Sweet Home Cowboy

By Marin Thomas

When Marietta newcomer Elena Puente is coerced into attending a speed-dating event at the popular Copper Mountain Chocolate shop, she’s blindsided by a serious attraction to local cowboy, Wesley Banks.

Still recovering from a broken engagement, the first-grade teacher from Las Vegas isn’t looking for romance. She’s in Montana to get to know the great-grandfather she never knew existed until she found some hidden family letters. Judge Kingsley is a grouchy recluse and he’s far from welcoming, but Elena is determined to stay in town long enough to give his neglected estate on Bramble Lane a facelift.

Elena’s resolve to avoid romance is tested when she discovers Wesley is the caretaker of her grandfather’s rural property. Soon, she and the cowboy are attending more speed-dating events at the chocolate shop and she’s seeking his advice on how to deal with his ornery boss. Local gossips wager the old Judge will run Elena out of town before anything serious develops between her and Wesley. But Wesley’s a determined man, too, and he’s betting Elena belongs in Marietta forever…with him.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tule Publishing
• Release date: Jun 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781946772114

Marin Thomas

Award winning author Marin Thomas writes western romances for Harlequin and Tule Publishing Group as well as women's fiction for Berkley Books. She graduated from the University of Arizona and she and her husband live in Phoenix. When not writing she spends her free time junk hunting and researching ghost tours. Learn more about Marin's books at www.marinthomas.com or sign up for her newsletter at http://bit.ly/MarinThomasUpdates.

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Dedication

To my maternal grandmother Dorothy West, who believed a box of chocolates solved all of life’s little problems.

Acknowledgments

It’s been an honor and privilege to work with this fantastic group of talented authors: C.J. Carmichael, Melissa McClone, Debra Salonen, Roxanne Snopek, and Steena Holmes. Who knew chocolate could be so much fun to write about!

Chapter One

If Elena Kingsley was a first grader instead of a first-grade teacher, being stranded on the side of the road would be the beginning of a grand summer adventure instead of a grand annoyance.

White smoke escaped from beneath the hood of the rental car, but calling for a tow was out of the question. She cursed her stupidity for leaving her phone charger plugged into an outlet at the Denver airport. If she hadn’t been determined to master Math Bumpies to impress next year’s students, she wouldn’t have drained the battery on her iPhone playing the game during the flight from Denver to Bozeman.

She shielded her eyes from the late-afternoon sun and stared down the highway—a strip of asphalt bordered on both sides by grassland. It wouldn’t be smart to be caught alone in the boonies after dark. Rural Montana was a far cry from her hometown of Las Vegas, and this city girl had seen her share of scary movies—there was no happy ever after for the woman who hitched a ride with a friendly rural psycho. Besides, after teaching a unit on stranger danger, how could she look a first grader in the eye if she accepted a lift from a person she’d never met?

You don’t have to tell them.

Until researchers discovered why seven-year-olds had trouble recalling 2 + 2 but no problem guessing when teachers fibbed, Elena was smart to follow the stranger-danger rule:

Don’t go with someone you don’t know.

According to the road sign she’d passed before the car had died, the Marietta, Montana fairground was less than five miles away. She’d just have to hoof it. After removing her suitcase on wheels from the trunk, she locked the vehicle, dropped the keys into her purse, and then began walking.

A dose of clean country air would clear the fog that had shrouded her brain since she’d broken off her engagement to Brad Wertheimer three months ago. A stupid argument over dress socks had morphed into him confessing that he’d been having an affair with a married coworker.

Brad’s betrayal had hurt Elena deeply. How could she have been so wrong about someone who had seemed so right? He’d been the first man she’d had a relationship with who, like her, hadn’t wanted children.

Her ex-fiancé wasn’t the only person who’d disappointed Elena. She was also miffed at her mother for guarding a family secret she had no right to keep. Elena planned to use her mini-vacation in Marietta to discover if the great-grandfather her mother neglected to tell her about was, in fact, the sourpuss she made him out to be.

If not for the unopened letters Elena discovered hidden in a dresser, she’d never have known the old man was alive. Even though her mom insisted she had good reason to keep them apart, Elena was angry she’d grown up believing she had no other family.

She had traveled less than a hundred yards when a vehicle crested the hill in the distance. She scurried into the gully alongside the road and ducked into the tall grass, then crossed her fingers and prayed the driver wouldn’t stop. After the car whizzed by, she waited an extra minute before checking to make sure the coast was clear. As she climbed out of the ravine, the heel of her sandal sank into the soft dirt. Her foot popped free and landed on a prickly weed. Ouch!

