A Little White Lie Read Online Free PDF

approval she had received from JD this morning at how she looked. It had made her heart flutter. But now—
    Rolling her head from shoulder to shoulder, she attempted to vanquish the rising tension. Remember, you’re just passing through. Don’t let them bother you .
    But it did.
    She’d had the evening of a lifetime wrapped in the arms of a cowboy who gave her more than a night of pleasure. Amazingly, he had held her and talked after they had made love once more. Not about superficial things. He wanted to know about her and even shared his joy of Montana and his life. It had been a soul-enriching experience that had mesmerized her. It sucked that she would have no more than a weekend with this man.
    Raising her gaze, she took a moment to watch Trevor, the youngest and smallest of the boys. In one fluid motion, he eased back his pole and flung it forward. The line gracefully soared through the air and splashed a couple hundred feet before him. The gentle current pulled the slack out of the string. He eased down upon the ground, sitting Indian style. Hope and patience played across his adorable face.
    Inching her chin higher, she squared her shoulders. How hard can it be to fish? If he can do it, I can do it. Fact was she had always been able to do anything she put her mind to.
    Fishing? No problem.
    Steps of determination carried her to JD’s side. “Which pole is mine?”
    One brow rose as he attempted to hide the grin that pulled at the corners of his mouth. “You sure?”
    “Absolutely.” She spoke with an air of confidence that made her proud.
    He handed her the pole he’d been baiting. “Here. You can use this one.”
    Stella watched the poor little worm wiggle, wrapping itself around the hook. Her confidence slipped. Nerves skittered across her skin, but she forced a grin and a bleak “Thank you” as she accepted it. With a show of feigned confidence she hid the gulp that swallowed the knot in her throat.
    I can do this.
    The pole felt awkward in her hands, which trembled slightly. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw Clifford press the little thingy on the reel down as he pulled back his rod. When the pole whipped forward, he released his thumb and the line went soaring.
    Stella inhaled another shaky breath.
    “Do you want some help?” Harrison, a scruffy-looking blond asked. He wiped his runny nose on his sleeve and Stella fought not to cringe. Instead she pulled a tissue from her pocket and handed it to him.
    “Help? Me? Of course not, but thank you,” she said loud enough so all the boys heard. They turned and looked at her with merriment in their eyes.
    Brats.
    JD grabbed her free hand. “Let’s go farther downriver.”
    Each step brought a wave of trepidation upon her. Still she silently repeated, I can do this .
    “Your grip should be similar to holding a tennis racket.” He spoke softly as he glanced back at the boys. All four had their interested gazes locked on them. “Press down firmly on the release button and hold it there.” His directions were quiet but swift. “Turn your body about a quarter turn. Bend your arm at the elbow, raising your hand with the rod until it almost reaches eye level. Gently sweep the rod forward, releasing the button.” They stopped where the river widened, and the sound of the rushing water filled her ears. “Oh. One more thing”—he leaned closer and gave her a quick peck on the cheek—“after you cast, reel in the line until you hear a click.” He must have read her confusion because he added, “Secures the line. Have fun.” He gave her the cutest wink, and then he walked back toward the boys.
    Unsettling feelings bombarded her. She could face the shark-infested waters of New York, but toss her amongst a handful of kids and one gorgeous cowboy and she literally fell apart. Not only did she want to show the boys she wasn’t just a city girl, she wanted to show JD.
    A little voice in the back of her head asked, Why are you making such a big deal