Deadly Desperados Read Online Free PDF Page B

we’re supposed to be on our best behavior, so no one say anything stupid.”
    “Wow, thanks for the pep talk,” Ally said dryly. “I … oh … people are coming out of the house.” She turned to Mandy, desperate. “Are you sure I look okay?”
    Even though lack of sleep and early-morning travel were enough to irritate Mandy, she wasn’t grumpy enough to dampen Ally’s enthusiasm. “You look beautiful, Ally. They’re going to love you. It’s impossible not to.”
     
    “JAKE!”
    Mary Harrison was a petite woman, her brown hair tied up in a simple bun as she rushed down the front steps and threw her arms around her nephew. Ally shifted nervously behind them, internalizing her disappointment that absolutely no one was wearing a prairie skirt or cowboy hat.
    “Aunt Mary,” Jake said, returning the hug. “I can’t tell you how good it is to see you. I’ve missed you.”
    “You wouldn’t have to miss her if you dropped in more often.” Ben Harrison was almost a foot taller than his wife, and while his expression was serious, a hint of amusement lurked behind his chocolate eyes. “In case you missed it, that was a not-so-subtle hint that you should visit us.”
    Jake moved away from his aunt and hugged his uncle, taking Ally by surprise with the heartfelt gesture. Most men – her brothers included – opted to do the lame half-man hug. This was a full-on embrace.
    “I’m sorry I haven’t visited sooner,” Jake said once they separated. “I’ve been busy getting things in order.”
    “I’ve heard,” Ben said. “Your mom and Mary are in constant contact. They like to gossip like riled up hens with only one rooster to crow between them. I understand you’re working for a security company and you’ve moved in with a woman.”
    Ben’s kind eyes moved to the three people standing behind Jake. “Since the blonde is holding hands with this other guy, I’m going to guess this pretty little thing is your someone special.”
    Before Ally could even utter a greeting Ben was on her, pulling her in for a tight hug. “You’re just a cute little thing, aren’t you?”
    Ally returned the hug, although she wasn’t sure how to answer the question. Usually she would let her ego do the talking, but that didn’t seem like the right move now. “I … .”
    “Of course she’s cute,” Mary said, pushing Ben out of the way so she could take his place. “Do you think Jake would bring an ugly cow to the pasture?”
    Mandy and James exchanged amused glances as Ally hugged Mary.
    “It’s nice to meet you both,” Ally said once she could get her breath. “Jake talks about you all the time.”
    “My understanding is that he talks about you all the time, although his mother says she still hasn’t met you,” Ben said. “How come?”
    “I … .” Ally broke off, biting her bottom lip.
    “Don’t do that,” Jake warned, slipping an arm around Ally’s waist to bolster her. “We’ve been really busy. We just moved in together and … well … we haven’t had time to go over and visit Mom. We will just as soon as my schedule lightens up.”
    “You’d better,” Mary chided. “Your mother is desperate to meet this girl. Now that I’ve met her, though, I can see why you’ve been keeping her to yourself.” Mary’s eyes sparkled. “I have a feeling you like to spend a lot of time alone, don’t you?”
    “Aunt Mary,” Jake groaned. “Don’t … do that.”
    “What?” Mary asked, feigning innocence. “She’s a beautiful girl and you’re living together. We know what you’re doing.”
    James cleared his throat but otherwise remained silent.
    “This is James and Mandy Hardy,” Jake said, shifting slightly so the couple in question could move forward. “In addition to being my boss, James is also Ally’s brother.”
    “Oh,” Mary said, properly chastised. “I’m guessing you don’t like to hear cuddling talk about your sister, huh? I get that. I had four older brothers. They like to