Ledbetter, I did not mean to insult your town.”
“So you’d rather insult me?”
She crossed her arms, which only brought his attention back to her ample bosom.
He looked the other way before she caught him. He didn’t think she’d appreciate his interest.
THE LAZY L LOOMED ahead of her, looking like a picture postcard. Nestled against the Rocky Mountains, the two-story ranch house, barn and numerous outbuildings wrapped in a split-rail fence were just what Andrea had expected.
Hank pulled the Lexus up to the main entrance. Before he could come around and open her door, she was out of the car, eager to meet her other hosts.
“This is beautiful,” she said, looking around her.
“Yeah,” Hank agreed, and she realized that was the first statement from her he didn’t argue with.
He moved to the trunk to get her bags at the same time as the front door opened and a couple came out, followed by two Labrador puppies.
The young woman approached, her hand outstretched in greeting. “I’m Jessica Bradford. Welcome to the Lazy L.”
“And I’m Jim Bradford. I spoke to you on the phone.”
Andrea shook their hands. “You certainly have a lovely place.”
“Thank you,” Jessica said. “We’ll leave your bags for the men to bring in. Let’s get inside where it’s warm.” She whistled to the dogs, who followed obediently.
The house was everything Andrea thought it would be. Warm and rustic with western accents.
“Let’s go into the living room. Jim built a fire and I made some treats for us.”
“That’s so nice of you. But your brother stopped at a restaurant on the way. I’m afraid I couldn’t eat another bite.”
“Hank will, though,” Jessica said in a mock whisper. “In case you didn’t notice, he’s a bottomless pit.”
Andrea laughed, and realized she felt comfortable for the first time since getting off the plane.
Everything was going to be fine, she told herself. She needn’t worry. Jessica was friendly and the ranch was beautiful. The Lazy L was going to be the perfect place to learn to ride and put her plan into action.
Now all she had to do was steer clear of Mr. Sourpuss.
Andrea sat down on one of the sofas. “I’m eager to get started with my lessons,” she began. “Can you introduce me to the cowboy who’ll be my teacher?”
Jessica shot her a puzzled look. “Didn’t Hank tell you? He’s your teacher.”
Chapter Two
Andrea felt her spirit fall like a boulder through water. She nearly sputtered when she tried to speak. “Wha…I…” She gave up.
“Is something wrong, Andrea?” her gracious hostess asked.
Wrong? Other than the fact that she was about to spend the next month with that grizzly bear of a man, what could be wrong?
Jessica’s face fell. “Oh, no!” she cried. “What did he do?”
Andrea forced her mind to focus. Though she made a mental list of every one of Hank’s offenses, she said nothing because Jim and the man himself walked in.
“So,” Jim Bradford said. “Did you enjoy the trip from the airport?”
Before Andrea could reply, Hank spoke up. “She slept the whole way. Missed all that pretty scenery.”
Jessica nearly gasped. “But surely you could understand, Hank. Miss Jacobs must have been up at the crack of dawn for her flight.” Her eyes flashed at her brother.
Hank shrugged. “She didn’t tell me that.” He didn’t hide his annoyance.
Andrea caught the look he shot her from under partly closed lids, and she wanted to scream. Surely there was another riding instructor at the ranch. There was no way she could spend a month with this irritating, stubborn boor.
Jim stepped forward and defused the situation. He smiled as he sat next to his wife. “So, Andrea, we’re happy to have you. Have you ever been on a horse before?”
“No, I haven’t.”
Hank let out an audible groan.
She ignored him. “But I can be taught, right?”
Jim nodded. “Hank’s a great teacher for an untrained rider.”
“What brings you all the way to Colorado for riding lessons?” Hank asked from the doorway. He’d refused to sit. “No stables in New York?”
“As I told your brother-in-law on the phone I want to ride like a cowboy.”
“We’ll see. After all, I only have a month.”
“I’m a quick study, Mr. Ledbetter.”
He gave her a level look. “Again, we’ll see.” Then his gaze locked with hers. “Are there a lot of cowboys in New York City for you to ride with?”
“No. I…I’m going to visit someone after I leave here.” Surely there was no harm in revealing that much, Andrea thought.
“Who?” Hank barked.
Andrea lowered her gaze. “No one you know, I’m sure.”
“I don’t think an inquisition is necessary, Hank,” Jim interjected. “We’re all glad Andrea chose us.”
“Fine!” Hank snapped. “I’m going out to the barn to do what cowboys do.” He stalked out of the room, calling for the dogs to follow.
Jim stood up. “I’d better go talk with your instructor.” He nodded to his wife as he left.
When both men were out of earshot, Jessica turned to Andrea. “Was that how he behaved with you earlier?”
Andrea was reluctant to tell her. “Well, mostly. But I guess I’m to blame, too. I seem to say the wrong thing around him.”
“Don’t be sorry. My brother can be…uncivilized at times. But you won’t find a better teacher east or west of the Rockies.”
“I’m sure,” Andrea said with a weak smile.
All she was really sure of was how long and painful the next month would be.
HANK DREADED the coming weeks. Thirty days of hell with an irritating city girl.
He’d managed to escape the homey little scene in the living room and was now in the horse barn mucking out stalls, venting
