A Rancher of Her Own. Barbara Daille White

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СКАЧАТЬ “I’ve heard that one before.” He settled into a chair at a table for two near the wall. Maybe the space would help him cool down a bit. “Must cost you a fortune in film.”

      She shook her head. “This camera’s digital. That means it goes straight from the camera to the computer.”

      “Didn’t know you could do that,” he said.

      She must not have picked up on his teasing. Eyebrows shooting up in surprise, she glanced at him. “Come on. You’ve got a camera phone, haven’t you?”

      “Yeah.” He shrugged. “I’ve never used it to take a picture, and I don’t mind saying—”

      “—I’m danged proud of it,” she finished. “I could just hear that coming. But don’t tell me you don’t use a computer.”

      He couldn’t honestly say that but wanted to agree, just to see her reaction.

      “You would have to,” she went on. “You must deal with budgets and payroll and other reports for the ranch.”

      “Tina generally takes care of all those.”

      She took the chair opposite his. Her camera sounded hollow as she set it on the tabletop. “You’re telling me your fingers never touch a keyboard?” she asked. “Not even for email?”

      “From time to time,” he admitted. “Not more than I can help it.” He ran his fingertips along the surface of the table. “Feel this.” He took her hand and laid it flat on the table, his fingers covering hers. She looked quickly at him, but didn’t pull away.

      “This was once a tree,” he said, “something alive and breathing. Something natural, not like the plastic and metal in that camera of yours.” She freed her hand and reached for the hunk of metal again, as if the small lump of man-made material were formed of solid gold. As if she couldn’t function without it. He shrugged. “I prefer wood and wool to computers or video games. Or any kind of electronics.”

      “Oh. Well...why stop there? Why not give up electricity altogether? You could have Rachel do her homework by candlelight.” She laughed. Her eyes sparkled. “How do you feel about indoor plumbing, by the way? There’s plenty of wide-open space out here to set up a few outhouses.”

      “Very funny.” He didn’t care that she definitely hadn’t caught on to his teasing about the camera. But her tone hit too close to home and his father’s frequent remarks.

      “It was meant to be.” She shook her head. “Even you can’t be as out of touch with the modern world as all that.”

      Way too close to home. “‘Out of touch.’ Now, where have I heard that before?”

      “I don’t know. Where?”

      “From my dad. It’s one of his favorite expressions when he’s talking to me. And when he really wants to make an impression, he reminds me I could have had a better career.” He shook his head. “He doesn’t get that I’ll never want a job other than being a rancher.”

      “Ah... I’m beginning to see where all this is coming from.”

      “All this what?”

      “This resistance. This rebellion. This ‘I’m not doing it and you can’t make me’ defense.” She laughed. “Yet you call me stubborn?”

      “I’m not defensive. And as I already told you, ma’am, I’m not shy.” He ran his fingertips down a strand of her shiny black hair. “I’m just a good ol’ cowboy, a rancher at home on the range. Anyhow, what’s wrong with good, old-fashioned cowboy values?”

      “Maybe some of them are outdated, just as your father said.”

      “I’d rather talk about your dad. And you.”

      She shrugged. “Why not? I’ve got nothing to hide.”

      His heart tripped a beat at the image that statement brought to mind. Nobody in his right mind would walk away from an offer like this one. Maybe that was why he planned to take her up on it. To prove he wasn’t crazy and to show he was in control of his emotions—even if he couldn’t swear to either of those at the moment.

      “I already know where you get your streak of perfectionism. How’d you get to be so independent—growing up with a dad in the service?”

      “Not just in. He’s a five-star general.”

      “I’ll bet that gave you some perks.”

      “Maybe. But there are drawbacks to being a military brat, too.”

      “Such as?”

      “If any kid didn’t show up for class, the entire Army base heard about it.”

      “Bet that would go over well. Your dad was strict with you?”

      “Oh, yeah. He wouldn’t let me date until I was seventeen.”

      “Sounds lenient to me. I’m thinking Rachel should wait till she’s twenty-five.”

      She laughed.

      The sound drew him to her. He leaned across the table, until only a few inches separated them. “So, tell me about this first date.”

      “What do you want to know?”

      At the sound of running footsteps approaching the dining room, they both sat back. He had no time to answer her question. Probably the best thing for them both, considering the direction his thoughts were headed.

      He turned his attention to the doorway. He’d wager the footsteps meant the school bus had arrived, bringing Rachel home from her kindergarten class and Robbie from his preschool. Seconds later, he won the bet when both kids ran into the room.

      “Hi, Daddy!” Rachel called. “Hi, Jane! Can you take my picture? Like this?” She slung her backpack over one shoulder and put her free hand on her hip.

      He frowned. More than a few times over the past couple of days, she had talked about Jane and her camera. He didn’t want to see that trend continue. Didn’t like the idea of his daughter growing too attached. Soon, Jane would leave again to go off on her travels, and Rachel would feel abandoned.

      Before she could respond, he said, “Not now, Rachel.”

      “I don’t mind,” Jane said.

      “See, Daddy?”

      “And,” he went on steadily, “I think you and I had better head for our house. Jane and Robbie are going to have company.”

      “I know. Andi’s coming today. And Trey and Missy.”

      “We need to let Sharon know you’re home.”

      “Huh-uh, we don’t!” Her giggle sounded triumphant. “Sharon’s in the kitchen with Paz. When everybody gets here, we’re having a tea party. Paz made sopaipillas and cookies.”

      “Chocolate cookies,” Robbie СКАЧАТЬ