A Buckhorn Bachelor Read Online Free Page A

satisfied-man voice he said, “Let’s just stick to talking about you tonight.”
    Deflated, Isabella sighed. “If we must.”
    â€œAmber doesn’t know men nearly as well as she thinks she does.”
    Oh, now that was interesting. “You came to this conclusion...how?”
    â€œBecause she’s always playing games. And as a man—”
    He was definitely all man.
    â€œâ€”I can tell you, we don’t appreciate it.”
    â€œAnd yet,” Isabella pointed out, “she’s so often successful.”
    â€œHow about we give a little credit to the men, too, okay? Yes, she hooked up Shohn with Nadine, and Garrett with Zoey, and Gray with Lisa-”
    â€œYou’re ruinin’ your own case.”
    Noel shook his head. “Making the point that while Amber might’ve pointed them in the right direction, or given a helping hand, she didn’t make them fall in love. Each of the guys was smart enough to do that all on his own.”
    She peeked up at him. “That’s what you think I want? To fall in love?”
    After a commiserating smile, Noel took her arm and got her walking again. “I think you’re already in love. What you want is for Adam to love you in return.”
    That insight so surprised her, she faltered a step.
    How was it Noel knew that when no one else did? For sure Adam didn’t suspect. If he did, he probably wouldn’t be chatting with her now. She’d done her best to hide it, but she’d known for some time that he was the one for her.
    It was party his great rapport with kids and his awesome contributions to the community . Adam was a very admirable man.
    But it was also the way he carried himself, with pride and dignity, the way he pitched in to help others, the easy way he smiled.
    Those dark bedroom eyes... She shivered, and admitted to herself that his body was pretty darned fine too.
    But it was mostly his character, she assured herself. Sure he was great to look at, but she wouldn’t love a man for his looks alone.
    Realizing she’d gone too quiet, too long, Isabella stammered, “I, um...Why would you say such a thing?”
    Noel stopped, faced her. “I saw you with him, and I’m not a dummy, either. Amber can play all the games she wants, but in the end, Adam has to know the real you. What it is you want or need, what you care about.” He squeezed her shoulder. “Who you are.”
    Not knowing what else to do, Isabella nodded.
    â€œSo for now, if you want to follow Amber, go ahead. Just don’t play so long that Adam mistakes your sincerity for an amusing pastime.”
    Wow. Who knew Noel was so attentive and discerning?
    Well, obviously Amber did. “She said I couldn’t be easy. That I had to make him work for it.”
    It surprised her when Noel flushed.
    Now wait a minute... Suspicion lifted her brows. “Is that what you’re doin’ to Amber?” When he looked even guiltier, a grin made her cheeks ache. “You are ! You’re makin’ her work for it, aren’t you?”
    Noel walked on.
    Delighted, Isabella hustled to catch up to him. “That is so funny.”
    â€œNo it’s not,” he said.
    â€œBut this is great. Amber, caught in a game of her own makin’.” She clapped her hands. “Totally great.”
    Pivoting to face her, Noel opened his mouth, hesitated, and clamped it shut again. “Just think about what I said, okay?”
    â€œOh, I definitely will. And thank you.” This time as they started off, Isabella hugged his arm and even put her head on his biceps. A nice, solid biceps, she noticed. “You’re a good man, Noel Poet. Whatever you do to catch Amber, I hope you catch her right and tight.”
    Little by little, Noel smiled and relaxed. “That’s the plan.” They turned the corner and there were three men drinking beers, playing horseshoes, and laughing loudly. One wore a