Cowboy on the Run Read Online Free PDF Page B

her daughter’s face, reminding her every effort had not been in vain. Standing before her was living proof. Hard to believe seven years ago her life had been so different, so pale in comparison to now.
    A life she refused to go back to.
    “Yeah, sweetheart,” she said, touching her daughter’s cheek with a gentle stroke. “Over my damned body.”

Chapter 4
    It was early, dawn’s light casting its first streak across the skyline, but Nate knew where Jessie would be. Seeing the dark shadow on her porch move proved him right. Even in the purple shades of twilight, he could make out her form, her silhouette curvaceous and welcoming.
    Like coming home.
    The insight hit him hard, stopping him in his tracks. Stunned by the sudden moment of clarity, he questioned his timing, savored this feeling. As soon as she realized he was here, she would be guarded again, her eyes shaded with hate and blame.
    Lord knows what kind of crimes she would accuse him of this morning. Although, he knew her bark had always been much worse than her bite. Besides, he wasn’t about to run home with his tail between his legs.
    “Your porch always did have the best views,” he drawled. The implication of his words hung in mid-air, unspoken, as he stepped onto the threshold of the porch.
    Jessie spun toward the sound of his voice, a startled expression on her face. “What are you doing here?”
    He chose to ignore her curt tone, focusing more on why she hadn’t heard his approach. She’d always been observant, aware of everything going on around her at all times, an attribute he’d often admired. There must have been quite a bit on her mind not to have heard his arrival, the crunch of boots against the gravel drive had seemed loud enough to wake the household.
    “I’ve been to a lot of places...seen a lot of sunrises...sunsets,” he began with a lighthearted banter, hoping she would confide in him like she once had. A long shot, he knew. It’d take a miracle for him to gain her trust again. Yet, he had to try. “But this has always been my favorite view.” His gaze held hers, refusing to let go.
    “I told you to stay away from me,” she snapped, turning her head away.
    “C’mon, Jess. I know you better than that. If you really wanted me to stay away, you’d have that damn rifle of yours cocked and ready to fire,” he stated in earnest.
    Unwilling to wait for an invitation, he crossed the porch to where she stood and positioned himself beside her, facing the view.
    “Besides, I knew you’d be awake.” Warmth emanated off her body, both unnerving and exciting. He longed to pull her in his arms and kiss away whatever seemed to be troubling her, even if he were to blame.
    “You never could sleep in,” he continued, baiting her. Neither of them needed much sleep. Another trait they shared.
    “Me? At least I sleep. I see your pattern is still the same.” She attempted a half-hearted smile before feigning irritation and rolling her eyes, appearing as if she found his intrusion arrogant.
    The unconscious action brought forth cherished memories, stoking his ardor. When they’d been younger, she often did the same after a big fight or disagreement. It meant forgiveness, hope. He had a shot.
    He stroked her cheekbone with his thumb, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. “You never minded before.” His intention had been to keep the conversation flirtatious and light, but it was a challenge not to touch her. A miracle, and he praised himself for the controlled effort it cost him not to pull her into his arms. “Hell, we never did get much sleep. Did we Jess?” He teased her with ease, implying they’d spent most of their youth occupying their time with anything but sleep.
    Shifting his position, he placed a boot on the bottom rung of the porch railing. His hand settled on the top rail less than an inch away from hers. It would have been so natural to reach for her, remembering the way her fingers fit in his. Her gentle touch had