Claiming the Rancher's Heart Read Online Free

the dog. “Sit.”
    Bert did as instructed, her intelligent, amber-colored eyes riveted to him, ears up, on full alert.
    “Miss Summers is a friend, Bert,” Josh warned as he opened the passenger door. “Be good.”
    Despite the warning, the hair on Bert’s neck and back rose as the brunette exited the vehicle. Josh moved between her and the dog.
    “Nice doggie.” Stacie’s voice was low and calm as she slipped around him. She took a step forward and held out her hand. “Hello, Bert. I’m Stacie.”
    Casting a look at Josh, Bert took a couple steps forward and cautiously sniffed Stacie’s outstretched hand. Then, to Josh’s surprise, Bert began to lick her fingers.
    “Thank you, Birdie. I like you, too.” Stacie’s smile widened as the dog continued to lick her. “I can’t wait to see your babies. I bet they’re pretty, like their mama.”
    Bert’s tail swished from side to side and Josh stared in amazement. For a woman who’d grown up without pets, Stacie certainly had a way with animals.
    “Australian cattle dogs—that’s another name for blue heelers—are known for being smart and loyal. They’re great with livestock.” Josh paused. “Still, not many would call them pretty—”
    “She’s very pretty.” Stacie bent over and clasped her hands over the dog’s ears, shooting Josh a warning look.
    “My apologies.” Josh covered his smile with a hand. “Would you like to see the six smaller versions in the barn?”
    “Are you crazy?” Stacie straightened and grabbed his hand. “Let’s go.”
    Her hand felt small in his, but there was firmness in the grasp that bespoke an inner strength. When he’d discovered that he’d been matched with Anna’s friend from Denver, he’d wondered if Anna had monkeyed with the results.
    He realized now that he and Stacie had more in common than he’d first thought. And he found himself liking this city girl. Of course that didn’t mean she was a good match.
    He’d been with a city girl once. Fell in love with her. Married her. But he was smarter now. This time he’d keep his heart to himself.

    “I feel guilty.” Josh stabbed the last piece of apple dumpling with his fork. “You spent the whole evening in the kitchen.”
    Stacie took a sip of coffee and smiled at the exaggeration. She hadn’t spent the entire evening in the kitchen. They’d played with the puppies for the longest time. After that Josh had shown her all Bert’s tricks, including catching a Frisbee in midair. By then, they were both hungry and she’d offered to make dinner.
    “I told you,” Stacie said, relishing the taste of the rich Columbian brew against her tongue. “Cooking is a hobby of mine. I love making something out of nothing.”
    Josh lowered his fork to rest on his now-empty plate. “You’ve impressed me. That noodle thing with the sausage and peppers tasted like something I’d get in a restaurant.”
    “And we didn’t even have to go out.” Stacie glanced around the modern country kitchen. After seeing the outside of the house, she’d been a bit apprehensive about the inside. But when Josh had ushered her through the front door and given her a tour, she’d been pleasantly surprised.
    While the exterior needed some attention, the interior was up-to-date and exceptionally clean. When she’d complimented Josh on his tidiness, he sheepishly admitted that he had a housekeeper who came during the week to cook and clean.
    “I’d have taken you out,” Josh said, his gaze meeting hers. “I hope you know that.”
    “I do,” Stacie said. “But this was more fun.”
    “I agree.” Josh smiled and the fine lines that fanned out from the corners of his eyes crinkled appealingly. He pushed back his chair. “How ’bout we take our coffee into the family room?”
    Stacie rose. Her gaze lingered on the dishes in the sink before returning to the ones still on the table.
    “Don’t even think about it.” He placed his hand in the small of her back and nudged her