Her Perfect Cowboy Read online

  Her Dream Man Does Not Wear A Stetson!

  Forget cowboys! Ever since she was a girl, India Pike has had an image of the perfect man: sophisticated, refined and with a preference for tailored suits. But after rodeo promoter Liam Parrish comes to town, she can’t stop mooning over the gorgeous cowboy and single dad. Too bad Liam’s totally wrong for her…even if the town’s matchmaker already has India saying “I do.”

  Liam fell hard for a “froufrou” woman once before—and the best thing to come from the experience was his daughter. So he’s not about to be “matchmaked” with the same type of gal, one who likes frilly dresses instead of jeans and cowboy boots. But there’s something about India that draws draws her to Liam.

  Both India and Liam admit that opposites may attract, but happy-ever-after is not so guaranteed!

  Liam looked up at the sky. “The storm is moving fast. We better get to the truck.”

  India wasn’t going to argue with that. Halfway back the first fat raindrops began to fall. She picked up her pace, but when she looked over her shoulder at the approaching storm she managed to twist her ankle and break the heel of one of her blue-and-white Mary Janes.

  Liam was at her side almost quicker than she could steady herself on her other foot. “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah, I think so.” She lifted her leg out to the side to check out the damage. “More than I can say for my poor shoe, though.”

  “At least you didn’t break your ankle. It’s just a shoe.”

  The rainfall upped its tempo a bit, and Liam let out a long sigh. Before she could ask what was wrong, her feet flew out from under her as Liam scooped her up in his arms and started walking toward his truck like some knight in shining armor.

  Or cowboy in a tan Stetson.

  Dear Reader,

  Welcome back to Blue Falls, Texas, home to rolling hills full of vibrant wildflowers, that special small-town flavor and some smoking-hot cowboys. I loved writing about Blue Falls so much in my Teagues of Texas trilogy that I couldn’t bear to leave it behind. So we all get to return to that slice of the Texas Hill Country in three new stories, the Blue Falls, Texas trilogy. These stories center around three women who have been best friends since their days at Blue Falls High School. Now they’re all successful local businesswomen who, unbeknownst to them, have some hunky cowboy heroes in their futures.

  Her Perfect Cowboy is the story of India Pike, who owns the local vintage-inspired clothing boutique, and Liam Parrish, a bronc rider and single dad who comes to town to organize the new series of benefit rodeos. I love opposites-attract romances, and that’s exactly what India and Liam find themselves navigating. After all, what could a classy boutique owner and a rough-around-the-edges cowboy possibly have in common? It turns out that it’s more than either of them would have guessed at their first meeting.

  I hope you enjoy Her Perfect Cowboy and, in the months ahead, the stories of India’s two best friends, Skyler Harrington and Elissa Mason, and their own perfect-for-them cowboys.

  Trish Milburn

  Her Perfect Cowboy

  Trish Milburn

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Trish Milburn writes contemporary romance for Harlequin American Romance, paranormal romance for Harlequin Nocturne and self-publishes some of her other titles. She’s a two-time Golden Heart award winner, a fan of walks in the woods and road trips, and is a big geek girl, including being a dedicated Whovian and Browncoat. She loves Doctor Who so much that she dressed up as the Tenth Doctor for Dragon*Con last year, complete with her very own sonic screwdriver, and plans to have an Eleventh Doctor costume for the con this year.

  Books by Trish Milburn

  HARLEQUIN AMERICAN ROMANCE

  1228—A FIREFIGHTER IN THE FAMILY

  1260—HER VERY OWN FAMILY

  1300—THE FAMILY MAN

  1326—ELLY: COWGIRL BRIDE

  1386—THE COWBOY’S SECRET SON*

  1396—COWBOY TO THE RESCUE*

  1403—THE COWBOY SHERIFF*

  *The Teagues of Texas

  To Michelle Butler for introducing me to the Texas Hill Country, and to Mary Fechter for always being willing to hit the road to the Hill Country with me when I come visit.

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Excerpt

  Chapter One

  India Pike folded back the tissue paper at the top of the box and pulled out the floor-length dress, its red-and-white vertical stripes and the swirling piping on the bodice harkening back to the 1940s.

  “That’s gorgeous.” Elissa Mason grasped the sides of the long skirt and spread it wide. “Makes me feel like I’ve been transported back in time.”

  “Good, since that’s what I’m going for.” India waved her hand to indicate the racks of vintage-inspired clothing around them.

  The front door of Yesterwear Boutique opened to reveal the final member of their trio, Skyler Harrington. “Sorry I’m late. We had a bit of an emergency at the inn this morning. Hot water heater decided it was time for a vacation.” Skyler probably hadn’t spent more than a couple of minutes outside, but the heat of the Texas sun had already caused her fair complexion to flush. That and her tendency to always be on the go, a bit like a redheaded tornado.

  India glanced at the clock on the wall. “You’re not late.”

  “Most people call this on time,” Elissa said.

