The Cowboy Meets His Match. Roxann Delaney

to his back pocket, juggling the backpack he wore, while keeping a tight grip on his duffel bag. “Right here.”

      “No, that’s okay,” Jake said, stopping him. “I can get that later. How much do you know about horses?”

      “Not a whole lot,” Jonah answered, truthfully this time. “But I’m willing to learn.” When Jake started to shake his head, Jonah hurried on. “I’m a quick learner.” Even his dad said so, not that he cared what his dad said.

      Jake glanced at the woman, who shrugged, and then he asked another question. “Do you live around here, Jonah?”

      “No, sir. Up north.”

      Jake looked at him, his eyes squinting a little. “Where, exactly, would that be?”

      Jonah hoped he didn’t have to get too specific, or the whole thing might blow up. He wasn’t ready to walk away, not until he found who he’d set out to look for, got a few questions answered and then said what he’d come to say.

      “I’m from Kansas,” he answered.

      The woman took a small step back but didn’t say anything. He pretended he didn’t notice, but then she pinned him in place with a look that would have frozen anyone with half a brain.