The Texan's Tennessee Romance / The Rancher & the Reluctant Princess. Gina Wilkins

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СКАЧАТЬ think they’d be able to catch him,” Casey argued. “And I don’t like the thought of him being trapped. I think I’ll be able to tame him enough to find him a home. He seems like he wants to make friends. He’s just a little skittish.”

      “And how long do you think it will take to tame him to that point?”

      “I, uh, don’t know,” he admitted with a shrug. “If I haven’t made any progress in the next couple of days, I’ll call animal control and ask for advice.”

      She looked at him curiously. “Why are you so reluctant to call them? I’m sure they can catch him very humanely. And it would be so much safer for him to be…”

      “In a cage?” Casey broke in to ask. “Deprived of his freedom and locked up somewhere for his own good?”

      Startled by his tone, she tilted her head to study him more closely. “Um—?”

      His face darkened with what might have been a flush. “Sorry. You’re right, he’d probably be better off in a shelter. But I’d still like to give it a couple of days. The weather’s supposed to be nice for the rest of the week, so I think he’ll be fine.”

      She couldn’t say she understood, but it wasn’t as if the dog was bothering her. “Should we leave the water bowl out?”

      Still looking a little sheepish, Casey shrugged. “Wouldn’t hurt, though there’s plenty of water around this area.”

      “And the food?”

      “No. Too many other critters to be lured out if you leave food sitting out here. We’ll just feed the dog when we see him.”

      She nodded and picked up the empty plate. “Fine. There’s more of the leftover pot roast, if you’re hungry.”

      He chuckled. “Feeding the other stray in your yard?”

      Smiling a little, she said, “I’ll even get you a bowl of water, if you’re thirsty.”

      He shook his head. “Thanks, but I’ve already eaten. I brought lunch with me today. I ate at the picnic table and enjoyed the view. It was nice.”

      “So, you’re finished for the day?”

      “Almost. I just need to do a little more caulking on the west end of the cabin. Maybe another hour or so today.”

      She nodded. “Let me know if you need anything. I’ll be inside.”

      “Okay, thanks.”

      Without looking back at him, she went inside. She changed into jeans and a sweater, then put water on to boil for tea. Her computer sat on the coffee table. She reached for it, then changed her mind. She just couldn’t face another fruitless search right then.

      Glancing at her watch, she noted that it was only four o’clock. She had a long evening ahead with little to do. It was too late to go out for a walk, since it would be dark soon. She thought about calling someone—her mom, her dad, or Amber, maybe. But she couldn’t think of anything to say if she did. Nothing had changed.

      She picked up a novel she’d been trying to read for the past week, though she’d had a hard time concentrating on it. She made it through about five pages before a tap on the front door brought her attention out of the story again.

      The way Casey glanced downward let her know he’d noticed she’d changed clothes, though he didn’t comment. “I’m calling it a day. Anything you need before I leave?”

      “No, thank you. Have a nice evening.”

      His mouth crooked into a wry smile in response to her ridiculously clichéd words. “Thanks. Same to you.”

      She’d almost closed the door before she jerked it impulsively back open. “Casey?”

      Halfway down the steps, he looked over his shoulder. “Yeah?”

      She tried to think of a good reason to keep him there a little longer, to delay the inevitable return to solitude and worry. “Do you like to play games? You know, cards and board games?”

      His eyes lit up. “Sure. Doesn’t everyone?”

      “I found a whole stack of games in the cabinet next to the fireplace. Maybe you’d like to stay and play Scrabble or something for a while? I have some of Aunt Jewel’s leftovers I can heat for dinner. If you don’t have any other plans, of course,” she finished, belatedly realizing that he might have things he’d rather do.

      He smiled. “I was going to work in the cabin tonight, but playing games sounds like a much nicer way to spend the evening. I warn you, though, I’m pretty good at Scrabble. And I play to win.”

      Something about his smile made her very glad she’d let herself give in to temptation. She smiled back at him, ignoring the little voice in her head warning her to step carefully. “So do I.”

      He walked back up the steps. “Looks like the competition’s on.”

      Chapter Five

      Casey could almost see Natalie loosening up as the evening progressed. She had been so tense earlier, her eyes shadowed, her mouth taut, but after a couple of no-holds-barred Scrabble games, one game won by each of them, she was laughing and relaxed. He took full credit for the transformation, though he did so privately.

      “Would you like another glass of wine?” she asked, reaching for the bottle on the table beside her glass.

      Okay, so maybe he couldn’t take all the credit, he thought, shaking his head with a smile. “I have to drive in a little while. Considering those winding roads, I’d better stick to coffee now.”

      She slapped her forehead lightly. “Of course. I wasn’t even thinking. Let me refill your coffee cup.”

      “Thanks.”

      She poured herself another glass of white wine. “Whose turn is it?”

      “Yours.” He tapped the Scrabble board. “I played ‘quid.’ For a tidy number of points, I might add, considering that the Q is on a triple-letter square.”

      She studied his play and then her tiles. A smile tipped up her lips, and then she set several tiles on the board with a flourish. “Vista,” she said rather gloatingly. “With, you will note, the S in front of your ‘quid,’ turning it into ‘squid.’ And may I also direct your attention to the triple-word square beneath the V.”

      He couldn’t help laughing at her obvious delight in besting him. As competitive as he was, he didn’t mind losing when Natalie seemed to be having such a nice time winning. Whether because of the wine or the game or—he wanted to believe—the company, she was smiling more than he’d ever seen her, and the lighthearted mood looked good on her.

      “It’s been years since I played board games,” she said, taking another sip of the wine. “I’d almost forgotten how much fun they can be.”

      He picked up his coffee mug. “Your friends back in Nashville don’t get together to play games?”

      Her СКАЧАТЬ