Do You Take This Enemy? Read Online Free PDF Page B

Well, she finally was going on that date.
    He had lost his parents and wife all within the past few years. She knew he had to hurt over those losses. Whether he grieved or not, Gabe was tough and ruthless.
    She kept thinking about Julian. The little boy was adorable. Marry the father and she would have a son. She drew a deep breath. She shouldn’t marry him because of his little boy.
    Was she setting herself up, too, for another heartache like Lars? Trusting a man again when she shouldn’t?
    She bathed and pulled on the simple, dark-blue sleeveless cotton dress. With care she pinned her hair behind her head. She put on her diamond stud earrings and watch. She studied herself in the mirror, turning first one way and then another. She was seven months pregnant and that was that. She couldn’t change her shape.
    With one last glance at the mirror, she prayed to herself that her father didn’t come home until after she was gone. He had argued with her about the dinner date, but had finally accepted that she wanted to go.
    To her dismay, when she entered the family room, her father sat in his leather recliner, reading a magazine. She saw he had cleaned up for the occasion. He wore a fresh blue shirt and jeans. His hair was damp and recently combed and he scowled slightly as he read. When she stepped into the room, he looked up.
    â€œDon’t you look nice,” he said.
    â€œI look big.”
    â€œWell, that’s the way you should be and you really aren’t very big to be ready to deliver in two months,” he said reassuringly. “Sure you don’t want to change your mind about tonight? I can go out and run Brant off when he gets here.”
    â€œI want to hear what he has to say. You know I’m not going to do anything to hurt the ranch or you.”
    â€œThat’s what’s worrying me. I think you’re doing this for me and for the ranch. All the wrong reasons.”
    The doorbell interrupted their conversation. “He’s at the front door,” she said. “I’ll bring him in and introduce you.”
    â€œWe’ve met. I’d still like to get my shotgun and run him off.”
    â€œJust hang on to your temper.” She headed to the door, feeling butterflies in her stomach that didn’t have a thing to do with her pregnancy or her father’s anger.
    She swung open the door to face Gabe Brant.

Three
    G abe looked handsome in his dark-blue suit, a white shirt and dark-blue tie. “I’m here,” he said, his gaze sweeping over her, sending tingles racing over her nerves.
    â€œGreat. I told Dad I’d bring you back to say hello. He isn’t looking forward to it, and I’m sure neither are you.”
    Gabe entered and closed the door behind him. “Maybe it’s time for the Brants and the Ryders to bury the hatchet.”
    â€œI rather agree, but when it’s a more-than-a-hundred-year-old family history, you can’t switch feelings off like turning off a light,” she said.
    â€œI don’t know,” he drawled. “You’re going to make it easy for me to forget the feud.”
    Ashley looked up at him and was caught in another intense, solemn gaze that made her heart skip a beat. “I don’t know how I’m going to make it easy for you to do that.”
    â€œOh, yes, you do, but we’ll pursue that later. Let me see your dad.”
    She led the way to the family room. “Dad, you know Gabe Brant.”
    â€œEvening, sir,” Gabe said, extending his hand. Both men looked as if they were ready to fight, and she wanted to hurry things along and get out of the house.
    â€œThis is a bunch of damn foolishness, Mr. Brant,” her father snapped, refusing to shake hands. Gabe’s eyes narrowed, and she could feel the animosity sizzling between them.
    â€œI hope not. I have a proposition, actually a business offer. If you want to meet with me and let me talk to you about it,