Free The Lionhearted Cowboy Returns by Patricia Thayer Page A

knows that we’re going to partner in a business, maybe he’ll agree to more affordable payments spread out over time.”
    She shook her head. “Jeff, no. This is my problem.”
    “If we become partners then it’s both of ours.”
    She blinked. “You still want to be my partner?”
    Seeing her sadness, his chest tightened. “I wouldn’t have asked you if it’s not what I wanted.” Jeff found himself reaching out and brushing away the moisture from her cheek. “Lace, I’m not going to let you and your kids lose the ranch.”
    She quickly pulled herself together. “Thank you for that, but there might not be a choice.”
    “There’s always a choice. We just have to come up with a plan.”
    “How can I?” she asked. “I’ve already sold most of my stock. My job in town doesn’t pay enough to qualify for refinance.”
    “It’s going to be all right, Lace.” He couldn’t seemto resist drawing her into his arms. His hand pressed her head against his chest as he absorbed her sadness and fear. “I promise. You’re not going to have to move anywhere. We’ll find a way to keep the ranch going.”
    She raised her head. Her eyes filled with tears. She looked beautiful. Without thinking he leaned down and pressed his lips against her forehead. The touch was so fleeting that he didn’t think she felt it until she gasped. Her pretty green eyes darkened, but she didn’t pull away.
    Neither did he. As hard as he tried to think about the loan problem and the future of the ranch, he couldn’t. He wasn’t able to think at all as he lowered his head and brushed his mouth over hers. She gave a breathy sigh. God help him, he went back for more.
    Then he heard, “Hey, Mom.”
    Jeff jerked back just in time, as Colin poked his head inside the doorway. “I’m hungry.”
    “So fix yourself a sandwich,” Lacey told him.
    Colin gave them both another long look, then finally left.
    Jeff turned back to Lacey, and seeing her flushed face, guilt once again washed over him. He had no right to kiss her. Not now, not even back then. “I need to go.” Grabbing the paper from the desk, he walked out. Even hearing her call his name didn’t stop him because if he went back, he’d break all the rules. Again.
     
    Two mornings later, Lacey stood outside the bank in downtown San Angelo. She checked her watch again, knowing she had to be at work in a little over an hour.
    Where was Jeff?
    She thought back to the other day at the house andhis kiss. She’d been telling herself ever since that it had just been a reassuring kiss. Just a soft brush of his lips over hers. She shivered. The effect had been far more devastating, stirring up feelings she had no business feeling.
    She wanted more. What had gotten into her? Not since that summer when she’d broken up with Trevor had she ever thought about another man. Not any man, only Jeff Gentry. And look where that had gotten her.
    Well, not this time. She couldn’t let this happen. No matter the feelings he’d caused, she wasn’t ready. Her life was enough of a mess, and he had his own problems. Adjusting to a new life as well as losing his leg was enough to handle. Not that that bothered her. But they both had too many other complications to deal with.
    She closed her eyes. Even now, she still couldn’t believe Trevor was gone. He’d been such a big part of her life since adolescence. So had Jeff. Although Trevor had been the one who’d stayed for her. But now, she found herself fantasizing about Jeff.
    “Sorry I’m late.”
    Lacey swung around to see the man in question. “Oh, hi.”
    Her heart raced as she looked over the handsome man dressed in a white collared shirt, dark trousers and shiny black boots. He was carrying a leather folder.
    She groaned. “You look so nice. I should have worn something smarter.”
    He put on a smile and took her arm. “You look fine. Let’s go get that loan.”
    Inside Mr. Dixon’s small office, Jeff tried to relax as the loan officer went