Second Chance Cowboy Read Online Free Page B

could she ask that question when he had only to look at her in those clinging clothes and a fire began below. “If a woman is going to wear my clothes, I want something in return.”
    Sabrina threw her hands up in the air. “Is this the only way you can get women to dance with you? Kiss you?”
    “These are the terms of the deal.” Patrick shrugged. “Take it or leave it.”
    “I could just walk out of here and leave behind you, your clothes, and your silly deal.” Sabrina reminded him.
    “You could.” Patrick paused with a cocky grin. “But you won’t. Wouldn’t the ranch hands enjoy the story of their boss’s daughter smelling like a polecat?”
    “I’m sure they’re going to hear it from you anyway.” Sabrina leaned against the willow tree. “How could such a lovely day turn out to be so rotten?”
    Patrick laughed. “I would say odorous, wouldn’t you?”
    Sabrina wanted to hit him, but resisted the urge, realizing it would only delay them and she really needed to get home before her father sent out the troops looking for her. “Okay, I agree. Now, cut the stupid jokes and give me those clothes.”
    “You agree to what?” he questioned her, his eyes twinkling with merriment at her discomfort.
    Sabrina wanted to scream, but tersely replied, “I agree to dance with you. Kiss you.”
    “I thought you’d see things my way.” Patrick tossed her the clothes and turned around, giving Sabrina privacy.
    She proceeded to rid herself of the vile-smelling clothes, changing quickly into Patrick’s shirt and pants, fuming and plotting revenge all the while. Even with her belt on, the pants hung from her hips, threatening her modesty. The shirt engulfed her small frame, but covered the essentials.
    “You can turn around. I’m dressed now.”
    Sabrina watched as his eyes raked over her and he chuckled in delight “Now that’s the way a woman should look wearing men’s clothing. Like a ragamuffin.”
    “Just take me home. I’m beginning to tire of your company.”
    Slowly, Patrick walked toward her, a silly grin on his face. “As soon as I get my kiss.”
    She wanted to run, but her pride stopped her. “I was hoping you had forgotten.”
    “Not on your life.”
    Sabrina slowly backed away from him, trying to put the maximum distance between them. Patrick steadfastly advanced, his intentions clear from the expression in his eyes, causing her blood to pound with anticipation.
    The trailing wisps from the willow tree touched her face and she knew she was quickly running out of ground. Her breathing quickened as the scrape of bark against her skin confirmed her fear. She had run out of space and time. She was trapped. Patrick was going to kiss her.
    He grabbed her and pulled her into him, wrapping his arms around her, pressing their bodies together. With apprehension, she watched his mouth descend. Soft, warm lips covered hers, gently caressing her. Hot languid heat filled her body. She swayed in his arms, clutching his shirt for support. In an instant, she was transported back to a simpler time under this very tree, a time when she had been hopelessly in love with Patrick. His kisses, then, had been innocent, sweet. But not any longer.
    She tingled with anticipation as his tongue made its way into her mouth, probing and retreating, exploring each crevice. This was not the sweet kiss of their youth; this was different. This was better. This had to stop.
    Forcing her arms between their bodies, she pushed him away, breaking the kiss, ending the spell. Breathlessly, she said, “You got your kiss. Now take me home.”
----
    “ S enor Jed , Matt went looking for your ranching reports today.”
    “Thanks, Maria.”
    “De nada, Senor.”
    At supper that night, Matt casually announced he was going into town to play a few hands of poker. Jed pretended not to care, but as soon as the boy left, Jed picked up his gun belt and hat, heading to town after Matt.
    Arriving not long after Matt, Jed casually sauntered