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to check her out.”
    She followed the cowboy outside, and there stood Eloise, who’d had an extreme makeover. “The old girl never looked so good. You didn’t need to wash her. She isn’t used to being clean.”
    “Couldn’t help myself. Get in and start her up.”
    With great effort, Annie wriggled behind the steering wheel. She rolled down the window, turned the key, and a moment later her car sprang to life. “Is this really my car? Or an Eloise look-alike?”
    Trent leaned on the window. “It’s surprising what a fuel pump and some elbow grease can do.”
    The scent of his aftershave drifted into the car, and Annie breathed its fresh aroma. While she’d only known Brad’s friend a few days, she felt drawn to the cowboy who’d rehabilitated Eloise. And that was unacceptable.
    Time to bring this visit to a close. Annie shut off the engine and climbed out. Then she stuck out her hand to seal their business transaction. “My car hasn’t sounded this good in years. I appreciate all you’ve done.”
    When Trent’s hand gripped hers, Annie’s heart skipped a beat. Then another and another. His fingers wrapping around hers felt warm, masculine, and strong. She swallowed hard at the surprising impact of his touch.
    “If Eloise acts up again let me know.”
    “I’ll do that.” Annie glanced at their hands still locked in a handshake. She cleared her throat. Trent looked down too, cleared his throat, and pulled his hand away. Annie breathed deeply to regain her equilibrium. Good thing the obligatory lunch was over.
    It suddenly struck Annie that the man had no transportation. “I’ll drive you home,” she offered.
    “I hoped you’d volunteer. My place is quite a hike from here.”
    Trent climbed into the passenger seat and they took off. Annie couldn’t wait to drop him at the ranch and terminate this relationship. But she dreaded the possibility of seeing the fantasticRosa that Trent adored. The one who cooked like a gourmet. And considering Trent’s amazing looks, Rosa was probably a runway model. Annie glanced at her body and sighed. She looked big as a house. Or two!
    “Turn left at the next road. I use the term loosely since it’s gravel.”
    Annie followed his instructions. They traveled about half a mile when Trent said, “Now turn right. Under that sign.”
    The metal sign announced Copper Creek Ranch. Annie drove under it and spotted a house just ahead. She caught her breath when she saw it. Built of logs and ensconced in a grove of maple trees, the house was perfectly designed for this natural setting.
    Annie pulled into the parking area, and Trent climbed out and came around to the driver’s side. “Thanks for the great lunch, Annie. I enjoyed it.”
    “You’re welcome. Sorry I didn’t have time to make dessert.”
    “Hey, I ate enough lasagna for an army. Listen, why don’t you come in for milk and cookies? Rosa whipped up some oatmeal-chocolate-chip wonders this afternoon.”
    Yeah, sure
, Annie thought. The last thing she wanted was to eat cookies with the Latino beauty Trent idolized.
    As they spoke, a dark-haired woman came out the kitchen door waving the telephone. She was plump and pretty. And fifty if she was a day.
    “Mr. Trent, the call’s for you. It’s important.”
    Annie gazed at the lady. Just how many women were part of Trent Madison’s life? Did he have his own harem, for goodness’ sake?
    “Excuse me, Annie, while I take this call.” Trent grabbed the phone and began talking.
    The woman walked around to the driver’s side. “You must be Mrs. Samuels. Why don’t you come in for some cookies? I made Mr. Trent’s favorite.”
    Annie’s heart lurched. “You made the cookies?”
    “You bet. I’m the only woman that cooks in Mr. Trent’s kitchen.”
    The glorious light suddenly dawned. “You’re Rosa?”
    She smiled. “Rosa Hernandez. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Samuels.”
    “So you know my name.”
    “Of course I do. Mr. Trent talks about you