  Skyler ignored their familiar teasing and placed her leather-bound notebook on the glass-top counter that housed the boutique’s collection of faux vintage jewelry. “I jotted down some ideas for our next BlueBelles class.”

  “I’m shocked, I tell you, shocked,” India said as she made her way to the round table in the corner. The carved daisies on the top of the table showed an attention to detail—one of the reasons Ryan Teague’s custom furniture was so in demand. She poured her friends cold glasses of lemonade.

  “You two act like there’s something wrong with being organized,” Skyler said.

  Elissa wrapped her arm around Skyler and guided her toward the table. “Not at all. We love you just how you are.”

  Skyler rolled her eyes and took her seat so they could get to work on planning the program for their next girls’ enrichment class.

  Even though the BlueBelles classes had been India’s idea, they were a labor of love for all of them. The planning and execution that went into the classes never felt like work. The three of them had been fortunate to find success in their separate businesses, so they used that success whenever they could to give back to the community. The BlueBelles classes were their way of showing young girls that they could succeed just as the three of them had.

  “What do you have?” India asked Skyler, willing to wait on her own ideas until her friends had shared theirs.

  “Money management, organizational skills, maybe a tour of the inn to see how to run a hospitality business,” Skyler said, reading from her list.

  “Good ideas, but maybe we can pair one of those with something a little lighter and fun,” India said. “What do you have, Elissa?”

  “I have a friend
in Dallas who is a therapist. Maybe something about self-esteem. Or since it’s spring, we could focus on native plant gardening.”

  India consulted her own ideas but didn’t speak.

  “I know that look,” Skyler said. “What are you thinking?”

  “We always have more ideas than we can use. What if instead of our normal single class we have several in an all-day conference? We could offer a wider variety.”

  “Oh, I like that idea,” Elissa said.

  Skyler thought for a moment then nodded, too.

  As they dived into the particulars, the front door opened again.

  Verona Charles, Elissa’s aunt, walked in with a wave. “Hey, girls. I’m so glad I caught you all here together.”

  “Oh, that can’t be good,” Elissa quipped, earning her a playful swat on the shoulder from Verona.

  “Ignore her and have a seat,” India said. She reached toward the fresh pitcher of lemonade in the middle of the table. “Would you like a drink?”

  “That would be lovely. Can’t believe how hot it is already.” Verona smoothed her short, gently curling silver hair.

  “It’s Texas, and you’ve lived here all your life,” Elissa said as India poured another glass of lemonade.

  “I know. Guess I’m just getting too old for the heat.”

  Elissa snorted. “If you’re getting old, I’m a green troll.”

  At five foot ten, trim and tanned with long, deep brown hair, Elissa was as far from a green troll as a girl could get.

  “Lippy, I tell you,” Verona said. “Lippy just like your mother.”

  Elissa smiled wide, causing Verona to roll her eyes and shift her attention away from her niece. Her actions and words fooled no one. She adored the ground her niece walked on. Elissa was like the child Verona never had, and she was nothing less than a second mother to Elissa.

  “You have that look,” Skyler said. “The one that says you have a grand plan in play.”

  “I don’t have a plan yet, but that’s something I thought you three could help me with.” Verona took a sip of her lemonade. “I was just over at the tourism office, and Blake said they are looking for something new to draw in more tourists, something to keep the numbers up once the bluebonnets fade away.”

  “Let me guess,” India said. “You volunteered to help think of something.”

  “What can I say? Retirement is boring.” Verona scooted forward in her chair a little bit. “I went by the bakery afterward to pick up some fresh bread, and Keri told me that Jake Monroe’s little girl, Mia, is about to start her cancer treatments.”

  “Poor little girl,” India murmured.

  “That’s when it hit me,” Verona said. “We can accomplish two goals with one event—come up with something that would bring in tourists but have it be a benefit for Mia.”

  “Oh, that is a good idea,” Skyler said. “I’d be happy to help with something like that.”

  Verona patted Skyler’s hand atop the table. “Thank you, dear.” She made eye contact with Elissa then India. “Can I count on both of you to help out, too?”

  “Can’t say no to that,” Elissa said.

  India considered the workload of planning the BlueBelles classes as well as the community event, but then she had one of those lightbulb moments like Verona had at the Mehlerhaus Bakery. “We were just talking about expanding the next BlueBelles offering to several classes. We could have a day-long conference the same day as this community event and donate all the proceeds to Mia’s medical expenses.” Skyler and Elissa quickly nodded their agreement.

  “That’s a wonderful offer,” Verona said, her voice growing more excited. “Okay, then, I guess we just need to figure out what type of event would bring a lot of people to town and be of interest to the locals, too.”

  Over the next several minutes, they tossed out any idea that popped into their heads—an arts-and-crafts show, a play, a singing competition. While they all held merit, none really popped and said, “Hey, I’ll make a ton of money!”

  India rubbed her eyes then glanced out the window just as a truck pulling a horse trailer drove down Main Street. “What about a rodeo? What could be more Texas than that?”

  Elissa leaned forward. “Perfect. And bonus, hot cowboys in town.”

