Читать книгу Cowboy Homecoming - Louise M. Gouge - Страница 3

Laurie’s bright blue eyes shone with kindness.

Could she see his inner turmoil? He dipped his head to hide his face.

She moved forward as if about to jump down from the rail, and Tolley hurried around his horse and grabbed her waist to lift her down. Once her feet touched the barn floor, he didn’t want to let go. Marrying this pretty little gal would have all kinds of benefits, not simply gaining the Colonel’s approval. That selfish thought, so like his old way of thinking, broke his grip like a bee sting. He stepped back. “Those city shoes might turn your ankle if you jump. They’ll sure as anything get messed up if you tromp around these stalls.”

“I suppose so.” She sounded a bit breathless as she blinked those big blue eyes at him.

He started to chuck her under the chin like he used to but resisted the urge. Such a gesture might offend her.

“One of our cowhands can take Gypsy back to Four Stones.”

“Thanks.” He secured his carpetbag to the back of the saddle and mounted up. “See you later, Laurie.”

She reached up and squeezed his hand. “Welcome home, Tolley.”

How did she know those were the exact words he’d needed to hear?