Read Cowboys & Kisses for Free Online Page B

into my appearance. Very little.
    Dax and Wyatt were at the table when I came into the kitchen. Mom was pouring them lemonade and feeding them sandwiches. All in all, the kitchen was pretty quiet—just a lot of chewing.
    “Dax says you guys have big plans on the horizon?” Mom asked when I came into the kitchen.
    I glanced at Dax. “The things I do for my brother. I have zero interest.”
    I loved it when my mom looked at me that way, like she was proud of me. “That’s sweet of you.”
    Wyatt stood up, rinsing his plate at the sink. “You don’t have to go, Allie. Dax can ride with me.”
    Wyatt was going? Interesting …
    “No offense, Wyatt.” Dax leaned back in his chair, smiling. “But I don’t think Levi would be too happy.”
    Wyatt nodded, the muscle in his jaw hardening for a minute. “Right. Levi.”
    Wait a minute. Holy crap…
    Wyatt’s jaw muscle flexed as he scrubbed the plate—the plate that looked clean.
    Does…does Wyatt like me? I swallowed, focusing on the rooster hotpad that hung on a hook by the sink. No, not possible. Why would he? I’ve been a total bitch to him—to everyone. Not a chance. Which was a good thing. He deserved way better.
    I glanced over at Wyatt. His intense gaze was waiting for me. He grinned, the whole dimples thing super gorgeous.
    Not that he needs to know that’s what I’m thinking.
    I bit my lip and rolled my eyes. He chuckled, almost making me smile…until I noticed Mom and Dax were watching us closely. Awesome .
    “I’m not going for some stupid…redneck,” I managed, my face hot. Wyatt didn’t seem fazed by my pathetic attempt at an insult. “Ready, Mom?”
    “Yes.” She glanced at Wyatt, a slight smile on her face, all thoughtful—like she was working through what this might mean. “You boys need anything before we head out?”
    Dax shook his head. “Nah, we’re good. Home for dinner?”
    “Good point. Food.” Mom opened the refrigerator, stared inside, then closed it. “How about Allie and I bring something home?”
    My cell phone rang, scaring the crap out of me. It had been confiscated, kept in a drawer. Reception was a nightmare out here, according to Dax. Mom pulled it out of the drawer, stared at the number, and handed it to me.
    “Is it Mrs. Duncan?” I asked. Lindie’s mom called me at least once a week. I think we both needed to talk to each other, to miss Lindie without really talking about her. Probably not the healthiest thing to do—her calls made Mom and Dad uncomfortable.
    “No. It’s Sebastian Kramer,” she said, watching me closely.
    “Your old coach?” Dax voiced my shock.
    I nodded, lifting the phone to my ear. “Hello?”
    “Allie?” I could hear the smile in Sebastian’s voice. “How are you? Where are you?”
    I walked out of the kitchen and into the living room to get away from Dax and Mom’s whispered conversation. It was so good to hear his voice. “We moved. Ever heard of Black Falls?”
    “No.” He laughed. “Close to anything?”
    “About an hour and a half from San Antonio.” I stared out the picture windows at the field. It looked a little greener. Maybe the rain had helped.
    “I can drive that.” He paused. “I’m coming to see you, Allie. Your mom around? I have an opening on the team and we need you back, girl.”
    “I can’t.” I wasn’t ready.
    “I think I can convince your mom, Allie. You know how charming I can be.”
    I forced myself to laugh. “Oh, I know. It’s just… I can’t.”
    There was a long pause. I could almost hear Sebastian scrambling for an argument. He was very good at making people see that what he wanted to happen was what needed to happen. His voice was light, but there was an undeniable edge to it. “Ever hear that saying about falling off the horse?”
    “I have.” I sighed. “A lot.”
    “You think…you think this is what she’d want?”
    My throat suddenly felt tight. “Please don’t.”
    I heard him sigh. “Allie, she was your biggest fan.