Read Nearest Thing to Heaven (Maverick Junction) for Free Online

townspeople at the tables.
    Because she was the new girl in town or because she was with the widower?
    Or maybe because they really were giving off sparks—despite his reluctance. If she touched him again, would Bubba’s go up in flames?
    Her heart did a little happy dance in her chest.
    Too beautiful. Too tall. Too broad-shouldered.
    Too everything.
    And, lest she forget, the daddy of triplets.
    Her heart stopped dancing to collapse on the floor and cry as she mentally crossed the to-die-for cowboy off her list.
    It had to be done.
    And wasn’t that a shame?
    The night had cooled off. As Sophie and Ty walked through the parking lot, she shivered.
    He unlocked the big truck and reached into the back seat. “Here you go. This should keep you warm.”
    “Thanks.” Slipping into the flannel jacket, she breathed deeply. His scent enveloped her. Warm and masculine. Sexy and hot.
    It didn’t smell like a daddy’s jacket.
    And exactly what in the world would a daddy’s jacket smell like? she asked herself. Get a grip.
    “Ty—”
    “Sophie—”
    They spoke at the same time. Both stopped and laughed.
    He started up the truck and pulled out, the headlights cutting a swath through the darkness.
    “I’m sorry Annelise forced you to dance with me, Ty. She’s got this crazy idea that, in order to be complete, I need a guy in my life.”
    He cut her a look. “You don’t agree?”
    “No!”
    “Good for you. I figured it was you getting the nudge from her. That Annelise was trying to set me up, asking you to fall on the sword, as it were. I don’t know how much you know about me, but—” He wet his lips, raked fingers through his hair.
    “It’s okay, Ty.” She laid a hand on his arm. “I know.”
    His voice deepened, took on a gruff edge. “Okay.”
    “Let’s just leave it at that.”
    “Good enough.”
    “Does Haley live on your ranch?”
    “Yeah, she and Bob have a small place there. Works well for everybody.”
    “Do you have a bunkhouse?”
    “Yep. A small one.”
    She grinned. “Hmmm. The whole Western thing.”
    He laughed. “I don’t know about that, but before you ask, no, I don’t have a gunslinger on my payroll. The bunkhouse is necessary. Running a ranch is a big job, one I couldn’t do alone. It’s a whole lot easier if some of the hands live on the Burnt Fork. You really are a city slicker, aren’t you?”
    “Undeniably and unapologetically, yes, I am. Burnt Fork. That’s the name of your ranch?”
    He nodded and turned into Dottie’s drive. Getting out, he moved around the front of the truck to open her door. A born-and-bred gentleman, Sophie thought. She’d noticed lots of that tonight. Apparently, here in Texas, mothers still taught their boys good manners.
    As she got out, she said, “Good night, Ty. Thanks for the ride.”
    He took hold of her arm. “I’ll walk you to your door.”
    “That’s not necessary.”
    “Yes, ma’am, it is. My mama taught me to always walk my—ah, a woman to the door at night. To see her safely inside.”
    “You said Maverick Junction was safe.”
    “It is. It’s a handy ploy, though, for a fellow to get to spend a little more time with his girl.”
    But I’m not your girl , she thought. Nor would she ever be.
    The moon shone in the big Texas sky as they walked along the drive, and their shadows merged, blending into one. From the darkness beyond, Sophie heard insects chirping and wondered what else was hiding out there in the night.
    Paying attention to everything except where she was walking, she stumbled on a loose stone that had kicked into the drive. Ty reached out, put a hand on her arm, and her heart did a little backflip. At the base of the stairs, she turned to face him. “Thanks so much, Ty. For everything. I had fun tonight.”
    “I’d feel better if you’d let me walk you up. See you safely inside.”
    She shook her head. “You need to get home to your boys.”
    He hesitated. “Guess you’re right. They’re asleep, but