Rachel's Cowboy by Judy Christenberry Page A

her, Madge.”
    She grinned at both young people. “Of course not.”
    “He’s afraid I won’t finish his computer work,” Rachel teased.
    “Honey, if you finish my computer work, you’ll be here till Christmas,” J.D. drawled. “All I’m hoping is you get me caught up a little.”
    “I’ll do that, J.D., I promise.”
    The smile she gave him warmed him more than Madge’s casserole.
     
    J.D. CAME BACK to the house at eight the next morning, planning on having a cup of coffee and maybe a biscuit left over from breakfast. He figured Rachel wouldn’t be ready on time. Women never were.
    But when he opened the kitchen door, Rachel jumped up from the table, looking great in her new jeans and cowboy boots. Grabbing a lightweight jacket, she announced, “I’m ready.”
    “Uh, okay. Do you mind if I have a little coffee before we start?”
    Rachel stared at him. “Okay, if that’s what you want.” She sat back down.
    J.D. took one of the biscuits left from breakfast and looked at Rachel. “Have you ever tried jelly on one of Madge’s biscuits?”
    “No, I haven’t,” she replied.
    The way her eyes rested on him, he damn near felt them to his core. What was it with this woman that they seemed to spark off each other whenever their eyes met, even in this domestic setting? “Here, I’ll show you.” He cut the biscuit in half, slathered it with blackberry jelly and held it out to her. “Eat.”
    “It’s a good thing I’m not trying to diet now, J.D. Stanley, or I’d be a very unhappy woman.” She followed his instructions and reached for the biscuit, but J.D. pulled it back. Then he held it to her mouth himself.
    He knew this was trouble—heck, his mind kept screaming a warning at him—but he did it anyway. The second she parted her lips to accept his offering, he thought he’d drop to his knees, forget his vow to Vivian and beg Rachel to kiss him with those full, pink lips. Especially after she took a bite and then licked his finger where the jam had spilled.
    “Oh my, that was really good,” she said in an odd voice. Was she being suggestive? J.D. couldn’t tell. Funny, how the last time she’d been at the ranch he could practically read her mind, but now he was unable to decipher her glances and tone. “Madge, you’re a genius in the kitchen.” The way she turned on her heel and focused her delight on his housekeeper told him that he’d totally misread her. She was talking about food, not him.
    Damn, but this woman had him all out of sorts.
    When Madge approached, J.D. pulled himself out of his funk.
    “I’m glad you enjoyed it,” she said, smiling as she wiped her wet hands on her apron. “Now, get on your way, you two. And be careful. I don’t want any accidents.”
    “We’ll be fine, Madge,” J.D. reassured her. “I’m starting her out on Mandy.”
    “Oh, good.”
    “Who’s Mandy?” Rachel asked, frowning.
    “She’s a horse. Actually, she was my first real horse. I got her when I was twelve. She’s twenty years old now and doesn’t run anywhere if she can walk. So she’ll be safe for you to learn the basics on.” He turned to Madge. “I’ll have her back in about an hour.”
    Rachel followed him out of the house. “I only get to ride an hour?”
    J.D. grinned. “By that time your body will be screaming for a hot bath.”
    “I may have never ridden a horse before, J.D., but I am in good shape. At least I was.”
    “Horseback riding uses different muscles, Rachel. We’ll see how you’re doing after an hour.”
    She found herself gritting her teeth, determined to show him how capable she was, even if she ached in every muscle she had.
    She followed him to a corral where only one horse waited. “Where’s your horse?”
    J.D. looked at her. “My horse?”
    “Well, yes, if we’re going to ride, you’ll need a horse, won’t you?”
    J.D. laughed. “Honey, the only place you’ll be riding for several days will be in this corral.”
    “You mean I’m just