The Cowboy She Couldn't Forget

Vance frowned. “I think you need to eat something.” He took their wineglasses and set them on the table. “Come to think about it, you didn’t finish much of your lunch.”

Reality came back full force. “Arguing with my sisters always causes me to lose my appetite.” She felt the tears welling up. “They are so angry with Dad, but I can’t blame them.”

He gripped her upper arms. “Look, Ana, you need to give them some time. I have a feeling they’ll find their way back home.”

She hesitated, so aware of his touch. “Will you leave the ranch if Colt doesn’t get better?”

“Do you want me to leave?”

Ana couldn’t imagine the Lazy S without him. She shook her head. “No. You have to stay. I mean, you know the operation, the cattle and the crops.”

Vance knew that Ana was exhausted. The last few days were beginning to take a toll. Mix in wine and that could mean trouble. What he did like was how agreeable she was with him, and so close. It would be easy to lean down and kiss that tempting mouth of hers.

Whoa. He quickly shook away the thought and stepped back. “Then let’s come up with a way to make money.”

She picked up her wineglass and took another sip. “What about the roundup?”

“With low cattle prices and our smaller herd, it’s not enough. Besides, there’s something you girls need to know....” He paused as Ana looked at him with her deep blue eyes. The last thing he wanted to do was give her any more bad news.