Free Heartbreak Ranch by Kylie Brant Page A

glass on the bar with a restrained clink, hegrasped Julianne’s arm in his hand. “Excuse us,” he muttered, and pushed Julianne toward the dance floor. “Not for the first time, I’m regretting your lack of discipline as a child.” He wondered wistfully if it was too late to rectify that void in her upbringing.
    â€œI didn’t need much discipline as a child,” she answered brightly, linking her arms around his neck and swaying to the music. “I was exceedingly well behaved.”
    â€œOnly when you slept.”
    â€œNo need to get nasty. I was just rescuing you from that woman’s clutches.”
    He sent a considering glance to the brunette. She’d already attached herself to another man, who looked slightly dazed at his good fortune. “Maybe I liked being in her clutches.”
    â€œShe’d only have used you for mindless sex,” Julianne predicted.
    He closed his eyes and wondered if a minor miracle would be too much to pray for. Apparently so. Julianne was still there when his eyes reopened.
    â€œThere are worse ways to go.”
    She cocked her head. “I thought about telling her you had a social disease, but she looked too determined to let a minor detail like that put her off.”
    His temples began to throb, a sure indication that he’d spent too much time in her company. “I just hope that’s the least of the trouble you’ve caused tonight. Just tell me that Senator Cunningham isn’t threatening to have my state citizenship revoked, and I’ll get started on a little damage control.” The music changed to a slow, haunting ballad, and he automatically adjusted his steps to hers.
    â€œOh, ye of little faith,” she scoffed. “I’ll have you know that Senator Cunningham is giving serious consideration to sponsoring a bill to revise the schedule of charges for grazing on public lands.”
    He couldn’t help it. He stopped and stared at her. “No way. We’ve been asking him for that for two years and haven’t gotten anything more than a growl from him. What the hell did you say to him?”
    With a gentle nudge, she reminded his feet to start moving again. “Oh, this and that. You know, he really is quite sweet if you take the time to get to know him. I think he’s just shy.”
    He gaped at her, incredulous. Sweet. Percy Cunningham. He gave his head a shake to clear it. Julianne would probably refer to a snarling mountain lion as a nice kitty. An unwilling grin pulled at the corner of his mouth.
    â€œI know I’m going to hate myself for asking, but just how did you manage that?”
    Her head tilted up and her eyes met his, a self-satisfied smile on her face. “By taking the time to find out what’s important to him.”
    His lack of comprehension must have shown on his face, because she went on to explain. “Your problem, Jed, is you’ve never learned the art of social conversation. Your communication skills are limited to receiving or giving only the information necessary to get from point A to point B .”
    He didn’t pretend not to take offense. “What else is there?”
    â€œConcern, interest. Did you know that Senator Cunningham was worried about maintaining multiple use on public lands and feared that overgrazing would limit accessibility for recreational purposes?”
    His brows drew together. “The association has long worked to increase technical assistance to the ranchers about responsible conservation practices. We know darnwell that our efforts at improving the land will actually benefit all users, regardless of their purpose.”
    â€œSounds like you’re both on the same page, then. Have you actually sat down and explained that to him?”
    His jaw snapped shut.
    â€œI thought not. Try listening to his concerns before you expect him to listen to yours. Did you know that his daughter, Celia, was Montana’s