Page 8 of Country Winds (King Creek Cowboys #9)

Ellie laughed at the mischievous look in his eyes. Before she could say anything, he swept her up in a big bear hug. She giggled as he held her up, her feet dangling in the air. “It’s going to look like I was partial or something. You shouldn’t be hugging one of the judges.”

He set her on her feet, still looking at her with mischief in his eyes. “I’m going to use that hugging excuse as often as possible.”

She shook her head and rolled her eyes. “The things I have to put up with.”

“Just be glad I don’t swat you on the ass.” He inclined his head in the direction of the jolly cowboy. “Cal—just keep that cute butt of yours out of his reach.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” She felt flushed from the laughter and his calling her butt “cute.” “I should let you get to your family and guests.”

“I already am.” He rested one hand on her shoulder and held her gaze. “You’re more than a welcome guest.”

Ellie felt a rush of warmth throughout her. What exactly did he mean when he said she was more than a welcome guest? Was he feeling the same way about her as she was feeling for him?

“Here’s your camera, Ellie.” Grady’s voice drew her away from Tucker's magnetic hold over her. Grady held out the camera. “I got some great shots.”

She smiled at him as she took it. “Thank you so much.”

Maddee stood at Grady’s side. “Tucker, have you met Grady Donovan? He’s a firefighter from King Creek.”

“Can’t say that I have.” Tucker shook Grady’s hand and gave him a firm nod. “A pleasure, Grady.”

The firefighter responded in kind. Even though she barely knew Grady, she was positive he was a good man. Tucker—that went without saying.

Maddee looped her arm through Grady’s. “We’re off to get some of Uncle Cal’s famous punch.”

As they left, Tucker inclined his head toward the tables laden with food. “Hungry?”

“Starving.” Ellie fell into step with him and almost tripped over a boy of about eight who darted across their path.

A cowboy about the same height as Tucker caught his attention. “Hey, bro.”

Tucker lightly touched Ellie’s shoulder. “Ellie, this is my baby brother, Caleb.” He turned to the good-looking younger man. “This is Ellie. Keep your hands to yourself.”

Caleb chuckled and Ellie laughed. “My twin and I are the babies of the family, too. Youngest unite.”

Caleb had beautiful chocolate-brown eyes and was nearly as handsome as Tucker. He touched the brim of his hat. “Nice to meet you, Ellie.”

“We’re hitting the food tables.” Tucker nodded in that direction as he settled his hand on the back of her waist, as if claiming her. She knew that was a silly thought, but the heat of his touch sent a thrill through her.

“Don’t stand in the way of a cowboy’s stomach,” Tucker added.

Caleb flashed a grin and turned to talk with a pretty, diminutive blonde.

They were greeted by guests every few feet. Ellie liked how close Tucker kept her to him. He didn’t do it in an overly possessive way, and she enjoyed his touch. Ellie met two more of Tucker’s brothers, Gavin and Shelton, on the way.

By the time they reached the potluck tables, Tucker had talked with at least ten other people and introduced Ellie to each one. Her stomach rumbled as she breathed in the scents, including hot homemade bread rolls.

Ellie did a pretty good job of loading her plate with potato salad, deviled eggs, mini weenies in BBQ sauce, and macaroni salad. Then she saw Tucker’s plate piled twice as high as hers.

They placed their plates on the end of an empty table. Tucker said he’d get them a bowl of chili each, and she went for the famous punch Maddee had been so keen for Grady to try.

Ellie and Tucker returned at the same time, and they scooted onto the bench seats. She picked up her plastic spoon and hovered it over her bowl. “Your chili, right?”

He nodded. “Scraped the bottom of the pot but got the last of it.”

She dug into the chili and took a bite. She savored the full, rich, spicy taste. “Mmmm. This is the best chili I’ve ever had.”

“So that means you voted for mine.” He gave her a teasing look. “I didn’t even have to bribe you.”

Ellie laughed. “I’m not telling.” She sipped from her red Solo cup, and her eyes widened. “Holy Moly, that punch is some strong stuff.”

Tucker grinned. “My grandpa always says it’s strong enough to grow hair on your chest.”

Ellie almost snorted out the sip she’d been in the middle of taking. “I’d better not drink anymore.” She dabbed her mouth with a paper napkin. “Besides, I do have to drive.”

He caught her gaze and held it. “We still have plenty of time before you have to leave.”

Her heart pounded a bit harder from the intensity of his gaze. “It’s a bit of a drive, so I don’t want to stay too late.”

