Horses, a sympathetic ear, or a good night’s sleep. Cole Woodruff, owner of the Lazy W Dude Ranch, supplies whatever his guests need. But when Jack Harmon arrives, Cole’s own desires clamor to be met. Should he risk the ranch to satisfy what might be nothing more than an itch? And even if Jack turns out to be that special man Cole’s yearned for, is it right to move forward when a vulnerable child is involved? Not long ago, Jack was awarded custody of his son Alex after the sudden death of the boy’s mother. Out on the road for all of his son’s life, what does he know about being a dad? Sleepless nights spent worrying have worn Jack to a raw nerve. Visiting the dude ranch with Alex, Jack delights in Cole's friendship. And the way Cole’s warm, wonderful voice is so soothing, it cradles Jack to sleep whenever they’re together. Jack aches to spend every night dreaming in the big cowboy's arms. But can a lullaby last forever? Or will the dream fade when morning comes?

Cowboy Lullaby

Lee frowned as he dumped another scoop of ice into one of the coolers. “No, I’m trying to see you open up to the possibilities in front of you. You’re a great, caring guy who shouldn’t be alone. And I’ve never seen you react to a man the way you lit up when you looked at Jack.”


Cole had to put a stop to Lee’s fantasy—it came dangerously close to his own. “Keep in mind, if I get caught seducing a guest, that news will spread faster than dust in a March wind. The Internet reviews will say the Lazy W Dude Ranch is not a place to bring children. And then we’re dead. You don’t go to college. We break our backs trying to scrape a living out of a few head of cattle.” He shook his head hard and fast. “No, it’s too big a risk.”


“No. I’ll have Mickey concentrate on Jack and Alex today, and I’ll work with the others. That’s just the way it has to be.”


Chapter 3