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

Now come along, dear."
    "Why do you think everyone will assume that Travis and I are together? You know he won't like it."
    "I've waited years for my sons to get their lives in order, find wives, settle down, and give me grandchildren, and not one of them has managed to even have a steady girl that I know of. So they can indulge me in this brief moment when the family wonders if one of them is finally settling down. They can indulge me by letting me pretend."
    Rose shook her head at the older woman. "Let's get started."
    For a moment Rose felt uncomfortable; then she shrugged. Eugenia was right. People would believe what they wanted about her relationship with Travis, whether or not Eugenia introduced her. And there was definitely something between them; it just wasn't what Rose had expected.
    But then, what had she expected from a man who had taken her from that roadhouse in Waco against her will?
    At first she had not wanted to acknowledge the attraction she felt to the handsome rancher, but then she'd been drawn to his honor, his fierce protectiveness, his loyalty to his family. But after the morning at the pond, when they had made love, she didn't know what to expect or what she wanted from the rugged man who held her captive.
    They had barely acknowledged one another since that morning by the pond. For over two long weeks, she had wondered why he suddenly acted as though she was invisible. Why, he had all but refused to talk with her.
    His disregard hurt more than she'd ever expected. But as soon as she was able, she was going to leave the Bar None. When the play moved on, she was hoping there would be a permanent need for her to play the part of Bianca.
    Rose sighed. Until that time, there was nothing she could do to change the situation with Travis. She'd be damned if she was going to go to him begging for his attention, and she was not going to mope after him like some starry-eyed, helpless female either.
    People were standing around in small groups talking, laughing, and even occasionally giving each other hugs. They seemed genuinely happy to see one another, and Rose was infected with their enthusiasm.
    The rehearsals for the play were going better, it was a beautiful summer day, and she was outside enjoying the warm sunshine and what appeared to be a cheerful group of people. And Travis stood apart watching as Eugenia took her through the crowd introducing her. She was determined to be joyful, even if inside she felt like crying.
    Her father had warned her about giving herself to a man, and she had disregarded his warnings. But she had no regrets. She'd wanted Travis. She'd longed for him.
    She glanced over at the fierce man who stood beneath the shade of an oak tree watching her. Their eyes locked, and for a moment she felt transported back into his embrace. Her heart fluttered, and she almost sighed. No, she had no regrets. She'd enjoyed every moment—until Travis had left her alone and naked on the bank of the pond.
    Eugenia stopped beside an older woman who was setting a bowl of sliced peaches on one of the long tables the men had set up for lunch. The smell was fresh and sweet, and Rose ran her tongue along her lip, savoring the aroma, eager for a bite of the tangy fruit.
    "Martha, dear. I want you to meet Rose Severin. She's a good friend of Travis's and is staying with us for a while."
    "So, you're Travis's lady," the woman said, smiling at Rose as she winked at Eugenia. "Is she the girl you wrote me about?"
    Eugenia smiled. "Yes, Rose has been with us now for over a month."
    Martha reached out and patted Rose on the arm. "You're very lovely, dear. I'm sure Travis must be so pleased to have made your acquaintance."
    Rose shrugged. "I don't know if pleased is the correct term, probably more like vexed."
    Martha giggled. "Good. That boy has always been way too serious. He needs someone to lighten him up a bit, put a smile on his face."
    "Rose is an actress, Martha. She's going to be in that new play that is opening up in town, The Taming of the Shrew ," Eugenia said, obviously bursting with pride.
    ''Congratulations.''
    "Thank you." Rose smiled at the older lady. "It's my first play, actually. My mother was Rosalyn Severin, and I've always dreamed of becoming an actress just like her."
    "Well, good luck to you, dear. I daresay we'll be waiting to hear of any announcements the two of you might wish to make."
    Eugenia hurried Rose away.
    "Did you hear her? She thinks we're close to announcing our