[Coffee Creek, Montana 02] • Her Cowboy Dilemma

Going Home Shouldn't Be This Hard…

Cassidy Lambert traded in Montana's big sky country for the big-city lights—forever. Until a potentially devastating equine illness threatens her family's ranch, and Cassidy is needed at home to help. She thinks she knows what she wants from life, but the more she's around sexy veterinarian Dan Farley, the more confused she gets.

When Cassidy comes back to the open Western landscape Dan loves, she's nothing but a beautiful burr under his saddle. She stomped on his heart once before, and he's not eager for another go-around. But he just can't keep himself away from those green eyes and sweet curves. It's a good thing she'll soon be gone again. Because he can't trust her—or himself—when she's around!

About the AuthorCJ Carmichael gave up the glamour of income tax forms and double-entry bookkeeping when she sold her first book in 1998. She has now written over 30 novels for Harlequin, been twice nominated for RWA’s RITA award, as well as Romantic Time’s Career Achievement award. CJ lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her partner, Mike, and the family cat, Penny. 

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.What did it say about her relationship with her family that the person Cassidy Lambert was most excited to see when she got home wasn't a person at all, but her border collie, Sky?

Sky had been her father's birthday surprise for her fourteen years ago. Sky was loyal, loving and, most important, uncomplicated. Cassidy knew, no matter what, that Sky would always love her and think she was the most wonderful person on the planet.

The same could not be said of her family.

Cassidy lowered the driver's side window of her vintage 1980 Ford pickup to let in the warm spring air, then cranked up the tunes as she barreled along the 80 toward home. She knew she should reduce her speed, not only to avoid a ticket but also to prolong the drive, which she was quite enjoying.

But she was on a high. After five long years she was finally done with late nights at the library, relentless assignments and tough exams. She'd worked hard to complete the Accounting Master's Program at Montana State University, but she'd done it, and hopefully soon would follow a high-paying job at one of the top accounting firms in Billings.

Josh Brown—her friend and would-be boyfriend if she could make up her mind about that—also had plans to move to Billings. Josh had wanted to come with her to Coffee Creek Ranch. He said it was time he met her family.

"I wouldn't be so anxious if I were you," she'd told him. He thought she was teasing, but she wasn't.

"They can't be that bad. Look at you. Unless you were adopted?"

"No such luck." She had her mother's delicate features and the long, lanky body that came from the Lambert side of the family. She had a soft heart—like her father. But was also headstrong and stubborn—like her mom.

Yet despite all the family resemblances, she'd always been a misfit. Part of the problem came from being the only girl in a family with three boys—four if you counted her foster brother, Jackson, who'd been with the family since she was nine. She knew it wasn't her imagination that her mother was harder on her than the guys. And her father had treated her differently, too, when he was alive.

For one thing, he'd built three cottages by the small lake on their property for each of his sons to live in. But nothing for her.

No doubt he'd expected her to one day get married and go live with her husband. But being excluded that way had hurt.

And it still did.

The boys had been relentless teases, too. They didn't mean to be cruel, but they never cut her a break, either. Even though she could ride as well as any of them, she couldn't match them in strength. And, oh, how they'd loved to taunt her about that. Especially Brock…

Tears fogged her vision, and she slid her sunglasses up on her head so she could rub them away. Though almost a year had passed since the accident that had taken her youngest brother's life—just an hour before he'd been about to marry Winnie Hayes—the loss still felt fresh.

Brock may have driven her crazy, but she'd loved him, living in hope that one day he'd stop treating her like a bratty little sister and they might become friends.

Now they would never have that chance.

Cassidy drove over a series of three gentle hills before arriving at the smattering of buildings and the weathered sign proclaiming that she'd arrived at the town of Coffee Creek. She put on her indicator light, intending to stop at the Cinnamon Stick Cafe for some fortification before continuing the last fifteen minutes to the ranch.

It was Wednesday morning, the last week of April, an hour before noon. She'd written her final exam the previous afternoon, had spent a night on the town with all her friends, including Josh, then loaded her car for an early departure that hadn't included breakfast.

So she was hungry.

She angle-parked in front of the pretty cafe that was owned by Brock's former fiancée. Winnie had taken Brock's death really hard and had gone to live at her parents' farm in Highwood immediately following the funeral. Cassidy stayed in touch with her via Facebook and knew that Winnie hoped to return to Coffee Creek eventually. Apparently she'd developed some health issues that weren't serious, but required some time to settle.

In the meantime her cafe was being operated by Winnie's best friend—and Cassidy's new sister-in-law— Laurel. Laurel Sheridan had flown in from New York for Brock and Winnie's wedding and had ended up extending her stay to take care of Winnie's cafe while her friend was convalescing. She'd also fallen in love with Corb and the two had been married last September in New York City.

