Free The Rancher's Twin Troubles by Laura Marie Altom Page A

anything could happen. “It’s only fair you be as far from your comfort zone as I am from mine.”
    â€œWh-what’s that supposed to mean? Beyond our conversations about Betsy and Bonnie, I hardly even know you.”
    â€œYes, but would you like to? That was kind of the idea behind tonight.”
    â€œNo,” she said, ducking under his arms to escape. “That’s not what I want at all. I lead a wonderfullypeaceful life—at least I did before your twins took over my classroom.”
    â€œMe, too—I mean, my days are all fairly predictable. And that works for me. Only thing not working lately, are my irrational urges to kiss you.”
    Josie was no medical expert, but didn’t people die from racing hearts? Dallas stood miles into her personal space, smelling like every forbidden fruit. Cotton candy. Caramel apples. All things she craved, but as a responsible adult, steered clear of. His warm exhalations teased her upper lip. His blazing blue eyes held an open challenge.
    â€œPlease, Josie, tell me I don’t want to kiss you.”
    She gulped. “You don’t. For the twins, we should be friends, but nothing more.”
    â€œAgreed.”
    â€œTh-then why,” she asked with hitched breath, “are you still so near?”
    â€œGod’s honest truth?” He leaned in close enough for her to taste his sweet breath, but then sighed before backing away. “Don’t have a clue. But trust me, won’t happen again.”
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    â€œ O OOH, A BOXED SET OF Dawson’s Creek .” Josie snatched her treasure before any of her fellow yard sale aficionados had the chance. For only eight on Saturday morning, the crowds were already thick.
    â€œAvoid the topic all you want,” Natalie said, having found her own treasure in the form of three wicker baskets. She used them for making care packages for sick coworkers or students whose families could use a littleanonymous help. “But mark my words, you’re falling for Dallas Buckhorn.”
    â€œThat’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard you say.” Josie added a few lightly read picture books to her must have pile. “I’m not sure how, but Dallas and I have forged a unique friendship.”
    Natalie snorted. “Based upon mutual hotness?”
    Josie hit her over the head with a Thomas the Tank Engine pillow.
    â€œNo need for violence,” Nat complained, “especially when you know I’m right. You’re cute. He’s approaching human god status. Whatever you want to label it, you two just might work.”
    The day was gorgeous. Cool and crisp without a cloud in the sky. So why did her friend seem intent on ruining it? Natalie, better than anyone, knew her past. She knew why Josie had dedicated her life to teaching and helping children while whenever possible avoiding men.
    Though Natalie’s lighthearted tone told Josie she was kidding, it was hardly a secret that as much as Josie didn’t want a romantic entanglement, her friend did. “I’ve got an even better idea. What if you believe me that I’m not interested in Dallas and you go for him?”
    â€œNah.” Nose wrinkled, Nat said, “Considering how hard he’s tried to impress you, what with the ponies and cupcakes and donuts, I think he’s all yours.”
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    M ONDAY MORNING, J OSIE found herself in the awful position of not only being called to substitute bus duty, but doing it in a relentless downpour. Cold to the point her teeth were chattering, she tried being cheerful aboutdirecting shrieking first, second and third graders off their buses and into the school gym. Only two of her students rode the bus and they were both already safely inside.
    The few students who walked to school wore rain boots and carried umbrellas. The girls huddled together to stay dry, while the boys pretended they had swords, giving little thought to the fact that they’d be