Read Love Country (BWWM Romance) for Free Online Page A

“Yes. They did. It seems that Louise and Tyler adopted a son named Isaiah and the man said that this adopted boy was actually his son. Later that year, a young woman named Stephanie came who was Damon’s sister. It seems there was another child. Isaiah’s oldest son Cole never came to town but his son Craig now runs The Gazette. So you see, my dear, Craig is not like the others, for he never knew the feud or anything about that side of his family. His father followed in his grandfather’s footsteps and stayed the hell away from Maryville. Craig came to town last year and has been here ever since. I don’t think he is leaving either, considering the fact that he just bought a ranch a little ways outside of town. But look at me, I'm rambling. Enjoy your drink, honey, I have to get back to the books. The young ones may run the show but I still do the paperwork. Tell your dad I said come by some time. I haven’t seen him in a while.”
     
    She hugged the older man goodbye and smiled. “I will tell him. Thanks for the information, Sam.”
     
    “You’re welcome, honey.” He waved as he headed to the back room. As if on cue, Jester sidled up next to her as soon as the old man was gone.
     
    “So whadya’ think about the drink?”
     
    Her drink had been momentarily forgotten while she listened to Sam’s story. Raising the glass to her nose she sniffed a little before taking a tiny sip. “Hmmm. That’s good. Tastes like pineapple and orange with a hint of something else.”
     
    “You got it, beautiful. The hint is mint. I call it Jester’s Cap. You know, like a night cap?” He laughed at his own joke then excused himself when a man called out for his attention to get a drink. Picking up her drink, Keeara made her way to a booth in the corner. She sat back and nursed her drink while she watched the small group of people gathered in the bar. Before she knew it, Jester had brought her two more drinks to enjoy. She felt a little tipsy as she sat back and watched the people. She must have been there a while because before she knew it the lights had dimmed and a band had been set up.
    ***
    Craig looked at his watch and decided that it would be a good night to listen to some music and enjoy a pretty woman since the one he pined for, wanted nothing to do with him. Well, he had had enough for the week. He needed to relax a little. He quickly put on some jeans and a dark gray T-shirt and slipped into his sneakers. He locked the front door to The Gazette then started the short walk to Sam’s.
     
    As soon as Craig walked into the place, he smiled. He loved this bar as much as he loved the newspaper. Looking around he saw plenty of pretty little things that he could spend his time with. Just then, a little blonde sauntered up to him. It was Rachel, a waitress that he knew well. She smiled up at him.
     
    “What can I get you sweet thing?”
     
    “A beer for now.”
     
    She ran her hand down his chest and grinned up at him. “And how about later?”
     
    “We’ll find out won’t we.” He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her flesh against his own. Smiling down at her, he leaned down and took her lips voraciously. Unfortunately, it did nothing for him. There was no smell of lavender. There was no spark. All he could smell was the smoke in the air and a waft of rose. He broke off the kiss and smiled down at her. She moved to walk away just as he swatted her bottom. Why couldn’t he just get that damn woman out of his head? It was like she had a spell over him. Well no matter what, he was determined to take advantage of the night and find a happy, willing woman.
     
    Keeara gasped as she watched Craig walk into the room. She was just about to go up to him and apologize until he grabbed a woman close by. She didn’t know why but the thought of him groping another woman pissed her off. But why should it? She had turned him down! Why didn’t they just rip each other’s clothes off right there and do it on