Escaping Reality (Hart Ranch Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

flushed cranberry red. “No…I-I mean yes. Oh my.” She sighed and covered her face with one hand. The conversation had taken a very uncomfortable plunge and she didn’t know how to dig herself out. “I guess what I mean is your scruffy beard made it hard to tell what you looked like the other day.”
    He chuckled. “Well Addie, I’m not sure what to think of you and your razor-tipped compliments.”
    “I-I didn’t mean to insult your beard. It’s just not something I would normally be attracted to.” She looked off to the side and noticed Dylan grinning at her. If he could read lips well, he was probably getting a kick out of their conversation.
    Logan turned his head slightly and raised an eyebrow. “Oh, I see.”
    Addison blushed again and shook her head. “Let’s talk about something else.” She’d involuntarily made it sound like she was attracted to him. Although it was true, she’d never admit it—at least not today.
     
    ~ ~ ~
     
    When the lights of the ranch finally came into view Logan breathed a sigh of relief. He’d brought Addie back safely. Hopefully she wouldn’t think of suing them for her injuries. His family didn’t need any more problems knocking at their door.
    Addie had remained silent since he teased her a while back. Logan didn’t know what had gotten into him. She was a fun person to tease and gave him plenty of opportunities but that didn’t excuse his juvenile behavior.
    When they neared the outbuildings, Dylan branched off toward the barn but Logan led his horse right up to Addie’s cabin. He stopped in front of the porch and reached to help her down. This time she didn’t object. In fact, for just a moment as he held her waist Addie’s jade eyes twinkled at him in the moonlight.
    He let her go and cleared his throat. “Well, I’m glad you’re okay.”
    She nodded. “Yes, thank you for saving me.”
    Logan avoided her eyes to keep from getting lost in them again. “Of course. Anytime.”
    His father, sister and Ava came running out of the ranch house. Logan met them halfway and put his hand up. “Everything’s fine. Addie just bumped her head and wants to rest. We’ll talk more about it in the morning. I’m too exhausted to discuss it any further tonight.”
    His father relaxed and patted Logan’s shoulder. “Of course, son. Please stay in the guest room at the ranch again tonight. I’d hate to think of you traveling up the mountain after dark.”
    “Sure. Thanks Dad.”
    His dad nodded as he walked past with Belle. Then they started talking to Addie by her cabin.
    His sister-in-law stayed put with unspoken questions hiding behind her gaze.
    Logan smiled and patted Ava’s arm. “Dylan’s just fine. He’s in the barn taking care of his horse.”
    She wiped her eyes and walked with him as he took Maddy to the barn. “Hearing about the lion scared me but I should have known better than to worry. You always take care of my son.”
    He swallowed a lump in his throat, wondering if Ava trusted him a little too much. “You and Dylan are part of my family. I’ll always look out for you both.”
    “Thanks, Logan. That means so much to me.” She smiled and paused as they reached the entrance to the barn. “I’ll wait out here for Dylan.”
    He nodded and led Maddy inside.
    Dylan chuckled as he approached and pointed toward Skipper’s stall. Crazy animal
    Logan nodded and rolled his eyes, seeing that the skittish horse had found his way home just fine after all.
    Dylan turned to leave but Logan touched his shoulder and looked him in the eye. “Thank you for staying calm and helping out today. I’m proud of you. Your father would have been too.”
    The boy’s eyes glistened as he nodded.
    After Dylan left, Logan fed Maddy and spent some time picking the mud from her hooves. Alone with his thoughts, his mind drifted where he didn’t wish it to go. He pictured Addie the way he’d found her a few hours ago, staring at the sky—her eyes vacant. He’d only