Last Promise by Scarlett Dunn Page A

the least I can do for what you are doing tonight. I’m sure you came in for a nice dinner and not to do more work after a long day at the ranch.”
    He finished the biscuit and turned his gaze on her, his teasing demeanor was replaced by a sincere request. “I want you to make them only if you want to make them for me. I don’t want you to feel indebted. I’ll cook you a steak and then we can enjoy a nice dinner after the last customer is served.”
    Her heart started thumping again when she looked into his turquoise eyes. At that moment she feared she would do anything he asked. Just like all the women she’d seen with him since she arrived in town, she was succumbing to his charms. She nodded her agreement.
    They worked companionably for two hours, only interrupted from their cooking when Eb came in with new orders. While they worked Mary Ann asked questions about his life. She learned what it meant to bust broncs, and about the many places he’d traveled. Luke noticed she didn’t talk much about her life in England and what she did tell him, he thought it sounded stifling. He couldn’t imagine days structured around parties and teas. She did mention some of the details of her journey when she left England. Just as he’d suspected, she hadn’t escaped male attention along the way.
    â€œYou didn’t say why you decided to come to Wyoming.” Luke was curious as to why she traveled all that way by herself.
    Before she responded, George walked into the kitchen. “We’re done for the night. Why don’t we have a late dinner?”
    â€œThat was my plan.” While Luke enjoyed George’s company, he was disappointed that he wouldn’t be dining alone with Mary Ann. “I’ll cook four steaks. I bet Eb has worked up a hunger, he did the hard work putting up with the customers.”
    Mary Ann was busy cutting out the biscuits and thinking over everything she’d discussed with Luke. It was fun listening to his stories, but she thought it prudent that her uncle would be dining with them. It was proving difficult to be indifferent to his masculine appeal.
    â€œI’ve smelled those steaks all night, and judging by the reaction of the customers they were delicious. I can’t wait to dig into one.”
    Eb walked in with some dishes from the dining room. “I’m starving.”
    Everyone laughed. “Four steaks coming up,” Luke said.

Chapter Five
    George finished his steak and leaned back in his chair enjoying his glass of wine. “Luke, I don’t know how to thank you. Not only for all of your hard work tonight, but also for that wonderful steak. It’s the best I’ve ever eaten, but I dare not tell Mrs. Howe.” He had a feeling that Luke enjoyed his evening with Mary Ann even though they were working in the kitchen. He’d seen the way he looked at his niece. If he wasn’t mistaken, Luke was smitten.
    Luke gazed at Mary Ann when he answered. “It was my pleasure, George.” It didn’t feel like work to Luke, he’d enjoyed every moment he spent with Mary Ann. It didn’t matter what he was doing, he just liked being near her. What man alive would tire of looking at her? It was a bonus that she was much more than a pretty face. He stuffed his sixth biscuit in his mouth. “I would cook for you every night if Mary Ann made the biscuits.”
    â€œThey are delicious,” Eb agreed. “I like Mrs. Howe’s, but these are even better than hers.”
    â€œI think we’d best be careful about our success tonight when Mrs. Howe returns. She might not feel like she is needed.”
    â€œUncle, if not for Luke, dinner would have been a disaster.”
    â€œThe three of you saved the day,” George replied. “By the way, Mary Ann, did you tell Luke about the shop you are setting up?”
    â€œNo, I’m sure that wouldn’t interest him.”
    â€œIt will