Stealing the Cowboy's Heart

by Debbi Rawlins

  Landon glanced down the street. “Ah, small-town living,” he said. “You getting used to it yet?”

  “Well, it’s not like I came from the city. Sage Springs isn’t that much bigger and just as bad for gossip.” The words were no sooner out of her mouth when the memories rushed back. The pitying looks, the averted gazes, the whispers...

  And not just in the neighborhood. She hadn’t been able to put gas in her car or run into the market without someone mentioning they’d heard she and Gary had broken up. And wasn’t it just awful, especially with them being high school sweethearts and all. The day Kylie decided she’d slug the next person who used the stupid term was the day she started packing her things.

  Clearly it hadn’t been enough that Gary had spent most of his time on the road and she’d moved across town. She had to get away from everything and everyone. Her mom included. Darlene couldn’t understand why Kylie was unwilling to give Gary a second chance. And a third and fourth, had it come to that. Though not because her mom liked Gary all that much. Darlene had always been quick to overlook a man’s flaws as long as he kept coming back.

  Landon had moved closer without her noticing. “I guess I should’ve called first,” he said and touched Kylie’s hand. “I can see you’re on your way out.”

  “What?” Once again she’d lost track of the conversation. And then it registered.

  Kevin.

  How could she have forgotten? He was likely to show up at any minute. Talk about awkward. She moved her hand so Landon was no longer touching her.

  “So, is it a big date?” he asked casually. “Or a night out with the girls?”

  She noticed how his gaze drifted briefly in the direction Rachel had headed. “You were right the first time.”

  “Ah.” Surprise flickered in his eyes. Followed by disappointment if she wasn’t mistaken. “Lousy timing on my part, huh?” he said, and moved back a couple steps.

  “I’m not sure what that—” Kylie thought she noticed a limp. “Is something wrong with your leg?”

  “Nah.” Landon brushed her off too quickly.

  “What happened?”

  “Nothing. It’s fine.” He frowned at something behind her. “Is that him?”

  She glanced back. Kevin, who’d just gotten out of his red Mustang convertible, was wearing dress pants and a navy blue blazer and as nice and as good-looking as he was, he couldn’t hold a candle to the cowboy she’d never expected to see again.

  Chapter Three

  “Guess you’re stepping up in the world,” Landon murmured low, so the dude with the crisp white shirt and shiny black shoes couldn’t hear.

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Mr. GQ...isn’t he your date?”

  Kylie laughed, and it was the best sound he’d heard in a very long time. Then she ruined it by turning to smile at the interloper. Although, technically, it was Landon who’d shown up unannounced and uninvited.

  “Kylie, you look stunning.” The guy’s gaze took in the low neckline, the way the red dress hugged the curve of her hips.

  “Thank you.” Blushing, she leaned over and kissed his cheek.

  He seemed surprised, which made Landon feel a lot better. Couldn’t be anything serious if that little peck raised the guy’s eyebrows.

  “Well, you kids have fun,” Landon said, trying to ignore the pain that shot up his leg when he stepped back the wrong way.

  “Wait. Let me introduce you two.” Kylie’s smile faltered when her date slipped an arm around her shoulders. “Landon, this is Kevin Braun.” She turned to him, dislodging his arm. “This is Landon Kincaid, an old friend of mine.”

  Landon was forced to move forward. Grinding his teeth harder with each step, he shook the man’s hand.

  “You staying long, or just passing through?” Kevin asked. His tone was casual but Landon wasn’t fooled.

  “Staying,” Landon said, and noticed how Kevin’s jaw tightened. “Hey, I don’t want to hold you guys up. I’ll see you tomorrow, huh, Kylie?”

  She frowned at his leg. “I can see you’re hurting. Why won’t you tell me what happened?”

  “Tomorrow,” Landon assured her, wishing they’d leave already so he could hobble and whimper in peace.

  “Where are you staying?” Kevin asked.

  “I’m gonna check out the motel.”

