Free Little Cowgirl Needs a Mom by Patricia Thayer Page A

to.”
    â€œIf I’d felt that way, I’d have let you take your food back to your apartment. Can we agree sharing a meal was nice?”
    She nodded. “Yes, nice,” she said in a soft, breathy voice.
    â€œNow, hopefully without argument, I’m going to walk you home.”
    Jenny nodded, then they waved to Sean and headed for the door. He followed her out into the darkness, then took her by the elbow as they crossed the street. It was dark as they made their way to the other side and started down the alley. Several sensor lights came on as they walked past the other businesses on the way to the back door of the quilt shop.
    â€œIt was a nice evening, Rafferty. Thank you.”
    She took out her keys, but he stopped her. “I like it when you call me Evan.” He knew in his head this was a bad idea, but couldn’t stop himself as he pulled her toward him. He gave her a chance to back away, but she didn’t. “Say my name, Jenny.”
    She swallowed. “Evan,” she breathed, and his mouth closed over hers.
    Evan shut everything out of his mind, except for the feel of Jenny’s body pressed against his. He drew a breathand inhaled her fresh scent. He reached up and cupped her head, feeling the silkiness of her hair. On a soft moan, she opened her mouth and he got to taste her intoxicating sweetness. He hadn’t realized how hungry she made him.
    He broke off the kiss but not his hold.
    â€œMaybe this isn’t a good idea,” Jenny breathed as her arms slipped around his neck.
    His mouth brushed over hers; he wasn’t listening at all to common sense. “It feels pretty damn good to me.”

CHAPTER SIX
    I T was a little before nine the following morning when Jenny came downstairs to the shop. Millie was already there, and, to her surprise, so were several other women. They were all seated at the round table at the window.
    â€œWhat’s going on?” Jenny asked as she came up next to her coworker.
    Millie took her to the table. “Meet the ladies of the Quilters’ Corner. You already know Beth Staley and this is Louisa Merrick and Liz Parker. And soon there will be more.”
    Jenny smiled, excited they were here. “Morning, ladies. I’m glad you’re taking advantage of the space.”
    Millie turned to her. “You know, most times when you get a bunch of women together there’s drama.”
    â€œThere’s just going to be quilting,” Louisa Merrick said. She was an attractive woman in her late fifties. Her raven hair was laced with gray and pulled into a bun, showing off her beautiful bone structure. Her dark eyes sparkled. “My husband, Clay, is a Texas politician. He causes enough drama.”
    Everyone laughed.
    â€œSounds like your life is exciting,” Jenny said, knowing a little of Senator Merrick’s reputation.
    Louisa smiled. “I’d rather have a houseful of grandkids to spoil, but my son, Sloan, is a little slow to fill my request.” Louisa smiled. “You say you’re single?”
    Jenny found herself stuttering. Please don’t let anyone set me up with a date.
    Beth spoke up. “Sloan is more interested in raising his free-range cattle than in women right now. Jenny’s been busy, too…with her girls’ class.”
    â€œHe’ll be interested,” Louisa assured her, “when he finds the right woman.” She looked encouragingly at Jenny.
    â€œI won’t be staying in town past the summer. I’ll be returning to San Antonio and my teaching job.”
    After a series of groans from the women, Beth started talking about her granddaughter, Kasey. And Jenny was happy to no longer be the main topic of discussion. What would everyone think if they knew Evan Rafferty had kissed the daylights out of her last night?
    She smiled to herself, knowing that, as much as she’d enjoyed the kiss, she couldn’t make too much out of it. Talk about a