Free Cattleman's Choice by Diana Palmer

“Angie, just close up at noon when you get your own lunch, okay?”
    Angie nodded. “Have fun.”
    Fun! Mandelyn’s heart was racing wildly as she climbed into the red pickup truck beside Patty. She didn’t really want to see Carson, but he was coming to her house for dinner that night so she couldn’t very well avoid him.
    Carson wasn’t at the house when they drove up. The door was closed and locked.
    â€œI wonder where he could be?” Patty asked, nibbling on her lip. “Surely to goodness he knew I was coming?”
    â€œMaybe he’s in the barn,” Mandelyn suggested.
    Patty sighed. “Boy, am I sharp, not to have thought of that. Maybe I should try another profession…yep, look, there’s the ranch pickup.”
    They walked down to the barn. Mandelyn wished she hadn’t worn the spiked high heels that went so well with her jaunty little two-piece blue and white suite. But when she entered the barn and saw the frank appreciation on Carson’s face, she decided it was worth a little discomfort. He was half kneeling beside his bull, with Jake at his side, and he couldn’t seem to take his eyes off her.
    Both men got to their feet, and Mandelyn couldn’t help noticing how animated Patty suddenly became. She was wearing jeans and a tee shirt, and had her hair pulled back in a bun, but she still looked feminine and cute, and Carson gave her a big grin and hugged her.
    â€œThere’s my best girl,” he said, and Mandelyn felt suddenly murderous.
    â€œHow’s my patient?” Patty asked, hugging him back while Jake looked at them with an expression Mandelyn couldn’t quite describe.
    â€œWell, he’s about the same,” Carson sighed, staring down at the bull. He still had an arm around Patty, and Mandelyn found she resented it.
    Patty got down beside the big animal, a Hereford, and checked him over with professional thoroughness. “We’ll try another dose of the same, and see if that won’t do it. He’s improved some, Carson, I think we can save him.”
    â€œIf you don’t, I may never speak to you again,” Carson assured her. “And I’ll guarantee at least five of my cows will die of broken hearts, judging by the way they’ve behaved since he’s been out of action.”
    Mandelyn flushed, but Patty only laughed. “We’ll restore him to his former vigor. Let me get my bag. Mandy, you aren’t in a rush to get back, are you?”
    â€œNo,” came the quiet reply. “I don’t have anything pressing.”
    â€œHere, I’ll help with that bag,” Jake said curtly, and walked out of the barn behind Patty with a determined stride. Mandelyn had never actually seen the easygoing foreman move so quickly.
    Carson studied Mandelyn with narrow, thoughtful eyes, hands on his hips, powerful legs apart. “You’re quiet. And you won’t look at me. Why?”
    Her eyes glanced off his and back down to the bull. “What’s the matter with the bull?” she asked nervously.
    He moved closer, ignoring the question. So close that she could smell him, feel him, touch him if she chose. His shirt was half unbuttoned, and she wanted to reach out and rip it open….
    His fingers tilted her oval face up to his eyes, and he looked at her for a long time. “Shy, Mandy?” he asked softly.
    She flushed and tried to look away, but he wouldn’t let her. Her lips parted on a rush of breath.
    â€œTonight,” he whispered, making a promise of it as he searched her wide eyes.
    Her lips trembled and he started to bend toward them, his eyes intent, his lean hand moving to the back of her head to position her face where he wanted it. And just as his open mouth started to touch hers, the truck door slammed.
    He laughed. “I seem to spend my life trying to kiss you without interruptions, don’t I, honey?”
    She managed a nervous laugh, too, but