Read Tracie Peterson - [Desert Roses 01] for Free Online Page A

rather than cause a scene, Alex did just that.
    “May I help you?” she asked in a formal tone. “This is my daughter, Alexandria,” her father announced. “Is she the one you were telling me about?”
    Joel joined them just then and grinned from ear to ear. His slicked-back black hair glistened under the casual lighting of the dining room. “That’s the one. Mr. Keegan, you certainly have a charming daughter.” He turned to Valerie and added, “And you thought I’d lowered my standards by falling for one of the help. Why, Miss Keegan is very nearly as well-off as you are, Val darling.”
    “Hardly that,” Valerie said, looking at Alex as if anticipating some kind of counter reply.
    “If that will be all,” Alex said, looking back to her tables, “I need to finish my work.”
    “Well, that’s not all,” her father replied. “Joel would like you to join us this evening for dinner. I’ll expect you promptly at six.”
    “I have plans and will not be in the area. You must pardon me now.” She turned to go, but her father took hold of her and twisted her arm ever so slightly. “Don’t disappoint the Winthrops, Alex. They’re important to my career,” he muttered for only her ears to hear.
    “Father, I cannot join you,” Alex replied. To the others she offered the hint of a smile and said, “I do apologize. I have a very busy schedule and my plans are already made.”
    “You aren’t still sore because of last night are you?” Joel questioned. “I left you a handsome tip to assure you of my sincerity.”
    Alex nodded. “Yes, I found your tip and was most assured of your intentions.” She met his gaze and nodded, knowing at a glance that he understood her meaning.
    “It takes more than cold cash to assure that girl of anything,” Rufus Keegan threw in. “She prides herself in her lofty expectations. Keeps a Bible by her bed and all such nonsense. She could make a convent look impure.”
    “Father!” Alex exclaimed. “I will speak to you later.”
    She turned to go and once again found her progress halted. This time Joel was the culprit. “I beg you, Miss Keegan. Please reconsider. I’d love to have you . . .” he paused for effect, “as a guest for dinner.”
    Alex wasn’t the least bit enticed. “Thank you, but no. Good day.”
    Her fists were balled by the time she got to the kitchen. To her surprise she found Luke waiting for her there. He smiled and twirled his hat in his hand. “I have the afternoon and evening off. Thought you might like to take a ride or something.”
    “I’d like to throw my father across the room,” she said angrily. Pacing back and forth in front of him, Alex couldn’t seem to calm her angry spirit. Oh, Lord , she prayed, why do I have to let him take this kind of control over my heart and soul?
    “Alex?” Luke questioned, stepping forward. “Are you all right?”
    She sighed. “No. I’m angry and on the verge of doing something stupid.”
    “Should I have the chef hide the tomatoes?”
    She smiled and felt the tension ease a bit. “No, but I’mnot entirely certain the coconut cream pie is safe. I just may throw it.”
    “Don’t do that—it’s my favorite,” Luke said, reaching out to take hold of her. “Look, forget about the problem and just come with me when your shift is done.”
    Alex nodded. “I suppose I could get away for a little while. I was thinking of visiting my mother in Williams. I’m worried that she’s seen the morning paper.”
    Luke frowned. “Yeah, I heard about it.”
    “Well, I saw it firsthand,” Alex said, trying her best to control her anger. “It just isn’t fair.” She stepped aside to allow the pastry chef to pass. His tray held several pies and Alex looked up to meet Luke’s bemused grin. “I’ll leave them alone . . . this time.”
    An hour later, Alex had changed into a riding skirt and allowed Luke to help her atop a lovely bay mare. She enjoyed riding and hadn’t had a chance to do so in some