A Texas Family Reunion Read Online Free PDF Page B

he asked, astounded. “You should’ve discussed it with me first!” His tone held anger.
    Alex stared at him in disbelief. David had been concerned, but he hadn’t acted like this. “Why? Don’t you think I can make decisions for myself?”
    “Of course I do, but I think I know what’s best for you.”
    Why hadn’t she noticed how controlling he was? He usually dominated the conversation, it was true, but she’d figured that was because he’d had more experience and thus, more to say. It seemed she’d been mistaken.
    “Don’t worry,” he said. “I can probably pull some strings and get you back on the force.”
    “No, thank you,” she said clearly.
    “Yeah, I can talk to the sergeant and tell him you made a mistake and—”
    “I don’t want you to talk to the sergeant, and I didn’t make a mistake!”
    “Come on, Alex, I’m just trying to help. I don’t want you working somewhere else.”
    “Doesn’t it matter what I want?”
    “Sure, baby, but we won’t get to see each other as much.”
    “Why not? I won’t be working nights, and it won’t matter if someone sees us together if I’m not on the force.”
    “I don’t think it would be a good idea for me to be seen with a quitter.” Neil reared back in his chair, as if challenging her.
    Suddenly Alex knew what she had to do. “You’re probably right,” she said.
    He grinned at her. “I knew you’d come around. I’ll talk to the—”
    “No, I’m not agreeing to come back to the police force. I’m agreeing that I shouldn’t be seen with you.”
    “So you want to keep our relationship a secret?”
    “No. I want to end it.”
    “What are you talking about?” he roared.
    “You heard me. I don’t want to see you again.” She stood and went to the door, holding it open.
    “Come on, honey, you can’t mean that.”
    An hour ago, she probably wouldn’t have meant it, but now she saw Neil in a different light. He no longer had any authority over her. “Yes, I can. I’ve made achoice that I’m happy with, and I wouldn’t want to embarrass you by being seen with you.”
    “But if we keep meeting here, no one will know.”
    “Hurry up and go, Neil. Bugs are getting in.”
    He stalked out of her apartment. “I had plans for us,” he said from the doorway. “We could get married. We could have a couple of kids and you wouldn’t have to work.”
    An hour ago that plan would’ve thrilled her. Thank goodness she’d woken up in time.
    Before she could say anything else, Neil continued, “After all, you get money from the company your family owns. It’s not like we’d be hard up.”
    “Goodbye, Neil.”
    “You think about it. Let me know when you come to your senses.”
    “Right.” She closed the door in his face.
    After he’d left, she plopped down on her sofa. She’d made the right decision; she had no doubt about that. But she hated that she’d wasted so much emotion and time on a man who wanted to control her and take advantage of her income.
    She’d been a poor judge of character. Maybe it was because he was a higher rank on the force and had seemed so interested in her. She’d almost slept with him. She’d been tempted a couple of times, but something held her back.
    Now she was glad she hadn’t given in to momentary urges. He was a handsome man, but underneath… She wondered about his marriage and divorce. Maybe his wife—
    The phone rang.
    “Hello?” she answered, fearing it was Neil.
    “Alex? It’s Susan. Have you heard my news?”
    “No, I haven’t. Tell me!”
    “I’m now working for our company! David convinced Mom I should try it and see if I like it. I can’t believe she agreed!”
    “I can’t, either, but I’m very happy for you.”
    “Oh, me, too. I spent the afternoon at the new job and it’s quite absorbing.”
    “I’m glad.”
    “And do you know the best part?” Susan asked.
    “You get to work with David?”
    “No! I get to work with Pete.”
    “Ah, he is cute, isn’t