Read Between Two Sisters (contemporary western romance novella) for Free Online Page B

Friday night as planned, and see what developed from there.
    He tried to act natural as he approached Marty, who was waiting for him in front of the barn.
    “So, we’re branding today,” he told Billy.
    Billy relaxed as he noticed no animosity in the manager’s voice. He clearly didn’t know about the kiss that he had shared with Melanie.
    “All right, let’s go.” They rode one of the Gators over to the cattle barn, and it was a busy morning as they branded the calves. Try as he might to find a reason not to like Marty, Billy found that he did. Guilt burned in his gut. One night stands were one thing, but sneaking around with another guy’ s girl was another entirely, and that wasn’t him. He took solace in the fact that it would never happen again.
    They broke for lunch, and his heart hammered faster in his chest when he spied Melanie waiting for Marty, sitting on his truck bed flap. Her short, frayed, cut off denim shorts showed off her legs beautifully.
    “Hey, sweetheart,” Marty waved to her as he climbed out of the Gator. Billy swallowed hard as he tried to act casual.
    “Hey, Melanie,” he called, giving her a stiff wave. He didn’t wait to see if she replied, but instead headed right for his truck. He tried not to look at the pair as he pulled away from the barn.
    Back at his cabin, he threw off his shirt and flopped onto his bed with a sigh. He thought about leaving the Haffner ranch. What was he staying for, anyway? Melanie wasn’t available, and now things were awkward between them.
    A knock at that door interrupted his thoughts. He opened the door, expecting it to be one of the ranch hands, or maybe Cass, and came face to face with Mr. Haffner.
    “Hello, Sir. P lease some in.” He put a smile on his face but inside he was a nervous wreck. He was suddenly convinced that he somehow knew about his secret embraces with Melanie the night before.
    “Billy, how’re you finding the place?” he asked as he stepped inside and removed his cowboy hat.
    “Oh, it’s great. I love it.”
    “Good, good, but that’s not why I’m here today.” Billy gestured to the little kitchen table and Mr. Haffner took a seat. “I came to talk to you about Cass.”
    “Cass?” Blood pounded in his ears as he waited for his employer to forbid him from taking his daughter out.
    “I hear my little Cass has caught your eye, and you hers.” Billy nodded, unsure of how to respond. “A lot of men have chased my Cassandra these last few years, and I suspect she’s chased a few of them herself. There’s been a lot of broken hearts, both ways, with all of that.” He paused, and looked Billy square in the eye. “I just want to be sure you’re serious about her, and this isn’t just fun for you. My Cass doesn’t need any more men chasing her for the wrong reasons. You plan to do right by her?”
    Billy nodded again, and finally found his voice. “I do, Sir.”
    “I thought as much,” Mr. Haffner tipped his chair back and rested his hands behind his head as he studied Billy. “My Margaret was delighted to hear about your upcoming date, as was I, but I wanted to swing by and make sure we were square on things.”
    Billy tried not to squirm under his scrutiny. This man had dropped by to make sure he had the best intentions towards his younger daughter, and it would have made him nervous any day, even if he hadn’t just shared a stolen kiss with his older one.
    “We are. Cass is a great girl; I’ll be nothing but respectful towards her, Sir.”
    “I’m delighted to hear that, and that’s exactly what I expect from you.” Mr. Haffner rose to leave, and Billy stood as well. “I hope things work out for you two; she’s a great gal, and she needs a good man to pull her back a bit. Perhaps you’ll be that man; we’ll see. Well, I’ve gotta get home for lunch, but it was good speaking to you, Billy. I assume we’ll see you up at the main house, to pick up Cass for your date?”
    “Of course.” It hadn’t