Texas True (The Tylers of Texas 1)

“I’ll grab something later. But thanks for the offer.”

“Time for me to get gofering.” She wrinkled her lightly freckled nose. “I hope we can talk some more while you’re here. When I grow up, I want to see the whole world—just like you.”

“I’m leaving tomorrow. If there’s anything you want to talk about, we’d better make it soon.”

“I’ll do my best. But right now Bernice needs me to fetch more napkins.” She flitted off through the crowd. Beau’s gaze followed the path of her bobbing ponytail. A smile edged the corners of his mouth. The kid was a winner straight out of the gate.

At least Will and Tori had done something right.

Tori’s hand cramped around her glass of iced tea. Her black stiletto pumps were killing her feet. The tightness at the back of her neck signaled an oncoming headache, and Congressman Garn Prescott, who’d backed her against a leather settee, wouldn’t get out of her face.

Keep skunks and politicians at a distance. Bull’s words came back to her as she fought the urge to shove the man away.

“How can I convince you, Tori?” The congressman was fifty-two, a big, handsome, graying man whose breath smelled of the Scotch he’d been drinking. “A woman like you, your talents are being wasted in a backwater town like Blanco Springs. As a member of my Washington staff, your salary would be twice what you’re making here. And the connections—my dear, there’s no limit to where you could go.”

Does that include your bed, you lecherous old goat?

Tori scanned the room over Prescott’s shoulder. She spotted Will standing near the massive stone fireplace, his broad-shouldered frame and dark brown hair a beacon in the crowd. But his back was turned toward her. And Will Tyler was the last man she would ask to ride to her rescue.

“Say the word and I’ll make it happen—full benefits, your own town house, the works.” Prescott gave her arm a proprietary squeeze. “It’ll be the best decision you ever made.”

Freezing at his touch, Tori shook her head. “I have a daughter, and she’s happy here. I’m not about to haul her across the country, away from her father and this ranch. Sorry, Garn, but my answer is no.”

“Dinner, then, at least. Give me one more chance to convince you.”

Tori’s patience had reached the fracture point, but she didn’t want to make a scene. She was groping for a civil response when she felt a light touch at her elbow. Swiveling her gaze, she looked up into Beau’s mischievous hazel eyes. Her lips moved in a silent thank you.

“Congressman.” Beau’s greeting was friendly but firm. “Hope you’ll excuse us, but the lady is urgently needed elsewhere.”

Taking Tori’s arm, he steered her toward the front entry. “How about some fresh air?” he muttered.

“Yes. Please. This place is a zoo.”

“And I’ve just rescued you from the gorilla.” His grin dazzled as he opened the door and led her out onto the porch. Kicking off her pumps, Tori set her glass aside and sank onto the double swing. The dog, drowsing on the top step, raised his head, then settled back into his afternoon nap.

“This is more like it,” she breathed. “Another thirty seconds with that man and I’d have slapped his smarmy face. I don’t even agree with his politics, let alone want to work for him.”

“Well, you can’t blame him for trying.” Beau settled at the other end of the swing, leaning into the corner so he could look at her. The two had been friends since first grade, and nobody had been more pleased than Beau when, after law school, she’d married his big brother.

She turned her face to the slight breeze that was blowing and drew in a deep breath. “Mmm, the air smells so good and clean after yesterday’s storm,” she declared, then added with a trace of wistfulness, “I just hope it means we’ll get our usual spring rains and end this drought.” Her gaze traveled back to him. “The storm made it tough for you, I hear. Will told me your flight was forced to divert to another airport. What time did you finally get to the ranch?”

“By the time I got a rental car and drove here, it was after midnight,” Beau admitted. “By the way, I met your daughter in there. She’s a gem.”

“Erin’s the best thing that ever happened to me. At least Will and I accomplished something good when we brought her into the world.”

“I was thinking the same thing earlier.” Beau kicked the swing into motion. The light, creaking sound blended with the distant calls of spring meadowlarks. “You and Will were the real deal. I lost my faith in true love when you split up.”

Tori sighed. She should have known the conversation would go this way.

“What happened?” Beau asked.

“What has Will told you?”

“Nothing. You know Will.”

“Do I?” Tori still wondered about that. She hadn’t been much older than Erin when she’d fallen in love with Will Tyler. But he was older, and he’d paid her scant attention until years later when she’d returned home to Blanco Springs with her law degree. Their passionate whirlwind courtship had allowed them little time to get reacquainted. By the time she woke to the realization that she’d married a stranger, she’d been pregnant with their daughter.

“It’s past and forgotten, Beau,” she said. “Let’s talk about something else—like you. Any special lady in your life?”