She’d wanted to look nice today in case she ran into her great-grandfather, but circumstances had changed. Hiking five miles in strappy sandals and a long skirt was stupid, especially if she had to run from an attacker. She unzipped the suitcase, then removed a pair of running shorts and a pink tank top she’d packed in case she had an opportunity to hike nearby Copper Mountain.

Elena slipped out of her peasant skirt but as she removed her blouse, a gust of wind tore the material from her grasp. She’d paid forty dollars for the shirt and darned if she’d surrender it to a cow pasture. Clad only in her matching black bikini panties and lace bra, she ran onto the road and snatched the garment off the pavement—then froze when a pickup appeared on the horizon. The voices of first graders screaming run sounded off in her brain, and she raced back to the ditch and dove out of sight.

The rumble of an engine reached her ears before fading to a gentle purr. Without looking, she couldn’t be sure, but it sounded like the driver stopped on the road. After the longest ten seconds of her life, the engine roared and the vehicle sped off.

Heart pounding, Elena stuffed the skirt and blouse into her luggage, then slipped into the shorts and tank top before sliding her bare feet into her running shoes. She dragged her suitcase up to the road and walked at a fast clip. Five miles was a bit of a hike, but at least she was in Montana and not Las Vegas. Early June temps in Vegas were already stifling compared to the Treasure State’s daytime highs in the low seventies.

Despite her predicament, the breathtaking beauty of the area wasn’t lost on Elena. The serene glow of the purple mountain peaks in the distance was at odds with the glittery brightness that lit up the Las Vegas strip at night. Miles of land enclosed by barbed wire went on for as far as the eye could see. A constant breeze stirred the dust on the pavement, but not enough to mask the fresh smell of pure sunshine and clean mountain air.

By the time she reached the fairground, dusk had descended. She’d booked a room at the Bramble House Bed & Breakfast on Bramble Lane because her grandfather lived on the same street, but she had no idea how to get there. When she reached the train tracks at the edge of town, she turned at the railroad crossing and walked behind the Graff Hotel. At the train depot, she took a side street and stopped at the corner of Third and Main. The Dalton Law Office was to her right, and the Big Sky Credit Union was to her left. Both businesses were closed. Farther up the block, a group of young women dressed for a night on the town entered a shop that apparently remained open on Saturday night. She’d ask one of those women for directions to Bramble Lane.

As she drew closer to the store, she detected a hint of chocolate in the air, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten anything since the bag of chips she’d purchased from the vending machine at the rental-car agency in Bozeman.

She paused in front of Copper Mountain Chocolate and studied the fancy confections in the display window. Should she bring a gift when she showed up unannounced on her grandfather’s doorstep? A box of pink Himalayan-salted chocolate caramels might ease his shock.

A bell jingled when the door next to her opened, and a masculine voice asked, Going in?

Eyes as dark as the chocolate candies on display in the window peeked at her from beneath a black cowboy hat. His heavy-lidded gaze conjured up images of moonlit walks and romantic dinners. His blue western shirt was tucked into a pair of freshly pressed jeans, which sported a belt buckle the size of a drink coaster. The cowboy’s chest moved, drawing her attention to his broad shoulders. Elena was small in stature, and this man stood an inch over six feet. There weren’t any men like this in Vegas. A chuckle escaped his mouth, and he flashed his pearly whites.

Good grief, he’d caught her gawking like a first grader. She couldn’t remember what he’d asked. I’m sorry?

Are you going inside?

She nodded. Thank you. Towing her suitcase behind her, she stepped past him, catching the scent of sandalwood and musk. Hopefully, the heavenly smell of chocolate would mask the outdoor freshness clinging to her after her trek into town.

The shop was crowded with pretty young women and handsome men who appeared to be in their twenties. A row of numbered tables for two covered in white cloths took up most of the space in the store. Notecards, pens, and a plate of chocolate treats sat on each table—someone had booked the business for a party. Before Elena had a chance to ask for directions, a woman in dark jeans and a cobalt-blue shirt covered by a reddish-gold apron emerged from behind the candy counter.

Wesley, you made it! The brunette weaved through the crowd, but stopped short when she noticed Elena. Hi, I’m Rosie. Her gaze dropped to the luggage. I didn’t know we had someone coming to the speed dating event from out of town.

