Emmy's Equal Read Online Free PDF

stricken look and even quicker duck and shift of his eyes confirmed what Diego already suspected. He bumped his hat off his forehead with the leather handle of his quirt. “I’m happy to see you’re making a speedy recovery,
amigo.
”
    Cuddy bit back a grin, pulling his feet to the porch and sitting upright in the chair. He held up his glass. “I owe it to Greta’s tender care. She’s bent on nursing me back to health.”
    Diego glanced at the front door. “Would your lovely sister offer a cup of comfort if she knew the reason for your pain?” He nodded at the icy drink. “Lemonade’s the latest cure for a hangover, then?”
    Cuddy winced then affected an injured look. “Your judgment is harsh, my friend.” He cocked back in the rocker again. “How could you suggest such a thing about your most faithful companion?”
    “Save your recitals for Greta. This is me you’re talking to.” Diego dismounted and leaned his back against the handrail while toying with the braided band on his hat. He cleared his throat. “Cuddy, I thought you decided to go easy on the liquor.”
    A cloud moved across Cuddy’s eyes, and he forcefully lifted one hand.
    Diego nodded. “Very well, friend. I’ll change the subject. For instance, can you explain what you were considering with such intensity when I arrived?”
    The shadow passed from Cuddy’s face, replaced by a wily twinkle. “You mean before you interrupted my lofty thoughts?”
    “I doubt they were very noble.”
    Cuddy’s huge grin brought his countenance to life, restoring some of the color behind his freckles. “We got company coming.”
    The Rawsons seldom hosted visitors, but when they did, it was cause for celebration—South Texas–style. The prospect of roasting beef on the spit, dancing in the courtyard, singing, laughing, and talking to new faces brought a smile to Diego’s face, too. “Bravo! Who are we expecting?”
    “Father’s old friend, Willem Dane. His wife and her lady friend are traveling with him.”
    Diego narrowed his eyes. “And...?”
    “Isn’t that enough for you?”
    “Plenty for me, but don’t forget, I’m well acquainted with your tricks. A visit from a gentleman accompanied by two old ladies wouldn’t set off the look I saw on your face.”
    Cuddy slapped his leg and laughed. “My, but you’re intent on insulting me today.”
    “Who else is coming, Cuddy?”
    He leaned forward and winked. “None other than the fair Miss Emily Dane.”
    Diego’s brow rose.
    “Willem’s daughter,” Cuddy clarified. “Papa claims she’s the prettiest little thing he’s ever set two eyes on.”
    “Ah! Now it makes sense. As a devoted son, you’ll be standing close by to offer your heartfelt welcome.”
    “Of course! Only a rank scoundrel would think to do otherwise.”
    Hinges squealed behind them, stifling Cuddy’s bawdy laughter. Greta swept out in a rush of blue skirts and matching hair bows, her hands laden with a silver tray.
    Diego took the steps in two leaps. “Let me take that, Miss Greta. I’d hate to see you trip and poor Cuddy here wind up wearing these fine-looking sandwiches.”
    A flush crept past Greta’s high-buttoned collar, staining her porcelain skin a pale pink. “You say such naughty things, Diego, but they’re spoken with a certain flair. I can’t keep from laughing.” She offered the tray with a dimpled smile and the lingering gaze she’d perfected on him lately—the one that had him thinking about her in a completely different way. “Thank you.”
    He returned her searching look until he felt himself blushing as well. “Of course.”
    Greta smoothed Cuddy’s yellow hair. “Feeling better, big brother?”
    Cuddy rubbed his stomach and leaned to gaze hungrily at the tray. “I will as soon as I force down a few bites.”
    He went for a sandwich, but Diego jerked the tray out of his reach. “Whoa, amigo! None for you.” He placed the food on a table out of Cuddy’s reach. “Your sister means