  Kevin pulled out his wallet. “I manage the place,” he said, holding out a business card. “Give this to Patty at the front desk. She’ll know to give you a discount. How long did you say you’re staying?”

  “Don’t know for sure.” Landon pocketed the card. “Thanks, Kevin. That’s real nice of you.”

  “My pleasure.” He turned to Kylie with a smile. “Ready?”

  She was still studying Landon’s leg, so he bit down hard and managed to walk around his truck without too obvious a limp.

  Landon heard her say something to him, but pretended he hadn’t and slid in behind the wheel. The sooner he checked in someplace where he could stretch out, the better. He thought briefly about having a look at the other inn that Kylie had mentioned. The motel seemed fine but he wasn’t keen on Kevin keeping tabs on his comings and goings.

  By the time he pulled away from the curb, the two were on their way to Kevin’s Mustang, his hand pressed against Kylie’s lower back.

  Landon reminded himself that he hadn’t been at all sure how she’d react to seeing him. She’d been living here for a year. Plenty of time to carve out a nice life for herself. Hell, it wasn’t a surprise that some guy had swooped in—there’d probably been quite a few.

  Part of him was glad because after what Gary had done to her, Kylie deserved to feel desirable and wanted. The other part of him itched to send Kevin on a one-way trip to the moon. Though Landon didn’t think she was too into the guy. He knew Kylie pretty well, probably better than she suspected.

  Or did he?

  He turned into the motel parking lot, wondering what she was doing with a buttoned-up guy like Kevin. This rural corner of Montana had to be crawling with ranchers and hired hands. Had she sworn off cowboys like she’d said that night? Decided they were all lying cheats like Gary? Landon figured he’d find out real soon.

  * * *

  THE NEXT MORNING, her arms loaded with bakery boxes, Kylie looked for Landon’s truck as she crossed the motel parking lot. There it was, the deep maroon color easy to spot. He’d parked in the far corner, away from all the other vehicles. Probably worried about his paint job. Not that she blamed him. The truck looked new. She wondered how he’d scraped the money together to replace his old white pickup with the duct-taped side mirrors.

  She’d come extra early to deliver the motel’s standing order of muffins and Danish for their continental breakfast. From what she remembered, Landon wasn’t a particularly early riser but she decided not to take any chances. Of course she couldn’t avoid him for long, but she was too tired to see him first thing.

  Once she opened the bakery, she’d have a steady stream of customers. So even if he showed up right away, she’d be too busy to talk.

  Patty, who worked the front desk, was setting out plates and utensils when Kylie entered the lobby. The strong smell of coffee had her inhaling deeply, as if she hadn’t already downed half a pot.

  “Hey,” Patty said, looking over at her. “I figured you’d be late, not twenty minutes early.”

  “Why would you—” Kylie sighed and set down the boxes. No telling how many people knew she’d gone out with Kevin last night. Any news was big news in this town. “What are you doing here? Didn’t you work late yesterday?”

  “I swapped shifts with Misty so I can go to my son’s ball game this evening.” Patty gave her a little teasing smile. “Did you have fun last night?”

  “We had dinner at an Italian restau
rant in Kalispell. It was nice.”

  “And?”

  “And what? We didn’t stay out late. I had to get up early to do the baking. Which reminds me...you mentioned you have a friend who’s looking for part-time work?”

  Patty nodded. “Celeste. She was hoping you needed kitchen help. She likes to work early shifts so she can be home for her kids after school. Plus, she’s a great baker.”

  “Perfect. I’ll get her number from you or she can call me.” Kylie was happy they’d changed the subject, and even happier that she might get someone to take some of the pressure off her in the mornings. She’d never imagined a town the size of Blackfoot Falls would keep her so busy.

  “Go grab some coffee in the back,” Patty said as she set out the muffins on doily-covered silver trays.

  “Thanks, but I’ve got to get back and open.” She glanced toward the elevator. “What time do the guests start coming down?”