Speed dating? Oh, no, I—

Rosie grabbed the suitcase handle and rolled it into a corner. We’re running behind schedule. Otherwise, I’d give you time to freshen up, she said. But don’t worry, you still look great. Rosie peered behind Elena. Right, Wesley?

The cowboy who’d held the door for her kept a straight face, but his eyes twinkled. Yes, ma’am. You look great.

Elena’s long hair was a snarled mess. She was sweaty, dusty, and dressed like she’d come from the gym—she did not look great.

Rosie took her arm. What’s your name?

Elena.

Since you already know each other... Rosie handed Elena and Wesley a sticker with a number one on it. Sit together at the first table.

Rosie leaned over and whispered in Elena’s ear. You can pay the twenty-five-dollar fee later. She turned to the man named Wesley. I put aside a box of chocolate-covered nut clusters for your boss. Don’t forget to take it when you leave. Rosie went off to hand out numbered stickers to the remaining daters. When she finished, she clapped her hands. Find your table and take your seat.

I just came in here to get directions, Elena muttered.

Wesley pulled out a chair for her and grinned, obviously finding her predicament amusing.

She supposed it wasn’t every day that a crazy, suitcase-towing woman hiked into Marietta and crashed a speed-dating party. Not wanting to make a scene, she sat down. Thank you.

Welcome to Marietta’s first ever speed-dating event at Copper Mountain Chocolate. My cohost, Portia, is at home tonight taking care of her newborn son Zavy. Rosie smiled. The little guy is so darn cute, and his mother can’t stand being away from him for very long. But rest assured I have everything under control.

Hey, Rosie. The pretty brunette at table five spoke up. Is it true you and Brant are planning a September wedding?

We are, Siena. Rosie blushed. Nothing in this town stays a secret.

Elena reminded herself to use caution when speaking to people about her grandfather.

I heard the TV series you’re working on with your brother got picked up again and you’re writing more episodes, the woman seated by Siena said.

Nadia—Rosie’s gaze narrowed—I would think a nurse at the May Bell Care Home would be too busy to gossip about my brother and me.

Nadia laughed. Blame Sara Maria. She stops by at least once a week and updates us on you and Brant.

As long as were gossiping... The woman next to Elena pointed down the row of tables. How come you came tonight, Wren? Portia said you’re not in town for long.

I’m starting grad school in the fall. Wren winked. I’m here purely out of intellectual curiosity.

Rosie opened her mouth to speak, but then frowned at a woman two tables away from Elena. Gretchen, I thought you were dating someone?

As I keep telling people—my sister in particular—one date does not a relationship make. Gretchen bent over and fussed with the strap on her sandal.

Especially when the female half of the equation disappears without leaving so much as a glass slipper behind.

Gretchen’s spine snapped straight, and she stared at the handsome man who sat across the table from her. Hi, Cinderella. Fancy meeting you here, he said.

Daniel. What—

Let’s save the chitchat for the event, Rosie said. Each date will last three minutes, and the lady will ask the first question. After the gentleman answers, he’ll ask the next question and so on and so forth.

What are these for? Gretchen’s new tablemate asked, holding up a notepad and pen with the chocolate shop’s logo on them.

Feel free to use the paper and pens to jot down names, phone numbers, or anything else that will help you remember each other, Rosie said. When the timer goes off, the ladies will remain seated and the gentlemen will move down one table, then we’ll begin another date.

When do we get to sample Sage’s chocolate candy? Wren asked.

After the first round, we’ll take a break. Sage picked out a lovely Cabernet Sauvignon donated by the Two Old Goats wine store to go with her coconut-stuffed dates covered in chocolate wine. Rosie held up the plate of chocolates from Elena’s table. Sage would like to know what you think of her chocolates, so please fill out the questionnaire before you leave.

Rosie returned the dish to the table. I forget to mention the chocolate shop will host a second speed-dating event a week from today. If you’re interested, there’s a sign-up sheet on the counter. She twisted the knob on the timer. Ready...set...begin.

What’s your last name, Wesley? Elena asked.

Banks, he said. Where are you from, Elena?

She frowned. You’re not going to ask my last name?

You can’t answer a question with a question.

Las Vegas. She pointed to his hat. Are you a real cowboy?

Born and raised on a ranch north of Livingston. How old are you?

