Read Song of the West for Free Online

table, enjoying a cup of coffee with the air of one very much at home.
    He was, she noted with illogical irritation, every bit as attractive as she remembered.
    â€œOh, you’re here.” Her greeting was hardly welcoming, but he returned it with his slow smile.
    â€œMorning, ma’am.”
    â€œDon’t start
ma’am
ing me again,” she said.
    He remained silent as she clattered the cups in the cupboard and filled one with the steaming liquid from the pot on the stove.
    â€œSorry.” She popped a piece of bread in the toaster and turned to offer a peace-offering smile. “My! I overslept. I hope you haven’t been waiting long.”
    â€œI’ve got all day,” he answered, leaning back in his chair as if to emphasize his words.
    She drew a slab of bacon and a carton of eggs from the refrigerator. “Have you eaten?” she asked in invitation.
    â€œYeah, thanks.” He rose, poured himself another cup of coffee and resumed his position at the table. “Dan’s already seen to breakfast for himself and Sabrina. They’re having it in their room.”
    â€œOh.” She replaced the items and pulled out the butter.
    â€œAren’t you going to eat?”
    â€œToast and coffee. I’m not much on breakfast.”
    â€œIf you always eat like that,” he observed over the rim of his cup, “it’s no wonder you never grew any bigger.”
    â€œFor goodness’ sake.” She whirled around, brandishing the butter knife. “I’m hardly a midget. I’m five-four, that’s tall enough for anybody.”
    He held up his hands in mock surrender. “I never argue with an armed woman.”
    â€œReady?” He rose when she had finished both the toast and another cup of coffee.
    When she mumbled her assent, he plucked her jacket from its hook, holding it out so that she had no choice but to allow him to help her into it. She stiffened as his hands touched her shoulders and turned her to face him. Her pulse responded immediately. As if he were aware of her reaction, he began to do up her leather buttons with slow care. She jerked back, but his hold on the front of her coat prevented her from a clean escape.
    â€œYou’re a pretty little thing,” he drawled, completing his task with his eyes directly on hers. “Can’t have you catching cold.” He reached out and plucked Sabrina’s dark wide-brimmed hat from a peg and placed it neatly on her head. “This’ll keep your head warm.”
    â€œThanks.” She pushed the hat firmly in place.
    â€œAnytime, Sam.” His face was unperturbed as he pulled his own sheepskin jacket over his flannel shirt and jeans.
    On the way to the stables, Samantha increased her pace to a trot to keep up with Jake’s long, careless stride. Despite herself, she admired the confident, loose-limbed grace of his movement. He took his time, she noted, deciding he probably did nothing quickly, and more than likely still finished ahead of everyone else.
    The dapple gray had been saddled and led outside by a smiling ranch hand.
    â€œHowdy, ma’am. Dan said to have Spook ready for you.”
    â€œThanks.” She returned his friendly smile and patted the gelding’s neck. “But I could have done it. I don’t like to give you extra work.”
    â€œNo trouble, ma’am. Dan said you weren’t to do a lick of work today. You just go and have yourself a good time, and I’ll rub old Spook down when you get back.”
    Samantha vaulted easily onto the horse’s back, happy to feel a mount beneath her again. Riding was an old pleasure, to be enjoyed only when finances allowed.
    â€œNow, you take good care of Miss Evans, Jake,” the cowboy admonished with a conspirator’s wink Samantha failed to catch. “Dan sets great store by this little lady.”
    Little
again, Samantha thought.
    â€œDon’t you worry about Miss Evans,