  “Gone through all the single men in the county already?” Skyler asked.

  “Hey, that makes me sound bad. What’s wrong with going out for drinks or dancing, having a good time?”

  “Nothing, dear,” Verona said. “But maybe it’s time to pick one of these young men to settle down with.”

  Elissa leaned back in her chair and pointed at her aunt. “Oh, no. You can just direct your matchmaking juju in another direction.”

  After the laughter died down, Skyler flipped to a new page on her notepad and started taking notes as they all offered up ideas and a to-do list.

  “Now we need to divide these up,” Skyler said after her legal pad was full of bulleted action items.

  “I’ll be the liaison with the tourism bureau,” Verona said. “Since this was your brainchild, India, it makes sense for you to take point on contacting rodeo companies to see about scheduling.”

  “Me? I don’t know the first thing about rodeo.”

  Elissa leaned forward. “Hot guys in tight jeans. That’s all you need to know.”

  “Then you do it.”

  “Nope. I’ll head up the planning for the BlueBelles conference and round up some sponsors for things like advertising.”

  India shifted her gaze to Skyler. “You grew up on a ranch.”

  “And haven’t lived there in years on purpose. Besides, I’ll work on the food vendors and the barbecue cook-off. The rodeo is all yours.”

  India sighed but didn’t see any way to wiggle out of this one. When she heard her father’s voice in her memory telling her she’d bitten off more than she could chew, she shook her head. She might not be a rodeo expert, but she was reasonably intelligent. She could do this, and no remembered taunts by her useless father were going to tell her otherwise.

  “It’ll be good for you,” Elissa said. “You need to get out of this shop more. And if you find a little hot cowboy lovin’, so much the better.”

  India eyed her friend. “Seriously, can you imagine me with some rough-around-the-edges cowboy?”

  Elissa waggled her eyebrows. “Honey, I can imagine anyone with a smokin’ hot cowboy.”

  Ten minutes after her friends left, India was still sitting at the table kicking herself for opening her mouth. This was going to be the worst rodeo ever.

  * * *

  LIAM PARRISH DROVE down the hill into the small town of Blue Falls. It’d been a few years since he’d driven through this part of the Hill Country, but it was still as pretty as he remembered. It was well past bluebonnet season, but this area of Texas still looked like a different world entirely from the urban environment of Fort Worth or the starkness of his West Texas hometown. Instead of vast expanses of flat, flat, flat, the Hill Country was home to more landscape variety—rugged limestone and granite hills, groupings of prickly pear cactus, caves and spring-fed rivers. One minute you might be passing a winery, the next a local watering hole that looked as if it’d been in business since Texas became a state.

  When he reached Main Street in Blue Falls, he started looking for his destination. He spotted a restaurant called the Primrose Café, an antique store, the Frothy Stein bar, a bakery and an old-time hardware store. His eyes caught the name of Yesterwear Boutique, the clothing store where he was supposed to meet India Pike.

  All the parking spaces along Main seemed to be full, a good sign that the town wasn’t dying and thus unable to support a rodeo. He found a spot to park his truck on a side street then walked back to the shop. The moment he stepped inside the cool interior, his nose tw
itched at the smell of some flowery scent. And then he took in his surroundings, which looked like a sea of feminine froufrou. Dresses, hats, shoes, jewelry. Was that a petticoat on the headless mannequin in the corner?

  It was official. He’d never felt more out of place in his life.

  He shifted from one foot to the other and tipped back his hat just in time to see a woman come through the doorway that led to another room full of clothes. A beautiful woman with wavy black hair that rested lightly on her shoulders. When she saw him, her eyes widened enough that he thought they were a grayish-blue. She recovered quickly and stepped fully into the entry area that held the cash register, a display counter full of jewelry and little beaded purses, and a few items of clothing.

  “Mr. Parrish?”

  “Yes, ma’am. Sorry I’m a bit late. There was an accident about an hour north of here.”

  “No problem.” After what seemed like a moment of hesitation, she took a couple of steps toward him and extended her hand. “India Pike. I appreciate you driving all the way to Blue Falls.”

  The moment his hand wrapped around hers to shake, he realized how tiny her hand was, completely disappearing in his. The handshake was brief, but it was long enough for him to label her as delicate.

  “It was a nice day to get out of the city and go for a drive.” He laughed. “You’d think as much time as I spend on the road that the driving would get old, but there’s something about the open road that’s relaxing.”

  Well, wasn’t he chatty all of a sudden?

  He mentally shook himself and gestured over his shoulder. “I saw the café down the street looked busy. Must mean they have good food. Have you eaten?”

  “Yes, actually. But if you’d like to go have lunch, we can meet sometime this afternoon.”

  Was it his imagination or did she seem less than excited about this meeting? Was she preoccupied? In a bad mood? Or maybe she just didn’t have a clue what she was doing. He was used to meeting with fellow cowboys or middle-aged businessmen, not a dark-haired beauty wearing a dark blue dress and blue-and-white shoes.