The Cowboy She Couldn't Forget. Patricia Thayer

She rolled her suitcase into the bedroom and closed the door.

      “It’s going to be a long night,” he breathed, then said into the phone, “I’d like to order two steaks, medium rare, with baked potatoes and green salad.”

      They told him thirty minutes. Restless, he went to the mini bar and opened it to find beverages. He bypassed the bottles of beer for a soda. Opening it, he went to the window and drew back the curtains to reveal the millions of lights of Los Angeles. He suddenly missed the isolation of the ranch. Not many lights out there, just millions of stars in the sky.

      He turned and found Ana standing across the room. She was still wearing her dark slacks and print blouse, but she was barefoot. “I called the hospital. Dad is resting comfortably. That’s a good thing, since he starts therapy tomorrow. I’d like to be there.”

      “Not sure Colt will be happy about that. I doubt he wants anyone to see him weak.”

      “Well, he’s going to have to get used to it, because he doesn’t have a choice.”

      Vance couldn’t help but smile. Ana was definitely her father’s daughter.

      “I also want to apologize to you.”

      He liked her being feisty; it helped him keep a safe distance from her. “For what?”

      “For arguing about the room. We’re both too tired to go looking for another hotel. We’re adults and can handle sharing a space for one night.”

      He nodded, but wasn’t so sure. He hadn’t been able to spend much time with Ana in the last few years. He’d hoped that would dim his feelings for her. No such luck. He ran his fingers through his hair. “Seems we’ve been thrown together in an awkward situation. It’s been years since we’ve spent any time together. I can see where you’d feel we’re strangers.”

      She fought a grin. “Yeah, you’re the brother I never wanted.”

      He’d never felt brotherly about her. “Was that why you pretty much hated my guts?”

      She frowned. “Hate is a strong word. Angry, maybe, because of the attention you got from Dad.”

      “I wish I could have helped that situation.”

      Ana shook her head. “No one crossed Colt Slater.”

      Not true. Vance had one time, when he’d broken that promise to stay away from Colt’s daughters. Ana had been the only one who tempted him, that day in the barn when he’d kissed her.

      He shook away the memory. “I wish I could have helped, anyway.”

      A knock sounded on the door. “That’s fast.” He answered it, expecting supper, but found a bellman with an ice bucket holding a bottle of wine and two glasses.

      “Mr. Rivers. Compliments of the management,” he said, and waited as Vance stepped aside for him to enter the room. The man set the wine next to the table and began to uncork the bottle. He poured a small amount in a glass and held it out to Vance, who took a taste and nodded. “Very good.”

      “Thank you, sir. It’s from a local winery just north of Los Angeles.”

      As he filled both glasses, Vance took out some bills and handed them to the waiter, who then left.

      “Seems you made an impression on a certain desk clerk,” Ana said.

      Vance picked up one glass and handed it to her. “Jessica is the assistant manager.”

      Ana hesitated, but accepted it. “I’m not much of a drinker.”

      “Nor am I, but I think tonight one glass wouldn’t hurt.” He raised his glass to her in a toast, then took another drink. “Come see the L.A. stars.”

      Ana wasn’t sure if drinking alcohol was a good idea, but she didn’t have to go anywhere. She walked to the big window. “Where?”

      He pointed downward. “They’re down there. See all the lights.”

      She smiled, aware of the big man standing very near to her. “Oh, my. That’s a lot of houses.”

      “It looks crowded, too. How do they stand being so close together?”

      Ana took another sip, enjoying the taste as the liquid slid down easily. She sipped again and her body began to relax. “And the noise? How do they stand all the noise and traffic?”

      He shrugged. “I have no idea. I feel I was pretty lucky to end up at the Lazy S.”

      “I know.” She faced him, feeling overwhelmed by everything that had happened the past week. “I don’t want to lose the ranch, Vance. I can’t.”

      He looked down at her. “I promise, Ana. I won’t let that happen.”

      “So you’ll help me?”

      She realized that his gaze dropped to her mouth. And she suddenly remembered another time when he looked at her that same way. Right before he kissed her. “You don’t even have to ask, bright eyes.”

      His deep, husky voice caused a warm shiver to rush down her spine. She took another sip and suddenly felt light-headed, not knowing if it was the wine or the man. She reached out and touched his forearm to steady herself. Big mistake, looking into his dark eyes. “I like when you call me that.” Did she really say that out loud?

      Vance frowned. “I think you need to eat something.” He took their wineglasses and set them on the table. “Come to think about it, you didn’t finish much of your lunch.”

      Reality came back full force. “Arguing with my sisters always causes me to lose my appetite.” She felt the tears welling up. “They are so angry with Dad, but I can’t blame them.”

      He gripped her upper arms. “Look, Ana, you need to give them some time. I have a feeling they’ll find their way back home.”

      She hesitated, so aware of his touch. “Will you leave the ranch if Colt doesn’t get better?”

      “Do you want me to leave?”

      Ana couldn’t imagine the Lazy S without him. She shook her head. “No. You have to stay. I mean, you know the operation, the cattle and the crops.”

      Vance knew that Ana was exhausted. The last few days were beginning to take a toll. Mix in wine and that could mean trouble. What he did like was how agreeable she was with him, and so close. It would be easy to lean down and kiss that tempting mouth of hers.

      Whoa. He quickly shook away the thought and stepped back. “Then let’s come up with a way to make money.”

      She picked up her wineglass and took another sip. “What about the roundup?”

      “With low cattle prices and our smaller herd, it’s not enough. Besides, there’s something you girls need to know....” He paused as Ana looked at him with her deep blue eyes. The last thing he wanted to do was give her any more bad news.