“Then you’d better finish eating so we can get some dancing in.”

The sounds of instruments being tuned filled the air. “Testing,” came an amplified deep voice with a strong cowboy accent, and the speakers squelched.

“Perfect timing.” Tucker looked past her. “The band’s about ready, and my guys set up the portable dancefloor.”

Ellie stood and turned to see what he was talking about. A floor stretched out across the large area in front of the barn, lights arranged around it to switch on once it started to get dark. She turned back. “You Rawlings folks go all out.”

“Yep.” Tucker smiled and gestured to her almost empty plate. “Finished? Or do you need more time?”

“I’m quite full.” Ellie dabbed her mouth with the paper napkin. “Man, that was a lot of food. The chili was the best part.”

“Glad you liked it.” He smiled and gathered the plates and bowls. “Leave the cups here to save our places.”

She climbed off the bench seat and walked with him to one of the big, rusty oil drums that had been converted into garbage cans.

After disposing of the waste, Tucker rested his fingertips on her lower back and escorted her to the barn.

She appreciated that he wanted to be close to her, yet not too much so.

“Have a seat, Ellie.” He gestured to one of the hay bales just inside the barn, across from the band. “I’ll be right back.”

Tucker wanted nothing more than to spend the entire evening with Ellie. He did need to mingle a bit, and he figured she would be okay about it and hopefully join him.

He strode over to Johnny, the big guy with the bass guitar. “Good to have you here tonight. You guys ready?”

“You bet.” Johnny gave a nod. “Say the word.”

Tucker took the mic Johnny handed him and looked at the crowd gathering around.

He moved across the front of the barn as he started talking. “Welcome friends, neighbors, and family to the Rawlings family’s eleventh annual barn dance and chili cookoff.”

The crowd hooted, hollered, and applauded.

“This is my fourth year hosting the events, and I’m happy to have you all here at Rawlings Ranch.” Tucker smiled as more people cheered and swept his arm out to direct attention to the band. “Please welcome Johnny and White Lightning to our shindig, everyone.”

The crowd cheered. JWL was popular and in high demand in the area, and it was slowly gaining an audience outside of their county.

Tucker faced the crowd. “Enjoy yourselves and dance a two-step while you’re at it.”

JWL started out with a well-known country-western tune, and it wasn’t long before the dancefloor filled.

Tucker passed a couple of his cousin’s adorable kids, a three-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl.

He ruffled Caleb’s hair and tweaked Cindy’s braid, causing the kids to giggle.

They were cute as could be, and he smiled.

He was looking forward to having a family.

He was already in his thirties, so it was about time to have some kids of his own, but he had to find the right woman.

He barely knew her, but he couldn’t help wondering if Ellie could be the one.

He returned to where he’d left her, and he held out his hand. She smiled and took it, and he drew her to her feet. “I need to welcome folks personally. Will you join me?”

“Sure, if I won’t be in the way.” She produced her camera from the cross-body bag still slung over her shoulder. “I’m also neglecting my plan to photograph the heck out of your event.”

“I’ll let you take a photo or two.” His eyes glinted with amusement as he teased her. “But I would like to introduce you to friends and family.”

Tucker touched the small of Ellie’s back and escorted her around the floor. He liked the warmth and feel of her just through that slight touch.

Due to the loud band, he had to speak up to be heard, but at least it was still light. He introduced Ellie, and she was charming as she met each person.

He liked how she interacted with his mom and dad when he introduced them to her. His fourth brother, Gabe, flirted enough with Ellie to make Tucker feel possessive, and he had no claim on her.

Tucker had been watching Ellie almost since her arrival, and he had observed her interacting with guests. He admired her natural self, her elegance, and her well-spoken manner.

Tonight, he found himself seeing her in a different light. She was a little goofy, silly, and just fun when they met at the Renaissance fair. She had impressed him, yet there was more to her than he first realized.

After making the rounds, Tucker faced Ellie and smiled as the band struck up a lively tune. “Ready for a little dancing?”

“You bet.” She walked close to him, his arm brushing her shoulder.

He placed his palm on her lower back as he escorted her to the dancefloor, and her warmth heated him through.

They stepped onto the floor, and he drew her into a country waltz. She laughed as they danced, her eyes sparkling when they met his.

The waltz shifted into a two-step when the next tune started. A Western promenade. Ellie was an excellent dancer. Tucker and his sister were close in age, and they’d partnered up when they were young and learned to dance together, so he felt comfortable on the dance floor.