by Elisa Leigh
ROPED INTO Love
By Elisa Leigh
Copyright
Roped Into Love
By Elisa Leigh
© Elisa Leigh 2018.
All Rights Reserved
By the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, the scanning, uploading, and electronic sharing of any part of this book without permission of the publisher is unlawful piracy and theft of the author’s intellectual property. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author except for brief quotations used in a book review.
This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously, and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, locales, or organizations is entirely coincidental.
The use of actors, artists, movies, TV shows and song titles/lyrics throughout this book are done so for storytelling purposes and should in no way be seen as an advertisement. Trademark names are used editorially with no intention of infringement of the respective owner’s trademark.
This book is intended for adults only. Contains sexual content and language that may offend some. The suggested reading audience is 18 years or older. I consider this book as Adult Contemporary Romance with steamy bedroom scenes. The book is not appropriate for people under the age of 18.
ASIN:
Covers created using Picmonkey and photos purchased through Adobe Stock.
Table of Contents
Copyright
Table of Contents
Dedication
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten
Eleven
Twelve
Thirteen
Fourteen
Fifteen
Sixteen
Seventeen
Eighteen
Meet the Author
Other Books by Elisa Leigh
Acknowledgments
Sweet Curves Excerpt
Dedication
To every woman who loves a man with tan skin wearing tight jeans, a plaid button up, and a cowboy hat. Don’t forget the HUGE belt buckle and cowboy boots.
XOXO,
Elisa
One
Abigail Ryland
I’m doctoring up my coffee when a very tall, very muscular man comes storming into the diner wearing a brown leather cowboy hat. I’m in the middle of pouring the sugar when he stops not five feet from me, leaning against the diner counter. His dark hair and light eyes causing my heart to beat double time in my chest. Or maybe it’s the way his worn jeans are hugging his very nice butt. I don’t know, but I can’t stop staring.
“Am I early enough this morning?” He asks aloud, staring pointedly at Mr. Hal. With a rigid jaw and his brow furrowed, the man looks tense, maybe frustrated by something. I have no idea who this man is, but all I can do is stare at him and wonder what his problem is and how I can fix it. God, what I’d give to see this man smile.
He turns his eyes on me and quirks his head. “Sugar.”
“I’m sorry?” I stammer.
“You’re still pouring the sugar.” He states, looking from my face to my hand.
I gasp, jumping back. Looking into my cup and then at the sugar dispenser, that is now empty, I realize what I’ve done. I’m so embarrassed. I set the sugar down and stir my cup then take a sip, wincing from how sweet it is.
“Yeah, there’s no saving that one Abby.” Layla laughs, making me blush.
“You?” The man asks in shock.
I look up and see that he’s staring at me with a completely different look on his face from before. Is that confusion?
Mr. Hal walks over and shakes the guy’s hand. “Leland, this here is Abby. The one who makes the rolls you love so much.”
“You said she was a kid.” Leland accuses.
Mr. Hal holds his hands palms up in a placating manner. “To me, she is a kid, what are you Abby, nineteen?”
I scoff. Nineteen? Please. “I’m twenty-three Mr. Hal, and you know that.”
He waves me off and looks back at Leland. “Why don’t you take a seat and we’ll bring you your usual.”
Leland nods sharply and walks over to an empty booth where he swiftly takes his seat, taking his hat off and setting it to the side, all the while never taking his eyes off me.
“What the heck is that all about?” I whisper to Layla.
“Oh, my goodness, I can’t believe I haven't filled you in yet.” She takes my cup and pours me a new one, handing me creamer and a new dispenser of sugar. “He’s been coming in a few times a week for over a month and a half. Before then, I saw him in here once every few months.” I give her my get on with it look. “Jeeze, stop rushing me. So yesterday he walks in, and we had already sold out of all the cinnamon rolls you delivered. He was so freaking pissed. Like fuming mad. He left in a tizzy, promising to be here when we opened.”
“Why didn’t he just order something else off the menu?”
It’s her turn to scoff. “The only thing that man orders are your damn cinnamon rolls. He’s been bugging Hal for the recipe for weeks now. Hal finally told him that someone else, you, makes them for the diner. When he learned that, he was determined to find out who the secret baker is.”
“Ahh, it’s starting to make sense now.” I laugh.
“You two done talking about me? I’d like a cup of coffee.” Leland announces from his table wearing a severe expression.
Layla and I burst into giggles, from being caught. She’s about to walk over with a pot of coffee when a group of the local farmhands come walking in. They’re cute, in a “I work hard to get these big muscles and tan skin” sort of way, but they don’t do it for me, never have. Apparently, they do it for Layla though, because she shoves the coffee pot into my hand along with a coffee cup before walking over to the five guys that just sat down.
Layla and I used to work here together during high school and while I was going to dental school. She has never left. Walking over to Leland I place his cup on the table and quickly pour him some coffee. “What can I get you?” I ask, knowing exactly what he wants, but wanting to mess with him before he gets it.
