Page 14 of Take Me Please, Cowboy (The Calhouns & Campbells of Cold Canyon Ranch #1)

“I know. We’re lucky.” She rose. “Do you want to eat out here on the porch or in the house?”

“Out here, if you don’t mind. I like the view.”

She looked past him to the rugged golden hills and the aspen trees just beginning to change colors.

“It is beautiful. I thought the Hill Country was pretty, but this… this always takes my breath away.” Her gaze skimmed the fence and the distant windmill before glancing back at Rye.

“I’ll grab the salad and dishes and will be right back. ”

They ate sitting on the top step of the porch, their plates balanced on their laps. “This is nice,” Ansley said with a contented sigh. “I wish Uncle Clyde wanted to eat outside, but he has a routine, and we don’t vary from it.”

“I take it you’re more of a free spirit.”

“I’m okay with structure, but he’s pretty inflexible. That’s hard. But beneath his gruff exterior, he’s a good person, and from everything I’ve heard, was a good husband to his wife.”

“That’s important to you?”

She straightened. “Of course! I don’t really think it matters how successful someone is, if he or she isn’t good to those they say they love.”

Rye’s brow raised. “You’re sounding cynical about love.”

“Not about love per se, but about people. It’s easy to say you love someone, but the hard part is showing up, behaving in a loving way.”

He set his plate on the step next to him. “Do your parents have that kind of marriage?”

Ansley hesitated. “That’s a good question. I think they’re happy, but it’s not the marriage I’d want.”

“Why not?”

“It’s a little too traditional. I think Mom is content, but I wouldn’t be. Dad controls the dynamics a bit too much. He’s not unfair, but he’s just the alpha, the head of the family, and sometimes it doesn’t seem as if there is much room for Mom.”

Rye studied her a long moment. “But if she’s happy?”

“Exactly. She was raised in a family a lot like ours. Her dad was a military dad and they moved around a lot. Mom has always taken her job as the wife, mother, homemaker seriously, and she’s been good at that, and it apparently fulfilled her.

I just—” She broke off, and weighed her words.

“Want more.” Her gaze met Rye’s and held.

“And why not? None of my brothers would be satisfied staying home, cleaning house, organizing the pantry, canning peaches every summer. Why should I have to be satisfied doing it?”

His gaze was warm, amused. “You don’t.”

“That’s right.”

“You can be whoever and whatever you want to be.”

“ Exactly. ” She laughed, then smiled at him. “Do you really believe that, or are you just humoring me?”

“I really believe that. And if you met my sisters, you’d know that’s how I feel.

I want them to pursue their interests and have the financial freedom that would allow them to be independent, not just of our family, but of needing to depend on a man.

It’s important women have the ability to decide if a relationship isn’t right for them, but it’s hard to do that if you have no way to support yourself. ”

Ansley set her plate behind her. “You’re a good brother.”

“They’re good sisters, good people. I want them happy. And I want them to have options, options that you’d only have if you’re not broke or in debt.”

Her gaze slowly traveled over his face, taking in the strong brow, the straight nose, the high hard cheekbones. He was deeply tan with faint lines at the corners of his eyes. It was clear he spent his days outside. “They must know how you feel.”

“Yes, but one of them, Hannah, is seeing someone for the wrong reasons. She knows I don’t approve—”

“What does that mean?” Ansley interrupted.

“He’s too old for her. He’s got some money.

He gives her gifts and acts like he’s spoiling her, but he’s really controlling her, and I don’t like him.

I don’t trust him. And I know she doesn’t love him.

But I think she’s trying to help the family by not needing my financial support, but I’d rather help her with school and her expenses than have Ron pay her bills. ”

“How do you know Hannah doesn’t love Ron?”

“There’s no light or excitement in her eyes when she sees him.

There’s no… joy. If she loved him, wouldn’t she light up a little bit?

Wouldn’t there be some… spark or warmth?

She used to practically dance when she entered the room.

Even as a teenager she was always twirling and laughing…

sparkling. There’s no sparkle anymore. I hate it.

I hate Ron’s effect on her. He’s smothered the light in her and I pray that before it’s too late she’ll realize he’s not the one. ”

Ansley put her hand on Rye’s, her fingers sliding between his. His skin was warm, and she felt an immediate connection. It happened every time they touched. “I hope that, too,” she said softly. “For both of your sakes.”

Rye lifted her hand to his mouth, kissed the back. “Will you show me where you paint? I’d love to see what you’re working on.”

“Yes.”

“Good. I’d love to see your work.”

“I’ve never shown you?”

He grinned. “We only officially met yesterday.”

She laughed. “I did see you Thursday.”

“From afar.”

“It counts,” she said.

“I guess it does. I feel like I’ve known you forever.”

Ansley’s insides melted, her pulse quickening. “I feel the same way.”