A Son for the Cowboy (The Boones of Texas 5)

She didn’t look at Toben.

“Yes,” she said. “Let’s go.”

The kids ran from the kitchen, leaving her alone—with Toben. She saw his polished boots and freshly pressed and starched jeans but kept her gaze averted.

“Not going to look at me?” he asked.

She blew out a deep breath. “Not yet.”

“I’ve got something for you,” he said. “Hold out your hand.”

She rolled her eyes.

“Please,” he added, amusement in his voice.

She held her hand out, tensing at his coarse touch. But then he pressed something against her palm... “Flowers?” She stared at the bouquet of yellow roses, surprised.

“I remember you liked them. Yellow roses, I mean.”

She stared at him then, too stunned to realize it was a bad idea.

“You look beautiful.” His voice dropped. “Damn beautiful.”

She swallowed, the heat and appreciation in his eyes making her feel beautiful.

“I’m glad Rowdy asked you to wear a dress.” He smiled. “Guess I should check on the kids.” He left her staring after him, confused and surprised and wishing the night were over. He was far too good-looking and sweet-talking. She’d ignored him before; she could do it again. Of course, then she’d given in and...giving in to Toben Boone had been one of the most amazing experiences of her life. She stiffened. One she would not be repeating.

She pulled an empty glass pitcher from the cabinet, filled it with water and put the roses inside. She stared at them, tracing one petal...thinking of the kiss she and Toben had shared. A kiss she’d thought about far too much the last couple of days. When she was working in the shop, arranging inventory or hanging pictures on the wall, Toben’s touch, his kiss, was there.

Which was silly. And she wasn’t a silly girl, not anymore. There was too much at stake with this man. Whatever superficial attraction the two of them had wouldn’t last. A bond between father and son should last forever. No way she’d risk that for Rowdy. Or Toben.

She left the kitchen, then pulled the front door closed behind her to find all the kids in the bed of Toben’s pickup, staring upward. He was pointing at something in the darkening sky, his voice deep and soft. Sh

e walked forward, listening.

“That’s the Big Dipper. Can you see it?” he asked. “We can check again when we come back after dinner. By then it’ll be dark enough to really see.”

“Did you know the stars change with the seasons?” Rowdy asked her.

“Sure,” she said. “Guess I never thought to mention it before.”

“It’s cool,” Dot said. “And that some of the stars have stories.”

“I’m still hungry,” Otis said.

Toben laughed. “Load up.” He helped each of them jump from the truck, then held the passenger door open for her.

“Thank you,” she murmured.

“My pleasure,” he answered, his eyes sweeping over her before he closed the door.

“Ma,” Rowdy whispered, taking her hand over the seat back. “I’m nervous.”

“Don’t be, Rowdy,” she answered. “They’re going to love you.” Of course they’d love him. Rowdy was irresistible. She smiled broadly at him, setting aside her own unease.

Toben climbed into the truck and started the engine. She reached behind her and squeezed Rowdy’s hand, but he didn’t let go. Toben turned the truck around and headed down the drive, through the gate and onto the county road.

“Ma,” he whispered again. “You want to do this?”