Then in March they'd had a baby—adorable little Stephanie Olive Lambert was another reason Cassidy was stopping at the Cinnamon Stick. Hopefully Laurel and the baby would be there.

She was dying for a cuddle with her new little niece.

Cassidy parked, hopped out of her truck, then paused to stretch her back and her arms. One thing about older trucks—they sure weren't built for comfort. Still, she patted the hood affectionately before heading toward the cafe.

A hand-painted sign hung over the door, and two wooden benches promised a place to sit in the sun and enjoy your coffee once you'd placed your order.

Inside she was welcomed by the scent of freshly ground coffee beans and the luscious aromas of butter, sugar and cinnamon. She'd come during a lull and the place was quiet. Two older women sat at one of the two booths, engrossed in conversation. Behind the counter, Laurel was softly singing a silly song about hedgehogs. She had her back to the door, busy with dishes, but she spotted Cassidy's reflection in a carefully positioned mirror and broke into a big smile.

"Cassidy! You're home!" Laurel stopped to scoop up her two-month-old daughter from the playpen. "Look who's here, Steph. It's your auntie Cassidy."

Cassidy was already holding out her arms for the bundle. "I hope she isn't making shy yet."

"Oh, she's still too young for that. Besides, she's getting used to new faces. We just got back to work last week and I swear our business has tripled. It seems everyone in the area is finding an excuse to drop in for a coffee and to say hello to the newest Lambert."

Cassidy listened to all of this with a smile, at the same time noticing how happy her sister-in-law appeared. Pretty, too. Her long red hair was pulled back in a ponytail, but it seemed thicker and glossier than ever. And her fair skin was literally glowing.

Laurel deposited a kiss on Cassidy's cheek as she handed over her daughter, who had gained several pounds since Cassidy had seen her last.

"Oh, you're so cute! Look—she has Corb's dimple."

"I know. Isn't it adorable? And only on the left cheek, just like her dad."

Cassidy sighed as Stephanie cuddled in, soaking up the smooches that her aunt couldn't resist planting on her downy soft head. Her wispy hair was coming in orange. And curly.

"How are you doing, precious? Do you like working with your mommy in the cafe?"

The baby looked up at the sound of Cassidy's voice, and Cassidy was amused to see that she had the Lambert green eyes, as well. Stephanie was staring at her intently, and only when she raised her little hand, awkwardly reaching up, did Cassidy realize she was entranced by the sunglasses that were still resting on her head.

"She's just started noticing her hands a few weeks ago," Laurel commented. "Sometimes she stares at them for minutes at a time. It's so cute. But here I am, talking endlessly about my wonderful baby, again." Laurel rolled her eyes. "What's new with you? How were your final exams?"

"They went well, I think. I won't have my marks for a few weeks."

"Can I get you a coffee and a cinnamon bun for the road?"

Hearing the door open behind her, Cassidy moved out of the way so the newcomer could enter. "You read my mind, thanks."

"Make that a double order, Winnie," said a deep voice behind her. "And leave some space for cream in the coffee."

Cassidy knew that voice. Slowly she turned, holding Stephanie like a shield between her and the tall, broad-shouldered man who'd just entered the cafe.

Sure enough, there stood Dan Farley. The local vet had some Native American blood, which accounted for his high cheekbones, jet-black hair and dark, almond-shaped eyes. Though he'd spoken to Winnie, it was Cas-sidy he was looking at, with cool dislike.

"Hey, Farley." Darn her voice for coming out so soft and weak. She lifted her chin. "How are things?"

"Busy."

He knew she'd been going to college in Bozeman, and must have noticed the suitcases and boxes in the back of her truck, but he didn't ask about her studies or show any interest in whether or not she was moving back to Coffee Creek. Stepping past her as if she were nothing more than an inanimate obstacle, he made his way to the counter, where he pulled out his wallet.

Heck and darn, but the man had a way about him. Cassidy glanced at the two women at the back to see if they felt it, too. Sure enough they both had their eyes on Coffee Creek's sexy vet. One of them pretended to fan her face with her hand. The other laughed and winked at Cassidy.

Cassidy didn't wink back.

He wasn't that good-looking.

She gave him another glance, seeing only his profile and long, muscular build.

Okay, maybe he was that good-looking.

Still, he probably hated her and she had only herself to blame.

Winnie set two coffees in to-go cups on the counter, then bagged them each one of the homemade cinnamon buns baked fresh every day by ex-bronc rider Vince Butterfield. A veteran of the rodeo circuit and a member of the Cowboy Hall of Fame, Vince had licked a lifelong dependence on alcohol and in his sixties had be...