia Kona roast. Darn it.

“Come on,” Patty said. “Just one cup. Five minutes. Before Marge brings her cinnamon rolls.”

“You’re evil.”

Patty grinned. “Let me cover these trays and I’ll meet you in the back.”

The room behind the front desk was small and crowded with a full-size fridge, a microwave, two large coffee stations and overstocked shelves. She followed the aroma of the Kona coffee to the small carafe sitting off to the side. Kylie had just poured herself a mug when she heard Marge’s voice. Marge owned the diner and her cinnamon rolls—a local favorite—were insanely good.

Kylie liked her. Marge had been supportive of her opening The Cake Whisperer, even giving her tips on where to get her supplies and ingredients. And best of all, she’d probably just saved Kylie from being cross-examined.

After adding a dollop of cream, Kylie stirred her coffee and yawned so wide she felt her jaw pop. Kevin had dropped her off by ten, but she hadn’t slept well. Too much Landon on the brain. Boy, the next few days were going to be tricky. Or for however long he stuck around. That limp she’d noticed... Was that the reason he wasn’t rushing off to a rodeo? Did he think good ole Kylie would play nursemaid, the way she had in the past? She’d been known to treat and bandage minor wounds for a lot of Gary’s friends. Landon included.

Evidently the two women hadn’t missed her. They were chatting and laughing as if they didn’t see each other every morning. Kylie paused at the slightly open door to take a leisurely sip.

And nearly burned her tongue when she heard Landon’s voice.

She gave the door a slight push. Just wide enough that she could see him, but he couldn’t see her. He was fishing an apple out of the silver bowl sitting next to the muffins. Neither Marge or Patty noticed her because they were too busy checking out Landon. He filled out a pair of worn jeans better than any man Kylie had ever met. The snug white T-shirt showed just how seriously he took his workouts. Though it wasn’t vanity that drove him to keep fit. He loved rodeoing and took the sport seriously.

“Hope you slept well,” Patty said. “We’ve been open less than a year so the mattresses are all new.”

Landon flashed her a smile. “It was lights out before I hit the pillow.” He eyed the plastic-wrapped trays. “Guess I’m too early. I’ll let you finish setting up and come back.”

“Don’t be silly.” Patty gestured to a club chair. “You go on and sit down. I’ll get your coffee and whatever else you need.”

“Nah. I’m good for now. But thanks.” He grabbed a crutch that was resting against the wall and slipped it under his arm.

Kylie hadn’t noticed it because his body had blocked her view. When he swung toward her she saw the second crutch. Their eyes met through the doorway and he lost his footing. He quickly righted himself by balancing on one leg until he stabilized the crutches.

“What are you doing here?” he asked as she moved out into the lobby.

“What happened to your leg?”

“Nothing.”

“Oh, okay. I guess crutches are the new fashion trend.”

“That’s right.” His hair hadn’t been combed and stubble darkened his chin and jaw.

“Shut up,” Kylie said, annoyed at the flutter in her chest. “Tell me what happened.”

“I broke my leg. No big deal.”

“It is if you’re using crutches.” She studied the leg he was favoring. “You’re not wearing a cast.”

“Yeah, it came off a few days ago.”

“By you or the doctor?”

Landon’s sigh sounded like guilt.

Kylie gaped at him. “Seriously?”

“The doctor was being overly cautious. She wanted to leave it on a week longer and I convinced her I was ready.”

“Yeah, I bet.”

Patty smothered a laugh. Marge just cut loose a howl that probably woke the other guests.

How could Kylie have forgotten they had an audience? She glanced over at them. “We’re old friends.”

“Ah.” Patty’s grin widened.

“Did you bring me coffee?” Landon asked, staring at the steaming mug warming her palms.

“Oh, right, I ran over to make sure it was all ready for you the second you came down.” Kylie had no problem wiping the hopeful expression from his face now that she’d confirmed her suspicion. Wasn’t he going to be shocked when she told him she was done playing nursemaid?

But first she had to quit worrying about his stupid leg. Convincing his doctor to take off the cast early...what an idiot. Landon was smarter than that.