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

nothing to do with that decision."
    "You could have helped me bring Mother under control, by refusing to help Rose," Travis replied, his voice low, almost a growl.
    "Why? She did save us a lot of money on replacing livestock." Tucker smiled. "And I would have missed the opportunity to witness your temper."
    "My temper has nothing to do with it."
    "Face it, big brother, I haven't ever seen you this frustrated by a woman. I'm rather enjoying it."
    Travis grabbed his younger brother by the elbow and pulled him into a corner. He stopped right next to a table full of corsets and pantaloons. "I'm not frustrated by this woman, except when my brother and my mother seem to forget she's a criminal."
    Tucker held up his hands. "What's happened that's made you so possessive of this woman?"
    For a moment Travis was stunned. "I'm not possessive."
    "Have you considered taking her to bed?"
    "That's none of your business."
    Tucker started to laugh. "Now I know the problem. Maybe instead of going and getting a drink we should hurry down to Miss Riley's place. You could use thirty minutes with one of her girls. Ease some pressure off your valve."
    Travis glared at his brother. "Why would I want to have sex with a woman who lies and cheats for a living, who pretends to speak with dead people, and who will steal me blind if I'm not careful?"
    "Because she's beautiful, sexy, and you want her so bad you can barely contain your lust," Tucker responded. "Isn't that why you want to bed her?"
    "Yoohoo, boys. Come see Rose," Eugenia called.
    Travis stared at his younger brother. How could he explain that for the first time in his life he was drawn to this woman regardless of her background, maybe even in spite of who she was. She was the most unusual woman he'd ever met, and she frustrated and excited him in the worst possible ways.
    "Where did you boys go?" Eugenia called.
    "Come on," Tucker said, giving his brother a nudge toward their mother. "I think this conversation will have to be concluded later."
    Travis and Tucker stepped into to the dressing area where a woman with hair the same color as Rose's, and eyes just as green, stood atop a small platform. She looked like the beautiful gypsy at The Last Word , but different. He stopped blinking in surprise at the gorgeous, sophisticated creature before him. Rose had been transformed into a butterfly that had burst forth from its cocoon. And butterflies once hatched were wont to flit away.
    What was he doing here in this dress shop, buying her a dress that transformed her into an elegant lady who would look at home in any setting, even the Bar None's parlor?
    For a moment the men were silent, then Tucker let out a low whistle that sent color rising in Rose's cheeks. God, she was beautiful, and Travis wished he could voice his approval. But his mouth was as dry as the desert in a drought.
    She smiled. "Does that mean you like it?"
    She stood before him, her hair loose, the riotous curls pulled to where they lay on her shoulder. The green gown was fitted to her waist before a wide skirt flared away from her hips, trailing behind her. The sleeves were gathered just beneath her shoulders, and her bosom was covered, though the neckline scooped to reveal her creamy skin.
    " 'Like it' doesn't even begin to describe the dress, or the woman," Tucker commented.
    "What about you, Travis?" Rose asked, her eyes darkened with some emotion that always seemed to spark a flame within him. This time when she stared at him, an inferno of need seemed to consume him. How could any man resist her when she gazed at him, all innocent doe-eyes, in a dress that could tempt a preacher?
    "It's pretty," Travis commented. But not nearly as beautiful as the woman who had metamorphosed before his eyes. Just when he thought he could resist her, she overwhelmed him again.
    None of her previous outfits had looked anything like this dress. This simple garment gave her class, made her look respectable. This dress hid the scarlet woman well.
    Rose went back behind the screened-off area. Travis paced the floor, as the sound of clothing rustling heightened his awareness. He stared at his younger brother. "Just remember, little brother, she's off limits to you."
    "Off limits? Nobody's off limits who isn't wearing a wedding ring."
    "I thought you said there was someone in Arizona."
    "There was. A long time ago." Tucker frowned. "That was told to you in confidence. I thought you understood never to bring it up."
    "Sorry."
    Tucker shook