Free It's In His Heart (A Red River Valley Novel) by Shelly Alexander

gonna sit here if y’all start up with those books again. It’s not proper dinner conversation. Coop’s the one that brought it up in the first place.”
    “Well, get used to it, mister, because the ladies and I are meeting here twice a week for lunch to discuss them. Sort of like a book club. And these books,” she picked up her copy and waved it in the air, “are just the first two in a long series.”
    “Then I guess I won’t be joining you for lunch anymore,” Hank said, slamming his hat down on his head. He stood up.
    “I guess you won’t.” Donna pushed her chair back. She stood, fists planted on her hips. “And I guess you can sleep on the sofa again since you like it so much.” Donna stormed out with Hank on her heels.
    Ella threw her napkin over her chili-smeared plate. “I’m leaving, too.” She stood, grabbing her purse. “Thanks for lunch, Butch. Next time it’s on me.” She turned to the others still seated and said her good-byes. She ignored Coop.
    “We’ll see you tonight, Ella,” said Brianna, trying to sound cheerful, but the elephant in the room was hard to ignore.
    As Ella strode to the door, her posture rigid, Ross stood up and gave Coop a slap on the back. “Good goin’, buddy. You really have a way with women,” Ross said. “Remind me not ask you for advice on how to make a good impression on a gal.”
    Joe’s front door swung closed after Ella stepped through it. Coop shook his head. “Why would you want to do that? Women are nothing but trouble.”
    Ross put his hat on and flipped the brim. “Maybe, but a woman as pretty as Ella is the best kind of trouble a man could ask for.” He threw a tip down on the table. “I’m kinda glad you can’t see it. Gives a guy like me a better chance.”
    Ross walked to the door and tossed a nod at everyone. “See y’all tonight.”
    Not if I see you first. Coop wouldn’t allow himself to say it out loud. Even he could see how childish his favorite high school barb was. He should be glad someone was interested in Ella. If she started dating, it might get her out of his hair. She dominated the cabin, as it stood now. Constantly cleaning, making the place smell good. Walking into the bathroom was like entering the Twilight Zone. Even her toothbrush was pink and her soap smelled all fruity. And what was she doing on that laptop half the night? When he lay in bed, he could hear her banging away on the keyboard until all hours.
    He stayed out of the cabin as much as possible to avoid Ella. Dating would get her out of his way and at least give him some privacy. He should cheer Ross on. The big guy would be doing him a favor.
    So, why did he want to smack Ross for even suggesting it?

C hapte r S even

    Just before Bradley proposed, he and Ella drove up to Red River for a four-day weekend. The first day they spent a few hours on the slopes, then returned to the cabin and built a fire. Bradley uncorked a bottle of white wine and made pasta with clam sauce while fresh snow fell, blanketing the mountainous landscape.
    It was a winter wonderland, and by far the most romantic day of Ella’s life. She wanted him, needed him. Badly. The glass of wine having gone to her head, she patted the empty seat next to her, and Bradley joined her on the sofa.
    Her schoolteacher inhibitions tossed to the wind, she kissed him deeply and passionately and pulled at his sweater.
    “Come on.” He tried to rise, tugging her with him, but she tugged back.
    “Make love to me here. In front of the fire.”
    He laughed. “The shades are open.”
    “So?” She pulled him back down. “Your cabin’s surrounded by trees.”
    He settled on top of her. Wrapping her long legs around his waist, she ran her palms under his sweater and caressed his back.
    He nuzzled her neck. “I need to get you tipsy more often.”
    She giggled. “It doesn’t take much to get me tipsy. Then you can have your way with me.”
    “I noticed.” He nipped at her earlobe, and a shiver