Read Nothing Sweeter (Sweet on a Cowboy) for Free Online Page B

looked Bree over from top to bottom. “And now I’ve got to break in another one.”
    Bree recognized the aggressive glint in her eye from her shark swim at Other Coast Trends. “This is Tuesday.” The woman lifted her arm, glancing at a glinting Rolex on her slim wrist. “It is ten thirty. In the future, I expect my horse groomed, saddled, and waiting. This day, this time, every week. Understand?”
    The businessman raised his head, as if sensing chum in the water.
    Aubrey pasted a helpful smile on her face. “Yes, ma’am, perfectly clear. Might I inquire as to your horse’s name?”
    “Jolie Danse, the registered Thoroughbred in the end stall.” She turned to the man, Bree dismissed. “He’d better not be the mess he was last week, or I swear I’m finding another barn. I don’t care if the Jamesons
do
need the money.”
    What a bitch.
Bree turned on her heel, not sure if she was angry for herself or the brothers. And what kind of man would put up with that for more than two minutes?
    She slung the stall door open and caught the halter of the rangy gray gelding who high-stepped in anticipation. After cross tying him in the aisle, she tacked him with the expensive bridle and English saddle that hung outside the stall. The woman sashayed over, and Bree caught the assessing look out of the corner of her eye as she worked.
    “Well, at least this groom shows some promise.” The grudging compliment seemed directed to the barn in general, since the businessman had remained by the tack room, and she wasn’t lowering herself to speak with Bree.
    The gelding whickered and dipped its head to nuzzle its owner. Alfalfa-stained drool smeared her immaculate blouse, but the woman ignored it, running a hand down his silky, dappled flank.
    “Yes, I know, Peanut.” Her tone was gooey syrup. “You’ve been neglected of late. We’re going to keep an eye on that. I promise.” The gray’s head moved lower, snuffling. “Did you miss Mommy?” The ice queen’s face thawed as a look of delight crossed it. “You big baby, you just want a treat.” She hugged the horse’s neck and pulled a carrot from the back waistband of her jodhpurs. “Yes, Peanutiest, I brought you something. I swear you are the most spoiled baby on the planet.”
    She turned to catch Bree’s openmouthed stare and looked down a nose too perfect not to have had work done. “Surely, even you have heard of using a barn name for blooded horses. His registered name is too much a mouthful for everyday use.” She sniffed and gave the gray a kiss on his delicate nose.
    Hard to hate a woman who makes a fool of herself over a horse.
Aubrey pulled the last stirrup down with a snap, careful to hide a smile. “Is there anything else I could help you with, ma’am? Do you need a leg up?”
    Her haughty look was back in place. “No. That will be all.”
    Bree unsnapped the crossties and handed over the reins. The woman led the horse to the businessman, who pocketed his phone and listened to her babble with an indulgent smile.
    Even an ice queen like that had a love. Bree’s hand jumped to her hollowed-out chest. Max’s strong profile drifted through her mind before she could shut it out. Shesnorted to banish the silly imagining.
You’re here to heal, chickie, not go all soft. You saw where being soft got you, back in LA.
    Keep things light and simple and everything will be okay.

CHAPTER
    5
    Y ou have no idea how good it is to see you, Juan.” Wyatt made sure the door to his bedroom was closed before he Skyped home.
    Juan’s smile was wide and warm. “You look careworn. What’s going on there? Is your Neanderthal brother giving you a hard time?”
    “Not on purpose. Max is a good guy, but it’s a simple, black-and-white lifestyle out here, and my presence brings up issues he’d rather not deal with.”
    “Then let him deal with himself—and the details. Why don’t you just come home? After all, the will was clear. He’s executor, and you get half of