The Rancher Takes A Bride (The Burnett Brides Book 1)

she'd gotten her revenge and then some. Why hadn't he taken her into town to buy a damn dress? It would have been so much simpler.
    No matter how much he tried, he was invariably drawn to the sight of her narrow waist, long legs, and thighs a man only dreamed about having wrapped around him.
    Eugenia shuffled restlessly, drawing his attention. It appeared his own mother had joined in the fight against him, and he wondered at her defection. He was her son, for God's sake! And yet she had helped Desirée, the woman who had stolen her prized possession, carry out this show of defiance.
    She cleared her throat nervously. "Excuse me, children, but I just remembered I promised Cook I would help serve the men in the bunkhouse tonight. I'll see you two later."
    Travis watched his mother as she backed out of the doorway, her eyes shifting between him and Desirée. No doubt about it, she'd helped the little con artist, and now she was retreating, leaving the two of them all alone.
    He realized the women expected him to react in anger. They expected him to respond like any normal man confronted with mutiny. His mother was anxious. Desirée was spoiling for a fight, but she was going to be disappointed. For he wasn't about to give her the gratification of knowing just how much the sight of her tightly clad legs and snug shirt affected him. And, Lord, they were affecting him!
    It could be the death of him, but he was not going to give the women the satisfaction of a reaction. Calmly he called, "Good night, Mother."
    Eugenia was out of sight before he finished speaking. He turned and saw Desirée staring in disbelief, a surprised look on her face. "Eugenia, wait . . ."
    The door slammed shut.
    They were alone. The tick of the grandfather clock in the parlor resounded like a gong in the silence.
    "You've just been deserted," he said quietly.
    "It appears that way," she replied, stunned.
    He let his eyes roam over her womanly curves, until they came to rest on her face. The corners of his lips turned up in a smile. He was going to be gracious if it killed him, and it very well could. He might even have a little fun with the situation. "I've never escorted a woman wearing pants before. May I accompany you to the table?"
    Desirée swallowed. "Of course."
    He took her arm and pushed open the door to the dining room with his free hand. Travis glanced at the table and felt as though he'd been kicked in the chest. What kind of game were his mother and Desirée playing now? Crystal goblets gleamed in the candlelight; the shadow from the flames danced seductively on the wall.
    "Your Mother and I wanted to surprise you tonight," Desirée said, stepping into the room.
    "With what? The candlelight or the pants?"
    She laughed, her voice a light, lilting sound that sent shivers down his back. "The pants, silly. I had nothing to do with all this."
    "Well, you definitely shocked me. I can't remember the last time I admired a woman wearing pants."
    "You don't think they're too tight, do you?" she asked.
    Desirée was baiting him, but this time he was not going to be caught. This time he was throwing the hook, line, and sinker back to her. This time she could be the sucker for a change.
    "Well..." He held her out at arm's length, then knelt down beside her and ran his hands along the outside seams, checking the troublesome garment.
    She tried to step back, but his hands gripped her legs.
    "Uh, what are you doing?" she gasped.
    "Checking the seams," he murmured, enjoying the rough texture of the fabric as he smoothed it down her long legs. They were snug against her legs and outlined her cute little rear. Fearing he'd carried the game one step too far, he released her and glanced up into her green eyes. They were wide with astonishment and maybe a dose of healthy fear, which surprised him. He watched as she swallowed nervously.
    She hadn't been prepared for his close inspection.
    He rose from the ground and glanced down at her. "You know, if you boil these in hot water, you might get them to shrink even more."
    She blushed, and for a moment the sight of her rosy cheeks in the dim light caught him off guard, causing his breath to quicken. How could a woman so devious have such an innocent air about her? If he didn't know better, he'd think she was pure and sinless. But a virtuous con? That was impossible.
    He pulled a chair away from the table and held it out for her.
    "I didn't have anything else to wear," she said, taking the offered chair. She