Free Where Have All the Cowboys Gone? by Kate Pearce

in me?’
    Lauren caught his hand. ‘Because you’re tall, dark and handsome and you make time for her.’ She raised her eyebrows as Grayson continued to shake his head. ‘Don’t worry. It doesn’t take much for a girl that age to fall in love.’
    She sensed Marcie’s return and swiftly released Grayson’s hand. ‘Whatever you do, don’t let her know you know, just try and treat her the same.’
    ‘What?’ Grayson hissed but it was too late for Lauren to elaborate. Marcie arrived at the table, a cup of coffee in one hand and a bottle of water in the other.
    ‘Here you go, the food won’t be long.’
    She turned to leave and Lauren cleared her throat. ‘Could I have a glass for the water and some ice, please?’
    Marcie rolled her eyes and cast a martyred look at Grayson who pretended not to notice. After a long while, Marcie returned with the ice-filled glass and thumped it down onto the table. Ignoring Lauren, she leant towards Grayson as if she wanted to tell him a secret.
    ‘Dad says to ask you if you’re coming to the Ranchers’ Association fund-raiser tonight.’
    Grayson looked across at Lauren. ‘I forgot about that. I’m not sure . . .’
    Marcie’s face fell and Lauren said, ‘It’s all right, Grayson, you can go if you want. I’ve got masses of work to catch up with.’
    Grayson reached across the table, cupped Lauren’s chin with his fingers and pulled her close to kiss her mouth. ‘You could come with me?’
    Lauren lost her bearings as Grayson ran his thumb across her lips. ‘OK.’
    Marcie made a disgusted noise and retreated to the kitchen banging the door behind her with such force that the silverware on the countertop rattled.
    Lauren tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. ‘I sure hope she doesn’t poison my salad.’
    Grayson grinned. ‘I’ll taste it for you first to make sure it’s OK.’
    Batting her eyelashes at him, Lauren cooed, ‘No way, cowboy. If I let you near my salad you’d probably eat it all.’
    The kitchen door opened again and a large man in a striped apron came towards them bearing two loaded plates. He took a long look at Lauren when he presented her with the salad and then stuck out his hand.
    ‘Now I understand why Marcie’s gone home in a huff. Hi, I’m Alan Howard, Marcie’s dad.’
    Lauren returned the handshake. ‘Hi, Alan, I’m Lauren.’
    Alan winked at Grayson. ‘I think you just broke Marcie’s heart.’
    Grayson groaned. ‘Did everyone know about this but me?’
    Lauren hid a smile as Alan nodded. ‘Pretty much. In a small town like this we need all the gossip we can get.’
    Alan moved back from the table, wiped his hands on his apron and paused. ‘Hey, I’m glad you’re coming to the fund-raiser tonight,’ he said. ‘There’s been some opposition to your plans for the town’s development. You might want to lay on the charm and put out a few fires.’
    When they returned to the truck, Lauren studied Grayson’s profile. He hadn’t volunteered any further information as to what Alan Howard meant. Lauren was dying to ask even though she knew it was yet another dangerous step towards a more intimate relationship than she wanted.
    She sighed and returned her gaze to the open fields. Why should he tell her anything? She was only here for the weekend, not for life.
    Grayson gave a low chuckle and put his hand on her knee. ‘Go on, spit it out. I know you’re burning up with curiosity.’
    Lauren continued to look out of the window. ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m just admiring the view.’
    Grayson moved his warm palm further up her thigh and pressed his fingers to the junction of her legs. ‘I’ll tell you if you promise to make it worth my while.’
    Crossing one leg over the other, Lauren trapped Grayson’s hand. ‘And how might I do that?’
    He gave her a sleepy smile which shouted sex. ‘You’re doing just fine, honey. I like the way you’re so quick to take a man up on his