“What, do you work here now too?” He asks pointedly.
I scowl. He doesn’t have to be rude. “If you need cream or sugar there’s some on the table. I’ll have Layla over here in a minute to take your order.”
“Does it look like I use cream or sugar, Beautiful?” He growls.
I set the coffee pot down and place my hands on my hips, about done with all his attitude he keeps throwing around. He may be hot, but no one gets to treat me like this. “My name is Abigail. Didn’t your momma ever teach you any manners?”
“I thought it was Abby?” He smirks, clearly getting too much enjoyment out of my frustration.
“Only my friends get to call me that.” I huff.
“Simmer down little one, I wasn’t trying to offend you. Could you grab me one of those delicious cinnamon rolls you make?”
I raise my brow and wait. “Please.” He adds, finally giving me a small smile.
I nod, but when I turn to leave, he reaches out and clasps his warm calloused hand around my wrist. “Get one for yourself while you’re at it, my treat.”
While I probably shouldn’t take him up on it, I’ve got nothing else going on this morning, and I can’t resist his smile.
Two
Leland Kennison
She carries over two rolls and
her coffee, then places them on the table without dropping or spilling a thing. When she sits across from me, I can’t help but stare at her in admiration.
“What?” She asks.
“I’m impressed.” Half of my men would have made a complete mess with that move.
She smiles at me, and I swear the sun just shone down on me for the first time in my cloudy existence.
Abigail shrugs. “I used to work here before I graduated school.”
“Did you go to school for baking?” I ask, wondering if that’s how she got so good at making those rolls I love so much.
She laughs, full belly, white teeth, pretty smile upon her face, laughs. Does she know how beautiful she is right now? She doesn’t have a lick of makeup on and has her hair pulled back in a ponytail. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a woman look as beautiful as her.
“No, no I went to school to become a dental hygienist.” She smiles, ripping into her roll, taking small bites while she talks.
“What happened?”
“What do you mean?” She asks, and I can see I upset her again.
“I mean you no offense Abigail. I’m just wondering how you went from cleaning teeth to making the very thing that gives people cavities.”
“Ohh,” She says making the cutest look on her face, forming the ‘o’ with her lips. The girl has no idea what she’s doing to me. I need to get myself under control and stop messing up with her.
“I worked for Dr. Daniels, but he retired a few months back and closed his practice. There weren’t any jobs around here, so I had to make a decision. I chose to stay here and make it work anyway I could.”
“You’re doing an amazing job. I mean, I should be on my ranch helping the hands. Instead, I’m down here, doing my best to get one of your rolls.”
She finishes a sip from her coffee, then sets it down. “You have a ranch? What kind? Are there animals?”
So. Fucking. Adorable. “I have mostly cows, some chickens, and a few horses.”
Abigail claps her hands excitedly. “Oh, my goodness, that’s so cool. I bet it’s so much fun!”
I laugh for the first time in years, her excitement bubbling over and touching me. I think about how tired I am at the end of the day, and lately how lonesome it can be doing it on your own for as long as I have. Sure, I have the ranch hands, but it’s not the same. They aren’t sharing the burden of keeping the place alive. “It’s hard work, Abigail. I wouldn’t exactly call that a good time.” I bark, not meaning to come across so rough.
Her smile fades, and she goes back to finishing her breakfast and drinking her coffee in silence. When she is done, she fiddles with her napkin for a minute before looking up at me. “I guess I should be going. Thank you for breakfast Leland.”
I frown, knowing I screwed this up. “Abigail wait…”
She looks up with a timid smile on her face.
“Do you think I could get your recipe for the cinnamon rolls?”
“What for?”
“It would be easier if my cook had it. That way I wouldn’t have to drive down here every other day to get my fix.” As I’m telling her, I know that’s the last thing I want. I’d drive here multiple times a day, and not for the fucking cinnamon rolls. I’m going to need to see her happy face daily. What I need is to get to know her, convince her I’m not this awkward asshole she just met.
With a tight-lipped smile, she shakes her head and gets up from the booth. “I can’t do that.” She says, her words tumbling out of her mouth as she turns around and walks out the door.
“Fuck,” I say to myself, watching her get into a hatchback that has seen better days, wipe her eyes, and drive away. Was she crying?
“That about sums it up, son. What the hell did you say to her?”
“I asked her for the recipe,” I answer, knowing it’s a lot more than that.
“No recipe is worth seeing that burst of sunshine deflate like she did just now walking out of here,” Hal says, walking away and shaking his head. That’s the first time I’ve felt someone’s disappointment in me since my Granddaddy was alive.
I go up to the front and settle my tab with Layla. She is unusually quiet while ringing me up today making me feel like a bigger jerk than I am already feeling.
“I wasn’t trying to hurt her feelings, Layla.” I sigh, frustrated with how the morning has turned out.
