“See what I mean? You’ve been here, what, ten months? I don’t think the woman I saw get off that train would have purchased an expensive watercolor set for a lowly ranch foreman.” Luke’s voice was soft as he asked, “What was your first impression ofme?”
Judith glanced away.
“Oh, ho,” he said with a chuckle. “It must have been as unflattering as mine was of you.”
“I saw you as just another dirty cowboy,” she said, keeping her face forward.
“Ouch.”
“I must confess I was quite surprised when I saw you at church the following Sunday.”
“So, I didn’t clean up too bad?”
“Not bad at all.”
She still didn’t look at him, but the warmth in her tone made him wish he could kiss her again.
The Circle B Ranch house came into view, and Luke’s stomach knotted. He moved his arm from her shoulders but took her hand.
“I’m twenty-five, Luke,” Judith said, seeming to sense his unease. “He can’t refuse to let you court me.”
“Since Marshall married Doris, our relationship is the best it’s been in all the years I’ve known him. I’m just worried if he doesn’t approve of me it’ll make things awkward.”
“He wouldn’t dare.” There was something in her tone that reminded him a great deal of Frances.
“I hope you’re right.”
Junior pulled the sleigh up to the house.
“It’s late so I won’t be long,” Luke said, rising. “Keep warm in the barn.”
“Yes, sir.” Junior glanced at Judith and shot Luke a cheeky grin.
He glared a warning at the young man who chuckled. Luke shook his head, and he came around the sleigh to lift Judith. He took his time lowering her, so he could keep her in his arms longer. She gave a little gasp. Even under the scarf he could tell her cheeks were flushing.
“My brother’s office curtains are open if you want him to see,” she said, her words delightfully breathy.
“I’d like to tell you I don’t care, but I’d be lying.” Luke set her on the ground and took a step back, offering her his arm before they headed up the steps. “It’s quite sobering and reminds me that if he wouldn’t approve of my behavior, I probably wouldn’t have approved of him doing it with Doris.”
“I amnotyour sister.” Judith’s voice had taken on that testy edge from her early days.
“And don’t I know it.” Luke gave her an overtly appreciative glance as they paused at the front door.
“And yet you insisted on calling me your sister.”
He turned to look at her, his face only inches away from hers. “Did that bother you?” He leaned closer.
“Very much.”
Luke would have kissed her, but he heard voices on the other side of the door and turned to reach for the knob. Someone swung open the door to reveal Marshall who was glaring at them.
“Judith’s driver came back without her,” he said.
“I was late for our meeting, so I’ve escorted her home.”
“You should be more respectful of my sister’s time.”
“He had a perfectly legitimate reason for being delayed, and I willnotstand here and let you castigate him for it,” Judith said now wearing her own glare.
