Free A Cowboy Under the Mistletoe by CATHY GILLEN THACKER Page B

with Duchess lying on the floor next to it.
    An eyebrow lifted in silent inquiry.
    Self-consciously, Ally explained, “I needed to do work up here, and I didn’t think I should leave them unattended so soon.”
    Hank nodded, a knowing light in his midnight-blue eyes.
    â€œBy the way, the candy cane shaped coffeecake yourmother sent over was absolutely delicious.” The festive gift had sported a flaky golden bread, cranberry-cherry filling and cream cheese frosting.
    Hank folded his arms and propped one shoulder against the frame. “I’ll tell her you said so.” He nodded at the sophisticated ivory fabric she was measuring. “What are you doing here?”
    Ally picked up the shears and began to cut. “Making new drapes for the downstairs windows, to dress up the space.”
    He came closer, in a drift of sandalwood and leather cologne. “You know how to do that?”
    Her gaze flicked over his nice-fitting jeans and navy corduroy shirt, then rose in a guilty rush. “My mother taught me how to sew when I was eight. I helped her make custom slipcovers and draperies.” And she needed to stop remembering what it had been like to be held in his arms, kissing him passionately.
    Hank hooked his thumbs in the belt loops on either side of his fly. “I didn’t realize she had a business.”
    Ally swallowed around the sudden parched feeling of her throat. “They needed the income she brought in to buy more land.”
    His gaze roved her face, settling briefly on her mouth. A prickling, skittering awareness sifted through her. “And put you through college?” he added, almost as an afterthought.
    Ally tensed and marked off another length. “I did that myself.”
    Hank did a double take. “Seriously?”
    Ally picked up her shears once again. She bent her head, concentrating on her cutting. “They didn’t want me to leave Laramie County. They would have preferred I stay on the ranch and build a life here.”
    He came closer. “But you went anyway.”
    She sighed. “Like I said, I was determined to do things my own way.” She pushed the bad memories aside and turned her attention back to him. “And speaking of parents…what’s going on with you and your dad?”
    A muscle in his jaw flexed. “What do you mean?”
    Ally eyed him pointedly. “I saw the two of you come back. Neither of you looked particularly happy.”
    Hank shrugged and averted his gaze.
    â€œDoes the discord have something to do with the ranch?”
    His expression darkened. “Why would you think that?”
    â€œI’m not sure.” It was her turn to lift her shoulders. “I just do.”
    Silence fell. Hank looked as if he was about to say something, but didn’t. The quiet continued, fraught with tension.
    Aware this wasn’t the first time she’d been summarily cut out of a situation—her parents had done it all the time—Ally turned her attention back to her task and cut along the last line she had marked.
    Her feelings were hurt, but she wasn’t sure why—it shouldn’t matter if Hank confided in her or not. She cleared her throat, and added with as much indolence as she could manage, “Anyway, if that’s all…”
    â€œActually—” Hank’s frown deepened “—it’s not. I’ve got something I need to do in Laramie.”
    Could he be more vague?
    Could she be more nosy?
    Honestly! What was wrong with her today? Just because she and Hank had bonded a little over the birth of the litter, and exchanged one way-too-hot kiss, that was no reason to think they were involved in each other’s lives. Becausethey weren’t now, and definitely wouldn’t be once the ranch was sold!
    â€œCan you watch over Duchess and the pups a little while longer?”
    Trying to hide her disappointment at his sudden remoteness, Ally nodded.