  “There’s always one or two who show up at the stroke of seven.” She checked her watch. “We’ve got twenty minutes. You sure you don’t want a cup? I broke out the good stuff.”

  Kylie laughed. Patty couldn’t be more obvious. She wanted the skinny on Kylie’s date with her boss. But there was nothing to tell. Kylie had been distracted most of the evening. It wasn’t fair to Kevin. He’d been wonderful and thoughtful, and she’d tried her best to return the attention. But she hadn’t been able to stop thinking of Landon.

  What made things worse was that Kevin was exactly the kind of man she should be looking for. He was the sort of steady, reliable man she wanted in her life. Not someone who would live for the adrenaline of bucking broncos and didn’t mind living out of a duffel bag. She wished, though, that he was a little more exciting. But excitement wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. Kylie had finally accepted his third dinner invitation. And she planned to accept another date...soon-ish.

  She sniffed the air. Macadamia Kona roast. Darn it.

  “Come on,” Patty said. “Just one cup. Five minutes. Before Marge brings her cinnamon rolls.”

  “You’re evil.”

  Patty grinned. “Let me cover these trays and I’ll meet you in the back.”

  The room behind the front desk was small and crowded with a full-size fridge, a microwave, two large coffee stations and overstocked shelves. She followed the aroma of the Kona coffee to the small carafe sitting off to the side. Kylie had just poured herself a mug when she heard Marge’s voice. Marge owned the diner and her cinnamon rolls—a local favorite—were insanely good.

  Kylie liked her. Marge had been supportive of her opening The Cake Whisperer, even giving her tips on where to get her supplies and ingredients. And best of all, she’d probably just saved Kylie from being cross-examined.

  After adding a dollop of cream, Kylie stirred her coffee and yawned so wide she felt her jaw pop. Kevin had dropped her off by ten, but she hadn’t slept well. Too much Landon on the brain. Boy, the next few days were going to be tricky. Or for however long he stuck around. That limp she’d noticed... Was that the reason he wasn’t rushing off to a rodeo? Did he think good ole Kylie would play nursemaid, the way she had in the past? She’d been known to treat and bandage minor wounds for a lot of Gary’s friends. Landon included.

  Evidently the two women hadn’t missed her. They were chatting and laughing as if they didn’t see each other every morning. Kylie paused at the slightly open door to take a leisurely sip.

  And nearly burned her tongue when she heard Landon’s voice.

  She gave the door a slight push. Just wide enough that she could see him, but he couldn’t see her. He was fishing an apple out of the silver bowl sitting next to the muffins. Neither Marge or Patty noticed her because they were too busy checking out Landon. He filled out a pair of worn jeans better than any man Kylie had ever met. The snug white T-shirt showed just how seriously he took his workouts. Though it wasn’t vanity that drove him to keep fit. He loved rodeoing and took the sport seriously.

  “Hope you slept well,” Patty said. “We’ve been open less than a year so the mattresses are all new.”

  Landon flashed her a smile. “It was lights out before I hit the pillow.” He eyed the plastic-wrapped trays. “Guess I’m too early. I’ll let you finish setting up and come back.”

  “Don’t be silly.” Patty gestured to a club chair. “You go on and sit down. I’ll get your coffee and whatever else you need.”

  “Nah. I’m good for now. But thanks.” He grabbed a crutch that was resting against the wall and slipped it under his arm.

  Kylie hadn’t noticed it because his body had blocked her view. When he swung toward her she saw the second crutch. Their eyes met through the doorway and he lost his footing. He quickly righted himself by balancing on one leg until he stabilized the crutches.

  “What are you doing here?” he asked as she moved out into the lobby.

  “What happened to your leg?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Oh, okay. I guess crutches are the new fashion trend.”

  “That’s right.” His hair hadn’t been combed and stubble darkened his chin and jaw.

  “Shut up,” Kylie said, annoyed at the flutter in her chest. “Tell me what happened.”

  “I broke my leg. No big deal.”

  “It is if you’re using crutches.” She studied the leg he was favoring. “You’re not wearing a cast.”