She gives me a disapproving look. “I know you weren’t, but you did anyway.” She hands me back my change and busies herself away from me.
I walk out of Hal’s diner and hop in my truck, needing to get to work. I think about that tiny blonde angel all the way back to Kennison Ranch. I know I could have been more tactful, but I wasn’t an ass about it. Why did she get so hurt? Shut the hell up Leland. You panicked around a beautiful woman, acting like you don’t have any sense. I taught you better than that boy. I hear Granddaddy grumbling in my ear. He always was good about getting my attention and calling me out on all my bullshit.
My Granddaddy bought the ranch when he was in his twenties. He held onto it, primarily raising cattle until he died eight years ago. When he passed, he willed the property to me, knowing I would do right by him and keep Kennison Ranch going strong. Life hasn’t been easy, but I knew the ranch like the back of my hand since I’d been working it all my life with him. Since he passed we’ve had our hard years, and our easier ones, and right now I feel like things are running smooth. Maybe too smooth. I feel like if I don’t keep a tight control something is going to happen and upset the good we’ve got going on right now.
Walking down to the stable, I find Sam giving one of the new ranch hands a tongue lashing for doing a half-ass job fixing the fence. Sam is the second in command at Kennison Ranch and is in charge when I’m not around. I’ve known him since I was in high school and he came to work here for my Granddaddy. When Tim walks away, I look over at Sam, and he shakes his head then walks over to where I’m standing.
“I don’t know about that one Lee. He’s been late all week and doesn’t know what he’s doing out here.”
“Then why the hell did you hire him?”
“Shit. My mom knows his mom. She’s got cancer, and the dad ran off when he was a kid.”
“You and your soft heart. Haven’t you learned by now?” I ask.
“At least I have one, you dick. When was the last time you talked to the guys around here about anything other than work?”
I study the cattle out in the back pasture.
“What are you trying to say?”
“You want quality men that will be loyal to you? Treat them like they matter. Kennison is the biggest ranch in western Montana, yet you go through ranch hands like crazy. Did Mr. Kennison have this problem?”
I think back to when my Granddad was in charge. Most of the men working for him were with him for years. After he died, little by little they left to work elsewhere. I never took it personally, I just figured things weren’t the same after he had died. Maybe there’s something to what Sam is saying. Not only is he the man I rely on most, but he is also my best friend. He’d never tell me this unless he felt it was a problem.
He shoves my shoulder with his, and I give him a nod. He’s right, and I need to do something about it.
Three
Abigail
This man is infuriating! Every morning this week he has been waiting inside when I get there for my delivery then helping me with it. He keeps asking me to eat breakfast with him, but I refuse, giving him any excuse, I can think of. Layla told me that after I leave, she refuses to sell him a roll. God, I love her. I feel foolish for even thinking he could be interested in me when what he really wants is my recipe. Well, he can go sit on a pine cone for all I care. I’m not giving it up just because he showed me a little attention.
I think what hurts the most is I can’t help feeling drawn to him. I spend half my day wondering what he’s doing, if he’s scowling at everyone or if he reserved that rough exterior for me. Every time I close my eyes I picture t
he small smile he granted me, and the butterflies in my stomach start fluttering.
Walking into the bank with my box of treats the tellers stare me down, watching my every move. I feel like a gazelle about to be eaten by a lion. Celine Gavin, the bank manager, comes out from her office and meets me in the lobby. She’s a beautiful woman who was a few years ahead of me in school.
“Good morning Abby.” She says warmly.
“Hey Celine, how are you today?”
“Doing well. The ladies look forward to Fridays now because that’s the day you come in with your delivery.”
“Wow. That’s so awesome. I’m happy they like it. Everyone deserves a sweet treat occasionally.”
She nods. “I was wondering if you have given any thought to catering parties.”
“I never even thought about it. I usually think of real food when I imagine catering.”
“Here’s my idea. We’re throwing a baby shower for Catie in a couple weeks. I was wondering if you could do a baked goods assortment. Maybe cookies, cupcakes, mini cheesecakes… I’m not sure what you make, but I know it would be delicious whatever it is.”
“Really? Wow, I mean, that sounds amazing. I’ve never thought of doing something like that before. I’d love to.” I’m flattered she’d consider hiring me for this.
“Great. I’ll call you early next week to iron out the details.”
“Thank you, Celine, for this opportunity. I’m excited to come up with a menu for this shower.”
“You deserve this Abby. Your sweets speak for themselves. I need to get back to work Hun, but we’ll talk later okay?” She says ushering me to the door.
“Okay. Have a good weekend.” I tell her, walking out into the lobby, excited for what’s to come.
“Have a good weekend Abby. I can’t wait to dive into whatever you brought us today.” One of the girls tells me as I walk out the door to the parking lot, making me smile. Today is turning into the best day I have had in a long time.
My next stop is the fire department. I’ve been going by here and the police department once a week for a couple months with something sweet to show my appreciation for all they do.
