Read The Cattle Drive [The Armstrong Brothers of Cedar Creek] (Siren Publishing Classic) for Free Online Page A

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    So being here in this house and in front of him, she should not have been feeling anything, but looking at her hands now, she was amazed. Watching as he closed his hands over hers, she smiled. Slowly raising her head, looking into those captivating blue eyes which held her entranced once again, her heart sped up as she finally felt the warmth of another’s touch, leaving her feeling safe. Because for the first time in years, she knew she was not alone. The friction of his touch sent shivers of excitement throughout her body, and her pussy clinched as a soft blush covered her face.
    “So now that everyone is staying, can I get some help? This dinner isn’t going to cook itself,” Henry said, breaking the moment.
    They all pitched in to finish cooking dinner. Together they all ate and enjoyed each other’s company, and to Chris’s amazement, he was happy to see Rachael opening up and enjoying herself. She laughed and smiled often throughout dinner, and when she talked there was life in her voice.
    Around nine, Henry excused himself, stating that he had school tomorrow, and quietly went upstairs. With the three of them alone, Chris couldn’t hold in his curiosity any longer. “So, not being nosy…but do you mind telling me how it is exactly, that you two know each other?”
    Rachael looked at Michael and grinned.
    Chris saw the exchange of knowledge between them, and at that moment a shiver, a fear raced up his spine. He knew that what Rachael was about to tell him he was not going to like. Helpless to stop the impending knowledge before him, he sat up. He put his elbows on the table and waited.
    He watched Rachael get up from the table, taking her plate with her, and placing it in the sink. She turned, leaning against the counter. “Michael was there the night of the accident. He was the one who held my hand until the paramedics arrived. That’s how we know each other.”
    Chris, showing no emotions, just stared at her. He knew he wasn’t going to like what she had to say, and damned if he didn’t. Out of all the places in the fucking world, he had to show up here. This is just fucking great! “Well, talk about a small world,” Chris said, leaning back in his chair and trying to keep his composure. “And he just happened to buy the farm next to you?”
    “Sheriff, I had no idea she lived in Texas. The accident was in Montana. This is all purely coincidental. I assure you,” Michael lied, getting up from the table.
    “I guess you’re right. But have to admit, this is one hell of a coincidence.”
    “Yes, I’ll give you that one,” Michael said, looking at Rachael.
    It didn’t take long for Chris to change the subject, switching it to Cedar Creek’s upcoming festival. He talked about all the festivities, the food, and how the whole town comes out to celebrate.
    Rachael stared at Michael as she walked over to the table. Like before, the moment her fingers touched his, that once-familiar feel of heat began to engulf her body.
    It surprised Rachael that a simple stranger that she’d only met once before could evoke such a reaction from her. How is this possible? Why now? What is it about him that makes me feel alive again? I don’t get it. I only met him once. Could it be that we shared that traumatic moment, or is it because he is a total stranger that honestly doesn’t know me?
    Michael knew she was trying to figure it all out, because he, too, didn’t understand. He was only here to help this woman to make sure she retained her ranch, but yet over the course of a couple of hours, it felt like he was here for a bigger purpose. Quickly shaking that thought from his mind, Michael didn’t have the time for anything more than what he was here to do. His only main concern, in life, was Henry and keeping him safe.
    With the evening over, Michael walked Chris and Rachael outside. Shaking the sheriff’s hand, Michael said, “Thanks for coming over. It was nice talking with you.”
    “No problem. Your