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THIS COWBOY WON’T QUIT
Jake Scott welcomed the invitation from Kenzie Grant’s father to visit their ranch in Idaho. It was a chance to help out an old family friend, and to see Kenzie again. But judging by her frosty reception, his old friend wasn’t informed—and isn’t amused. The stunning little spitfire that dogged him around when they were kids has grown into a fabulous force to be reckoned with. And he’s in her crosshairs.
It’s tough to tell which she resents most—his advice on eco-friendly ranching methods or just his presence. Either way, he’s got her riled. Just not in the way he’d hoped. How can he convince her that working together could be the best thing for the ranch…and for them?
“I have a job to do.”
“Well, do it and leave,” she told him.
Jake shrugged. “I can’t. You refuse to cooperate.”
“Fine, be stubborn.”
“I’m not. It’s just—”
“Just what?”
Kenzie was spitting mad now, he could tell…and she looked more adorable than ever.
“Jake Scott, you drive me crazy.”
He couldn’t help the smile that came from somewhere deep within him. She sounded exactly like that feisty girl with the heart of gold he’d fallen for all those years ago. “Kenzie Grant, I sometimes believe that’s my whole purpose in life.”
She let out a throaty little groan and then abruptly disappeared inside the farmhouse. Next, the porch window they shared was slammed shut so hard the lamp beside his bed bounced off the table and landed on the floor, shattering the bulb.
“So not my finest moment,” he muttered and looked up at the starry night sky and prayed.
The Grant family, comprised mostly of women, is at it again in this story of childhood rivals. Jake and Kenzie have been trying to outdo each other ever since they first met on his family ranch in Montana, when she was still carrying around a doll in her back pocket and he was dreaming of rodeos.
Now that they’re all grown up, that rivalry hasn’t stopped. Matter of fact, it gets stronger when Kenzie learns Jake has been called in to help her turn the family ranch into a more “natural” enterprise.
What?
I love writing about a character who has developed his or her own set of rules to live by, and seems to be doing quite well, until someone arrives and upsets the applecart. It always makes for a fun story with lots of soul-searching for each character. Who has to change the most or compromise the most to gain what they ultimately want…true love?
I hope you fall in love with Kenzie and Jake as much as I did while writing about them. Writing an entire story is such a personal experience, one that always amazes me. A character comes up and taps me on the shoulder and says, “It’s time you told my story, and it’s a doozy!” How can I refuse? I can’t, so I begin, and what ends up on the page is me channeling that character. It’s something I love to do, and hope you love to read.
All best,
Mary
Facebook: maryleoauthor
Twitter: @maryleoauthor
A Cowboy to Kiss
Mary Leo
USA TODAY bestselling author MARY LEO grew up in south Chicago in the tangle of a big Italian family. She’s worked in Hollywood, Las Vegas and Silicon Valley. Currently she lives in San Diego with her husband, author Terry Watkins, and their sweet kitty, Sophie. Visit her website at maryleo.com.
For Louise (Watkins) Stover, my sister-in-law
July 1939–October 2016
Louise introduced me to high tea and taught me that three hours of shopping in one store was just the beginning. The laughter and love we shared on those fun excursions will never be replaced or forgotten. Louise accepted this city girl on her farm with no questions asked, and gave me a love of rural life that I would not have experienced if she hadn’t welcomed me into the family. Thank you for your patience and all those superb family dinners. Every time I write a story about a cowboy, I’m reminded of those inspirational days on her farm in Quakertown, PA.
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