Read Dawn Runner for Free Online Page B

stallion.Let me repeat, I’m only interested in bringing Hotspot home.”
    Feelings in a tangle, Sam said, “Yeah, well, first you have to find her.”
    â€œI promise you wouldn’t be sorry,” Ryan told her.
    But Sam wasn’t so sure.

Chapter Five
    S am was still shaking her head at Ryan’s stubbornness as she crossed the ranch yard toward Brynna.
    Her stepmother wore her khaki uniform and a frizzled French braid, so she must have just arrived home, but she hadn’t hurried into the cool house. She stood at the pasture fence, leaning as far forward as her pregnancy would allow, kissing her mare’s copper-colored nose.
    Flushed and freckled, Brynna smiled as Sam approached.
    â€œHi, how was school?” Brynna called.
    Sam had only begun to tell Brynna about her classes when Ace approached the fence and stopped just out of reach.
    â€œAce,” Sam called. She made a smooching sound and he walked a step closer.
    â€œHe’s going to make you beg,” Brynna said.
    Brynna’s horse, Penny, flattened her ears, telling Ace to keep his distance, but the bay mustang continued to advance.
    â€œI’m sorry there’s not time for a ride, but tomorrow for sure,” Sam told her horse. He nuzzled her empty palm as she rubbed his neck.
    â€œTomorrow?” Brynna asked.
    â€œPam will be here,” Sam said. “I’m going out to Lost Canyon to see her.”
    â€œGreat,” Brynna said. She didn’t sound all that enthusiastic, but she didn’t know Pam. Or maybe she was just enthralled with watching her blind mare nibble her sleeve. “How’s Jen doing?”
    â€œFine, but she’s kind of tired.” Sam frowned and worked her fingers through a tangle in Ace’s black mane. “And she’s worried. Her dad still doesn’t want her to go back to school even when she’s recovered.”
    Sam was about to tell Brynna about Shy Boots, too, and how Jen would have to take care of him, when her stepmother asked an unexpected question.
    â€œHow’s Jen feel about Pam showing up?”
    Sam’s hands went still in Ace’s mane. There was something almost sly in Brynna’s tone, but her eyebrows were lifted in real concern.
    â€œI didn’t get a chance to tell her, but what do you mean, how does she feel?” Sam shook her head inpretend confusion. She wanted to believe worrying over Jen’s jealousy was childish.
    Brynna shrugged. “You know, since Pam was your best friend in San Francisco.”
    â€œThey’re both my friends,” Sam said, and though she knew it was unfair, she felt annoyed at Brynna for making her face this possibility. “Why wouldn’t that be okay with Jen?”
    Brynna looked away for a second, and when she looked back, Sam got the feeling her stepmother wished she hadn’t brought the whole subject up.
    â€œSometimes, three isn’t a great number for friends,” Brynna pointed out. “You know, two’s company and three’s a crowd?”
    â€œI don’t know what you’re talking about,” Sam snapped. Even to herself, she sounded bratty, but what if Brynna was right?
    Reacting to her harsh tone, Ace backed away from Sam’s hands.
    â€œDon’t bite my head off, Sam,” Brynna began, but then Penny snorted.
    The mare’s sightless eyes rolled in wariness, and that’s probably what made Brynna angry.
    â€œAnd you can take your hands off your hips, young lady.”
    Sam did.
    â€œI only mentioned an issue you might want to be sensitive to,” Brynna said quietly. “Especially since Jen is bound to be feeling a little confined.”
    Jen was feeling confined and bored, but Sam tried to hope for the best.
    â€œJen’s not the jealous type,” Sam insisted, although she knew Jen had a jealous streak a mile wide when it came to Jake. And Callie. But maybe that was just part of the loyalty that made Jen