Healing a Cowboy's Heart (Cowboy Dreamin' 2) Read Online Free Page A

doing here? “Just
some hometown cowboying and ranch life.”
    “You
have a Texas accent. Where are you from?”
    “Houston.”
    “They
don’t have dude ranches there?”
    “Well
yes, but I wanted to come out to Hill Country and snoop around a bit. I’d love
to talk to some of your sons about the cowboy way of life. I hear you have
nine?”
    “Ah
yes, my sons. I’m sure they’d love to spend time with
you. A pretty woman always gets their attention. They enjoy talkin’ about ranch
life.”
    “Perfect.
I need to make some notes on different things about the ranch too. The soil,
the water, the plants…you know.”
    “Really?”
    “Yes.
Um, I’m a conservationist.”
    “We
have some very interestin ’ things on our land. I’m
sure you’d love to explore. I could probably even convince one of the boys to
take you out ridin ’ if you like to ride, so they
could show you around the property.”
    “Absolutely,
Nina. Thank you.”
    “We’ll
let you get settled in your room. Lunch is at twelve-thirty and dinner is at
six. We ring the dinner bell outside and inside so you should hear it anywhere
you are.” Nina handed her the copy of her receipt and her key. “Follow me. I’ll
show you where your room is.”
    She
followed Nina out the main doors and to the left. Two small cabins set off a
little ways from the main lodge, each with two doors on them.
    “Each
cabin has two separate rooms that are connected by a door, but it will be
locked between you and any other guests who might rent the room across from
you. It’s empty at the moment.” They reached the door to the cabin. “I hope you’ll
be comfortable.”
    “I’m
sure I will. Thank you.”
    “You’re
welcome. See you at lunch.”
    Terri
opened the door so she could wheel her suitcase inside. Glad she packed light,
she hoped they had laundry facilities or she’d be without clean clothes within
a few days. The double-sized bed took up most of the middle of the room with
its wooden headboard. The patchwork quilt was beautiful. Small bedside tables
graced each side of the bed and a small doorway to the left looked like the
bathroom. She’d have to check it out in a minute. Against the wall sat a small
couch which looked like it might pull out into a bed too. The whole room would
probably sleep four adults comfortably. A small window looked out over the
front yard of the main lodge and the swimming pool. If the pool was heated, she
might partake of the water. She’d have to ask.
    The
clouds overhead promised cooler weather than the day before. Fall in the Hill
Country could be unpredictable with rain or cold temperatures. The high today
called for the seventies, which suited her just fine.
    She
quickly put her clothes in the wooden dresser against the wall, noting which
ones needed washing. The more casual clothes she’s brought would probably suit
out here better than anything else she had. She might get away with not being
called a city girl.
    The
lunch bell clanged in the distance, calling her to the main lodge. She sucked
in a ragged breath and blew it out on a sigh. It was now or never.
    She
crossed the yard with slow, deliberate steps. Would he be in there eating? She
didn’t know whether the family ate with the guests or not. She hoped he
wouldn’t be because he would totally blow her cover if he saw her.
    When
she opened the door, she was met with utter chaos or what looked to be a
chaotic area. A bunch of guests had gathered in the room formerly empty.
Probably thirty people stood in line to get their lunch from the five people
serving over the hot plates. She swallowed hard looking toward the gathering of
people as she slowly made her way toward the back of the line.
    “I
just love it here, don’t you?” an older woman asked her friend standing in
front of Terri.
    “Oh
yes. It’s fabulous! Everyone is so nice. The cowboys are sweet as can be, but
then again, it could be because we’re old ladies. They were definitely taught
their