Free The Rancher's Twin Troubles by Laura Marie Altom

the feeling you’re not all that thrilled with men as a species? Been hurt?”
    â€œMore in the realm of pulverized, but let’s not ruin our night.” Logic would dictate that after such a statement, she’d free her hold on his hands, but instead, she tightened her grip.
    â€œWant me to roughen him up?” Dallas suggested. One thing he never backed down from was a good fight.
    â€œNo use. He did the job for you.”
    Forehead furrowed, he said, “I don’t get it.”
    â€œNever mind. I shouldn’t have said anything.”
    â€œBut you did.” And he needed to know why those few words had her rummaging through her purse for tissue she used to wipe the corners of her eyes.
    With a jolt, their car began the long journey down. All of the occupants around them clapped and cheered.
    â€œWhat a relief, huh?” Josie’s smile was forced. Her expression tight, as if the effort of making casual conversation was too much. “Bet you’ll be glad to get your feet back on the ground.”
    A few minutes earlier, he would have, but now, all he wanted was to return light to her eyes.
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    â€œH OW ADORABLE.” J OSIE KNELT in front of the 4-H craft display, wondering at all of the work nimble fingers hadput into the dollhouse. The home had been outfitted with pint-size solar panels and was part of an exhibit designed to explore nontraditional forms of energy. “I never get tired of seeing what kids can do.”
    â€œYou seem to have a real affinity for children.”
    â€œThey’re amazing.” She studied the bios of the eight fourth-graders who’d worked on the project. “With them you always know where you stand. No mind games.”
    â€œExperienced much of that? People messing with your head?”
    She shrugged. “Enough to know it sucks.”
    Moving on to a photo display, he said, “Considering how many times you’ve dealt with my girls and your recent Ferris wheel rescue of me, I owe you an ear if you ever need anyone to listen.”
    â€œThanks.” She angled toward him, fidgeting with her hands. The turn in conversation was awkward to say the least. In fact, the whole night had been forced. Oh—and she wouldn’t even try denying that while they’d been crammed together three stories in the air, every time they touched sparked hot, achy awareness she’d rather forget. “Really. But when it comes to personal matters, I prefer keeping them to myself.”
    â€œOuch. I would’ve liked to think we’re friends. Especially since this is our first official date.”
    â€œIs that what tonight is?” Two boys ran between them, shooting at each other with wooden rifles. The distraction gave her time to think. “Because the idea of dating someone—even a guy as great as you—isn’t at all appealing.”
    Alongside a terrarium loaded with lizards, he froze. “Talk about a ballbuster. That hurts.”
    â€œPlease don’t take it personally. It’s not a rejection of you, so much as the principle. I have a hard enough time figuring out what to do with myself, let alone someone else.”
    â€œFair enough. Truthfully, I feel the same. But then chemistry kicks in. Confuses the hell out of me.”
    Sharply looking away to hide her blush, Josie fought for air. He’d noticed? The way each time they touched the temperature rose by ten degrees? “You’re making me uncomfortable.”
    â€œGood.” They’d wandered into the vegetable area of the show barn. Judging had long since been completed and plates of carrots, zucchinis and green beans were no longer a big draw. Nearly alone in the mammoth space, Dallas stopped in front of her, bracing both of his hands on a display table. He hadn’t even touched her, yet his proximity was unbearable. As usual when he was near, caged excitement coursed through her. As if whenever the man was around,