Between Hell and Texas Read Online Free PDF

of anyone. She might already have ridden out to check on her stock for the day. His guts roiled. This business between them had not gone smoothly since he had returned from Kansas the past fall. They’d been on a heaven-sent ride up until his brother’s death—Chet had even come by to see her before he went to settle the mess up there.
    She came around the corner with a small shovel on her shoulder. Tall, with a willowy figure, dressed in men’s pants and shirt, run-over boots, she still looked like a female. Her blond hair tucked under her felt hat, she appeared as fresh as usual to him. A smile on her face—not a wide one, but a grin, anyway.
    Kathren set down the shovel. “I’m expecting rain and needed some work on a small ditch that diverts water into my garden.”
    He hugged her, then he kissed her forehead. “I could have done that.”
    â€œChet Byrnes, you haven’t time to think, let alone worry about my details.”
    â€œYou never asked me.”
    â€œWord’s out they tried to ambush you again.” A serious look swept her smooth face.
    â€œTwo days ago. Three of them shot at me down on the south border of our ranch. I managed to make some cover and exchange some gunfire.”
    She nodded. “They’re all dead?”
    â€œYes.”
    She hooked his arm in hers. Then she guided him toward the front door. “You know that you’re using up your nine lives—fast?”
    â€œI didn’t ask them to come after me. I never had a cross word with any of them. They shot at me unannounced and I got under cover.”
    She opened the door and they became caught in each others arms, his mouth tight on hers in the open doorway. He forgot all about his problems, Louise’s extravagant purchases, the Reynolds clan, all the rest, and savored her kisses. Damn. Why couldn’t they be man and wife?
    â€œWe’re chilling down the house,” she whispered, and pulled him inside. With both of them indoors and her back pressed against the door, she returned more of his attention.
    Finally out of breath, they snuggled with each other.
    â€œDamnit, Chet. We’re both trapped in this world.” She closed her eyes, toying with his jacket front. “Why can’t we both find some solace from all this bloodshed and my father’s health?”
    â€œI hear he’s walking some.”
    She shook her head. “He’ll never ride another horse.”
    â€œWhat can we do?”
    â€œSneak around—” She chewed on her lower lip and tears began to fill her blue eyes. “Damn, I wanted you and me—married. But the outside forces in our lives will never let us. I know. I know.”
    â€œSpeaking of sneaking around, where is your daughter?” He held out the sack of candy from his coat pocket.
    She peered into the bag. “You have bought her off again. You know, her father never brought her a piece of candy in her entire life. She’s over at her girlfriend’s place doing math today since the school up here has not been opened this winter.”
    â€œI guess you have more chores to do?”
    â€œNo, but I do have hot coffee on the stove. You sip on some and turn your back while I get into a dress.”
    He blew on the hot brew, seated at the table, facing the dry sink until she joined him, brushing on her blond hair that reached her shoulders and wearing his favorite blue dress.
    â€œYou still don’t plan to ship any cattle this spring?” She poured herself a cup and joined him.
    â€œI may ship some with someone else. But no—”
    She squeezed his arm. “I know. Dale Allen’s death and all. I can see what you’re thinking and don’t blame you, but who will we get to take our cattle to market?”
    â€œI’ll find you someone honest.”
    â€œThanks.” She smiled and leaned over for him to kiss her. “You’ve not been by much lately. Guess you