Crazy for Lovin’ You by Teresa Southwick Page B

up.
    â€œNope. Like I said, things are great.”
    â€œUh-huh.”
    But the look on Dev’s face said he didn’t believe a word of it. Mitch would swear the other man thought he could see straight into his head, and what he’d been thinking. But he’d be wrong. Ever since he’d returned to Destiny, memories had come flooding back. Not all of them bad. At least the ones about Taylor.
    Like most of the guys, he’d had the hots for Jen. He thought he’d died and gone to heaven when she gave him a tumble. Only he’d been afraid to open up withher, afraid she wouldn’t like what she saw. Hell, his own mother hadn’t cared enough to hang around. Then Jen had tossed him aside for someone else, never bothering to look deeper.
    But it had been different with Taylor. He’d talked to her a lot. When he’d waited for her sister, or took his practice rides on her father’s bulls, Taylor was always hanging around. He hadn’t thought about it a lot until now. But they had been friends until he’d angrily pushed her away.
    Hell, she’d only been fourteen. And looking at her that night had been a reminder that he wasn’t good enough for a Stevens. Now he was back, and she was running the ranch by herself. He admired that. He also felt as if he needed to make amends for the way he’d acted that night.
    â€œDon’t you have better things to do than stand around talking?” he asked Dev. “Haven’t you got stock to tend to?”
    Instead of taking offense, the other man grinned. “Sounds like you’re gettin’ ready to burn some powder. Since I’m not in the mood to get scorched, I think I’ll mosey on over to the café. I think I see someone I know.” He smiled at Taylor and touched the brim of his hat. “Nice talking with you, little T.”
    â€œYou, too, Dev. Say hi to Polly for me.”
    â€œWill do. Let’s get together later and catch up. See you, Mitch.” Then he walked to the wooden sidewalk and stopped to talk to Hannah Morgan.
    â€œShe’s changed a lot since high school,” Mitch commented, looking at Hannah.
    â€œHaven’t we all.” Taylor shot him an irritated look. “And aren’t you just Mr. Congeniality today.”
    â€œWhat?” he asked.
    â€œYou chased Dev off with your charm and grace.”
    â€œI did him a favor. He was looking for an excuse to take a pretty lady to lunch,” he said, glancing at the café where the two were just disappearing inside.
    â€œOkay,” she said. “Let’s can the polite banter. You can give it to me straight.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œYou found a better site for the rodeo.” She put her hands on jean-clad hips. She tried to hide it, but she was upset. “You chased Dev away so you could tell me in private.”
    He saw the slight quiver of her chin, and the way she caught her bottom lip between her teeth to stop it. Her brown eyes darkened with disappointment, and something that looked like fear.
    â€œHold on, Taylor—”
    â€œIt’s all right. You said it yourself. The kids need the best possible location to showcase their talents.”
    â€œTrue enough. And—”
    â€œIf the Circle S can’t cut the mustard, then I wouldn’t want it there.”
    â€œMe, either.”
    â€œSo?” Her chin lifted slightly and she looked him in the eye, while she waited for his answer.
    â€œIn my opinion, the Circle S is the best location for the high school rodeo.”
    She froze, almost as if she couldn’t believe it. Then a wide, bright, beautiful smile transformed her face.
    She threw her arms around him. “Thank you. You won’t regret this. I won’t let you down.”
    He hugged her close for a moment, savoring the way she felt against him. As much as he was enjoying her gratitude, he had one more thing to say. He’d just figured out where he