Read Where She Belongs for Free Online Page B

Buckeye Club. I’ll make the reservations.”
    â€œI’m not sure Jason has as much acreage as your client needs.”
    â€œI think he does.” Brett’s smug tone irritated AJ. “I did a search. Owens’s farm added to Misty Willow should be more than adequate.”
    â€œI wouldn’t be so sure about that.” AJ stood and walked around Brett’s chair, hands sunk in his pockets. “Even if I agreed to add my acres to this project, Shelby Kincaid will never give up hers.”
    â€œWho is Shelby Kincaid?” asked Amy, bewilderment distorting her features.
    â€œThe new owner of the old Lassiter homestead. The house and thirty-two acres.”
    â€œWhat house?” Amy’s strident voice echoed in the room.
    â€œThe new what?” Brett spoke at the same time as his sister.
    â€œDo you still want me to talk to Jason?” AJ asked with pretend innocence.
    â€œWhat I want is for you to explain why you sold the house.” Brett rose from his chair and paced the room before facing AJ. “And how.”
    AJ bristled at Brett’s threatening tone. He’d punched his cousin once before, and he wouldn’t mind an excuse to do so again.
    â€œI don’t have to explain anything to you,” AJ said. “And I’m not interested in selling my acres for a retreat. But thanks for including me in your plans.”
    â€œHow could you sell?” Amy stood and crossed her arms like a petulant child. “Sully’s will specifically said—”
    â€œGran told me to.”
    â€œI don’t believe you,” Brett said.
    â€œIt’s done.”
    â€œUndo it.”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œBoys!” Amy placed her manicured hand on AJ’s arm. “Tell me again. Who bought the house?”
    â€œShelby Kincaid,” AJ said. “Her grandparents owned Misty Willow before Sully did. She loves the place and wanted it back in the family.”
    â€œWhat sentimental . . .” muttered Brett. “When did this happen?”
    â€œA little over a week ago.”
    â€œDoes Richard know?”
    â€œHe was at the signing.”
    â€œIt can’t be legal.”
    â€œAnd yet it is.” Fed up with his cousins, AJ strode to the office door. “Forget this development plan. Both of you. Shelby won’t give up her land. And I won’t sell mine.”

– 6 –
    S helby savored a bite of the decadent chocolate mousse. “Delicious.” After a month away, she’d flown into the Columbus airport only a few hours earlier, hoping for a restful evening. But Uncle Richard had insisted on driving back to the city for dinner.
    â€œI’m glad you like it.” His fond gaze blanketed her, piercing her with longing for Grandpa. If only he were sitting across from her instead. Except he wouldn’t have brought her to this pretentious place. They’d have celebrated her return with grilled steaks and potatoes slowly baked amongst the hot ashes in the stone fire ring outside the house.
    Another memory she needed to re-create for Elizabeth and Tabby.
    â€œRichard, is that you?” A blond man with crystal blue eyes, wearing a tailored navy suit and crisp white shirt, approached the table. “What brings you to the ‘big city’?”
    â€œA rare evening out.” Rising from his chair, Richard shook hands with the newcomer. “Allow me to introduce you. Shelby Kincaid, this is Brett Somers.”
    â€œShe’s a little young for you, isn’t she, Richard?”
    Unaccustomed butterflies flitted in Shelby’s stomach as the gorgeous stranger held her gaze. “I’m pleased to meet you,” she said, her voice betraying her sudden embarrassment. He took her hand, and his light touch electrified her fingers.
    â€œShelby is my great-niece. Her grandmother was my sister.” Richard gestured toward a chair. “Join us, won’t