Free Crazy For the Cowboy by Vicki Lewis Thompson Page A

whole concept creeps me out. It’s so nineteenth century.”
    â€œBut if Charmaine’s fine with it and she finds herself a millionaire, then—”
    â€œMom’s hoping for a billionaire.”
    â€œOh, jeez.”
    â€œYeah. But she’d settle for a millionaire.”
    â€œOkay, either way, if Charmaine comes through, your mom can move to Dallas. I know she hates it here.”
    â€œAnd you’d get your house back,” Anastasia said quietly.
    â€œNo, that’s not what I meant.” But it actually was. She had to be more careful about telegraphing how much she wanted her stepmother out of that house. Despite Evelyn’s flaws, Anastasia loved her. If Evelyn moved away, Anastasia might go with her. That would kind of suck.
    â€œIt’s okay, Georgie. I get it. You have all the responsibility and none of the power.”
    Georgie shrugged. “Oh, well. Can’t do anything about that at this very moment, so let’s forget about it for now.” She gestured toward the door that led into Sadie’s Saloon. “Besides, we’re here.”
    â€œI know, and I’m nervous as hell. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea, after all.”
    â€œComing down for a drink or showing Mac your drawing?”
    â€œBoth, but mostly showing him my work. I’m having second thoughts about that.”
    Georgie turned to face her. “I don’t want to push you into anything, but I can guarantee that all three of those cowboys will be impressed. How long has it been since you’ve shown your work to anyone besides your immediate family?”
    â€œNot since I left art school.”
    â€œYou got out of the habit, so of course you’re nervous. But what good is talent if it’s not shared?”
    Anastasia smiled. “You sound like one of my professors. Okay, I’ll do it, as long as we walked down here and I have you as backup.”
    â€œI’ll be right there, but just remember how much you loved drawing that picture and how eager you were to give it to him right after it was finished. If he’d been standing at the bottom of the stairs in our house, you would have handed it over immediately. But now you’ve had a chance to think about it and you’ve got cold feet. That’s only natural.”
    â€œAnd speaking of cold feet, it’s chilly out here! Let’s go in where it’s warm.”
    â€œExactly. But promise you’ll show him the picture right away. Don’t put it off, or you might change your mind.”
    â€œDamn, Georgie. You know me too well. Okay, right away, the minute we get in there.” Taking a deep breath, she opened the door.
    As Georgie followed her inside, she noticed that the cowboys sat at the bar in the same order they’d taken the night before, with Travis closest to the door, Mac in the middle, and Vince on the far side. They all glanced toward the door in unison and wore matching expressions of astonishment, as if the moment had been choreographed. Georgie worked hard to keep from laughing.
    Ike looked surprised, too, but he recovered more quickly than the others. “Welcome, ladies! I didn’t expect the pleasure of your company tonight. Have a seat wherever you like. What can I get you?”
    â€œRed wine for me,” Georgie said.
    â€œA draft for me.” Anastasia set down her messenger bag and pulled out the sketch. “But first I have something for Mac, if he wants it.” She held it toward him.
    Mac’s eyes widened as he carefully took the sheet of paper. Then he sucked in a breath. “Damn!”
    â€œLet’s see.” Vince left his stool and peered over Mac’s shoulder. “Wow. That’s incredible.”
    â€œIt is.” Travis shook his head. “You are one lucky SOB, Mac Foster, getting something that awesome.”
    Mac lifted his gaze. “I don’t know what to say, Anastasia. This is the best thing