Dustin's Gamble Read Online Free PDF

brown cowboy boots, and a red button-down dress shirt, he looked every bit the rough and tumble cowboy. Beneath that chiseled exterior was a heart of gold. Dustin was the type of man who stood up for the underdog, who would give every last penny he owned to help a friend in need. What had possessed her to walk away all those years ago? What an idiot she'd been.
    As if he knew she was thinking about him, Dustin turned and met her stare. With a grin and a wink, he touched the brim of his hat and nodded. Big heart, but cocky. Her heart tumbled madly in her chest. Oh yeah, she was still in love with him.
    Rich, one of the ranch hands, grabbed his guitar and sat not too far from Shannon. He plucked at the strings, and she made out a current pop song. She grinned as Dane got up and started singing, with Rich catching the harmony. Their voices blended well. Funny, she'd never really thought of doing karaoke to acoustic guitar accompaniment.
    Dustin got up from his spot on the log and grabbed a marshmallow and roasting stick. No way could she sit here and watch him eat—licking the crispy, oozing treat. Her pussy clenched, begging to be coated in the melted goo and devoured with slow, tantalizing licks. She groaned and shook her head to dispel the image. Instead, she played the chicken and escaped.
    She had to get away from the ranch and away from temptation. She ached for Dustin, but she couldn't very well have ripped his clothes off right there in front of everyone. She wanted him, but there was a bit of fear as well. Fear of getting her feelings tossed back in her face—no matter that he'd done his bit of initiating kisses.
    After a quick pit stop at the cabin, she jumped in her SUV and hightailed it down the gravel entrance road. She slowed the vehicle to a crawl at the end of the long drive. The gate beckoned, transporting her back to her youth. Mr. Dumen always assumed kids from town had been responsible for unscrewing the N on the sign—more often than not it had been her and Dustin.
    They had been best friends for most of her life. He was the only person she could truly be herself around. He said he didn't want a weekend fling, but what if she walked into those strong, open arms and turned out to be just like Carolyn? What if, once she had him, she grew tired of the relationship and walked out, abandoning those who loved and counted on her...again?
    She drove on. Though she'd intended to drive to one of the bars in Bandera, the SUV had other plans and made the right turn onto the access road for the Rocking P Ranch—Gran's ranch.
    The ranch house was dark save for the porch light when she pulled up and cut the engine. The last time Shannon had been here was fourteen years ago, the night before she moved to New York. Gran was supportive, as always, only telling her that before she left, she needed to make sure there would be no regrets.
    At the time, Shannon had been sure she had no regrets. After all, she had a great career in New York, a salary most people would kill for, and some good friends.
    But now, after seeing Dustin again, she knew she'd been wrong. Could she have pursued the same career in San Antonio? Probably. But at eighteen, she wanted to get out and see the world. She'd wanted to take Dustin, but he'd wanted to go to school close to home and stay on the Double D.
    Shannon drew a deep breath and slid out of the vehicle. The keys hung from her fingers like lead weights. The front door's lock turned easy enough, and she walked through the entry. The house smelled of vanilla, just like Gran. Nostalgia clutched at her heart as she walked the rooms, clicking on lights as she went. The large floral couch still adorned the living room with the stone fireplace dominating the south wall. Family photos lined the mantel.
    The gourmet kitchen stood at attention, waiting. She could still see Gran in her “Kiss The Cook” apron, prancing around, baking muffins and basting the pot roast for Sunday dinner. Even in the