  “Yeah, it came off a few days ago.”

  “By you or the doctor?”

  Landon’s sigh sounded like guilt.

  Kylie gaped at him. “Seriously?”

  “The doctor was being overly cautious. She wanted to leave it on a week longer and I convinced her I was ready.”

  “Yeah, I bet.”

  Patty smothered a laugh. Marge just cut loose a howl that probably woke the other guests.

  How could Kylie have forgotten they had an audience? She glanced over at them. “We’re old friends.”

  “Ah.” Patty’s grin widened.

  “Did you bring me coffee?” Landon asked, staring at the steaming mug warming her palms.

  “Oh, right, I ran over to make sure it was all ready for you the second you came down.” Kylie had no problem wiping the hopeful expression from his face now that she’d confirmed her suspicion. Wasn’t he going to be shocked when she told him she was done playing nursemaid?

  But first she had to quit worrying about his stupid leg. Convincing his doctor to take off the cast early...what an idiot. Landon was smarter than that.

  He stood balanced on his crutches, taking in the loaded trays. “Ah. You brought the pastries,” he said, a self-deprecating smile curving his mouth. “Okay. My bad.” He glanced at the two women avidly watching them, and gave them a polite nod. “I’ll see you all later.”

  Before he could swing around on his crutches, Kylie let out a huff and said, “For heaven’s sake, sit down.”

  “Nope. Don’t want to be a bother.” He kept moving toward the elevator without so much as a backward glance. “Thanks for the apple.”

  “Landon.”

  The elevator door opened as soon as he pushed the button, as if it had been waiting for him, and he took the last few steps rather quickly.

  Kylie couldn’t see his face as the door slid closed, which was just as well. She wasn’t at all pleased with the soft gooey feeling in her chest. Landon was a big boy, he could fend for himself. His family had a ranch in Wyoming. He should’ve gone there to recuperate.

  “Good Lord, girl.”

  She turned to Patty. “What?”

  “What?” Both women laughed. Patty, who was in her early forties and happily married, said, “Very nice.”

  “Why on earth would you chase him away?” Still chuckling, Marge shook her graying head. “I thought you had a date with Kevin last night.
”

  “Landon’s just an old friend.”

  “Uh-huh,” they said in unison, staring at her, curiosity mirrored in both pairs of eyes.

  Oh, this wasn’t going to work. Kylie took a final sip of the cooling coffee. “Thanks for this,” she told Patty.

  “Wait. Where are you going?”

  She slipped into the back room and poured out the rest of her mug and rinsed it. “I have to go get ready to open.”

  “Yeah, but you still have—”

  She didn’t let Patty finish. Kylie hurried through the small lobby and out the door. Which was the completely wrong move because now she’d just complicated the situation. Made it look much worse than it was. She hadn’t lied. They were only friends. Or used to be.

  Dammit.

  Chapter Four

  Landon sat in his truck outside the bakery waiting for the morning rush to ease. Not that anyone seemed to be in any hurry. Eleven minutes was the average time it took a customer to place their order, pay for it and bend Kylie’s ear. He’d kept track out of sheer boredom.

  When an elderly woman stopped to peer in through the window, he decided that was it. He could be waiting forever. The small Wyoming town where he’d grown up hadn’t been any different. Some of the older folks were likely to pass the morning talking about nothing. And Kylie, softhearted as she was, would worry they were lonely and let them monopolize her time.

  He got out of the truck, dragging the crutches out with him. It wasn’t as if Kylie didn’t know about his injury. And damn, he couldn’t afford to be careless.

  After some clumsy maneuvering, he opened the door and managed to cross the threshold without falling on his ass. When he glanced up he met Kylie’s gaze. She was standing behind the counter wearing a pink apron over her T-shirt and jeans and her hair was pulled back into a ponytail.

  Wariness flickered in her hazel eyes before she refocused on the customer asking about a birthday cake for her grandson. Three other women were chatting as they waited their turn.