Twenty-five. How old are you?

Twenty-seven. He narrowed his eyes. Do you have a boyfriend?

I had a fiancé but not anymore. She ignored the questions in his eyes and asked, Do you live on your family’s ranch?

No. I’m the caretaker of a rural property outside of Marietta. What do you do?

I’m an elementary schoolteacher. What’s your favorite color?

Brown.

Then why are you wearing a blue shirt?

He shook his head. My turn.

The cowboy was a stickler for rules.

What grade do you teach? he asked.

Surprised he cared, she said, First. What’s your favorite food?

Barbecue. You?

Macaroni and cheese. She had her room mothers to thank for her obsession with the comfort food. There were at least four or five different macaroni-and-cheese casseroles at every class party. Favorite hobby?

Skiing.

A cowboy who skied? Interesting.

What’s your reason for visiting Marietta? he

Reviews for Sweet Home Cowboy

[ash_p-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Elena and Wesley's book has to be one of the best in this series because it involves Judge Kingsley. We get to know the circumstances hat surround the old Judge and at least for me, by the end of the book, you have this bittersweet love-hate thing going on with him. Of course, Wesley is a really sweet guy and Elena is so strong and patient you can't help cheering for her. Happy endings all around.

I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from the Publisher via NetGalley for voluntary review consideration.

[scoutmomskf · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sweet small-town story of love, loss, and healing. Elena is a first-grade teacher who grew up in Las Vegas with a single mother, believing that her mother was the only family she had. When she stumbled on some hidden letters, she discovered that she also has a great-grandfather in the small town of Marietta. When she heads to Marietta to get to know him, that's not all she finds. Elena's arrival in town didn't go exactly as planned. Her rental car broke down outside of town, and when she walked into a local shop to ask for assistance she found herself in the middle of a speed-dating event. Still recovering from her broken engagement, after finding her fiancé cheating, she has no interest in romance. She also can't deny her attraction to the sexy cowboy she met that night.I liked both Wes and Elena. Wes is charming, good-looking, and fun to be around. He was born and raised in Marietta. After his father's death, Wes got into some trouble that landed him in Judge Kingsley's courtroom. Sentenced to community service instead of juvie, Wesley found himself working on the judge's farm and taking care of a couple of old horses. It wasn't long before he asked to stay on after his sentence was up, and as the years went on, he found a purpose in helping other teenage boys. Wes has also reached the point in his life where he's ready to settle down with a wife and kids if only he could find the right woman. Elena is sweet but determined. Accustomed to dealing with stubborn children, one old man is no match for her. She knows what she wants from her life, and right now she wants to get to know the judge and learn more about her father. She isn't interested in a relationship, especially one with a man who lives in a different state and wants different things.I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Wes and Elena. The attraction is there from the start; they just have to decide what to do with it. In the meantime, they partner up in doing the repairs to the judge's house. I enjoyed seeing them get to know each other and share parts of their pasts. I liked seeing them enjoy simple activities together and watching Elena begin to enjoy the pleasures of the small town. Their feelings for each other began to deepen, and Elena discovered that some of her views began to change along with it. Just when things were looking promising, Wes is faced with some insecurities that cause him to pull back from Elena. He got some advice from an unexpected source that opened his eyes to what his future would look like without her in it. I loved his big moment at the end, as he stood up to the judge and for his love for Elena.A big part of the book was the story of Elena's family. I ached for her mother and what she had been put through because of the judge's attitude. I also felt a bit sorry for him, because of the guilt he felt. He had allowed himself to withdraw from life because of it. I liked seeing Elena pull him out of his isolation and get him to start living again. I also hurt for Elena's mother and her fears over the things the judge might say and do that could hurt the relationship between her and Elena. Hearing what she had been through made me admire her strength and love for her daughter. I loved that she had the courage to come back to Marietta and face the judge. I did get mad at him when he started talking about Elena not living up to her potential, seeing him about to make the same mistake he'd made with Elena's father. I hope he has finally learned his lesson.

[ashpreads · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Elena and Wesley's book has to be one of the best in this series because it involves Judge Kingsley. We get to know the circumstances hat surround the old Judge and at least for me, by the end of the book, you have this bittersweet love-hate thing going on with him. Of course, Wesley is a really sweet guy and Elena is so strong and patient you can't help cheering for her. Happy endings all around.

I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from the Publisher via NetGalley for voluntary review consideration.