Read To Tame A Texan for Free Online Page A

reek of whiskey,” Cimarron complained, grabbing Ace’s arm and leading him toward the washbasin. He was still protesting when she poured the pitcher of cold water over his head. “Lynnie might change her mind about being seen with you.”
    â€œYou think so?” he asked, his soul clinging to that forlorn hope. In answer, he got another pitcher of cold water poured over his head.
    Unfortunately, he was almost sober by the time he was dressed and combed like a prize stallion at the county fair.
    His mother stepped back and surveyed him proudly. “My, you do look nice. Every girl at the ball will be looking you over.”
    Ace brightened and smiled at the thought.
    Ma frowned. “Hear me, Ace Durango, you are not to flirt with all the girls and leave poor Lynnie standing alone like a wallflower.”
    â€œAw, Ma, give me a little something to look forward to.”
    Trace called from his easy chair. “You heard your mother. You know no one else will ask that poor little filly to dance, so don’t you abandon her.”
    It was going to be a long, long evening, Ace decided glumly.
    â€œOf course,” his mother said, straightening his tie, “if you could get your friends to fill her dance card so she’d look popular, that would be very nice.”
    â€œThat’d turn my friends to enemies,” Ace sighed. “Just remember, Ma, you and I are even after this.”
    â€œUntil the next time you get yourself in a mess.” Ma brushed off the lapel of his expensive black coat.
    â€œI’ve learned my lesson,” Ace declared. “I’m a reformed man.”
    Dad snorted from his chair and picked up the newspaper.
    â€œDouble damnation, son,” his mother scolded, “you might just have a good time tonight.”
    â€œUh-huh,” Ace said without enthusiasm.
    â€œOh, dear . . .” Ma pursed her lips. “I forgot about flowers. Go down to the lobby and get her a corsage. I think I saw a vendor out on the street.”
    â€œAnd don’t forget to come back,” Dad yelled.
    Ma gave him her steely gaze. “Of course he’ll come back. Ace is too much of a gentleman to stand up a lady, aren’t you, son?”
    Frankly, the idea seemed very appealing at the moment. “I said I’d take her, and a Texan’s word is good as gold.”
    â€œHave a good time, then.” His mother pushed him toward the door.
    Good time. Hah. “I’d have a better time if I could go alone. Why aren’t you and Dad and Maverick and Aunt Cayenne going to this thing?”
    â€œBecause your father hates the governor; he thinks he’s an idiot. And of course, Aunt Cayenne is in the family way. So go represent our families and be your usual charming self.”
    â€œLynnie doesn’t think I’m charming,” Ace complained.
    Ma laughed. “Now that’s a first, isn’t it? You’re used to every woman in Texas finding you irresistible.”
    He had to admit it was true. Lynnie McBride didn’t seem to find him charming; in fact, she didn’t even seem to find him slightly likable. But then, he figured Lynnie felt that way about most men. “I don’t know why Lynnie even wants to go to this dance.”
    â€œI don’t, either.” Ma looked puzzled. “Maybe she’s finally decided she wants to get married. After all, most of the most prominent, eligible bachelors in Texas will be there tonight.”
    Ace rolled his eyes. “Like I said, Ma, after tonight, you and me are even. I’ve learned my lesson.”
    â€œSure you have, dear. Now get along with you.” She pushed him out the door and closed it.
    Reluctantly Ace went down the stairs to the lobby and found the flower vendor. He hadn’t the least idea what to buy, but the bright red roses reminded him of the barmaid’s lips, so he chose those. Then he stopped at the bar and had two more drinks to steel himself.