Free The Cowboy And The Debutante by Stella Bagwell Page B

Anna’s cutting remarks he hadn’t been expecting any sort of thanks. And he suddenly realized this woman was everything but predictable.
    â€œYou’re welcome,” he murmured, then feeling more awkward than he could ever remember, he turned his attention to putting the food on the table.
    They had both filled their plates and taken several bites before the silence in the room was broken by Anna.
    â€œI don’t think you told me why you came back to the ranch tonight. Wouldn’t it have been easier to have stayed at the roundup camp with the other men? Now you’ll have that long ride back in the morning.”
    He glanced up from the steaming enchilada on his plate, then quickly wished he hadn’t. The sight of Anna with her wet curls and flimsy robe was enough to turn any man’s thoughts. Yet it was not her sexiness that was touching the deepest part of him. It was her frail, battered appearance. The purple bruise against her white face. Her bandaged hands trying to maneuver the simple act of eating. She was so young and innocent in many ways. And yet there was a weariness in her eyes that said she’d lived far too much too fast.
    â€œI wanted to see if you’d heard news from Adam. And I...well, I wasn’t too keen about leaving the ranch so deserted.”
    â€œI’m here. The place wouldn’t have been totally empty. Besides, no one ever makes mischief on the Bar M. I don’t suppose anything bad has happened on this place since—” She broke off and her mouth parted as she realized what she’d been about to say.
    He studied her for a few moments, then said, “Since Belinda Waller tried to burn it down twenty odd years ago.”
    Her brows lifted with even more surprise. “You know the story?”
    He hesitated, then nodded. “I wasn’t sure if you did. I shouldn’t have said anything.”
    She met his gaze head-on as though to assure him she wasn’t ashamed of how she and her twin came to be born. “Adam and I have known for years that Belinda Waller was our birth mother and Tomas Murdock was our actual father. Chloe and Wyatt never tried to keep the truth a secret from us or anyone. In fact, our parents always encouraged us to be proud of our heritage. And we are proud. At least I’m fairly certain Adam is. And I am, too.”
    His expression solemn, he studied her face. “I hear a but in there somewhere.”
    Anna found she couldn’t look at him, and she wasn’t at all sure why. She wasn’t ashamed of her mother. She simply had mixed emotions about her.
    â€œI guess it’s hard for me to accept that she left me and my brother on the porch of this ranch as if we were no more than a basket of laundry.”
    He let out a sigh. He didn’t want to feel anything for this woman. She was far richer than most women could ever dream of being. Yet he could see shadows of pain behind her pale green eyes, and that bothered Miguel. He of all people knew what it was like to hurt, to be betrayed by the one you loved.
    â€œFrom what I understand she was a troubled woman on drugs at the time. She thought she was leaving you in the care of your father.”
    â€œYes. She didn’t know he was already dead from a heart attack. Realistically I understand all that. I guess it’s the maternal instinct in me that cringes at the idea of giving up your own flesh and blood. And then to think she tried to burn the ranch down and nearly killed my Aunt Rose and Uncle Harlan in the process. It’s not something I want to go around repeating to just anyone. I’m surprised you knew about her.”
    â€œI imagine the story of Belinda and Tomas will always be repeated by the people in Lincoln County. Especially with you twins being a reminder of their affair.”
    Earlier, Anna’s stomach had been craving food, now she wasn’t sure if she could finish what was left on her plate. She forced