Every Breath She Takes Read Online Free PDF Page B

had he last felt its acid burn? Not since Marlena. And not for long, even then. Anything he’d felt for his former wife had died a quick death in the face of her chronic infidelities. He’d had his suspicions over the years, especially those times when he’d been busted up in a bullriding wreck, laid up and useless to her. But once he’d retired and bought this ranch, those suspicions were more than confirmed. There was no overlooking that kind of conduct.
    But that was ancient history. To experience jealousy in this situation now, to place himself in competition with a kid half his age…well, it was ridiculous. Sure, Seth had that Hollywood face, but he was just a boy.
    No competition, he decided as he moved on to the next guest.
    Unless, of course, she preferred boys.

    Lauren groaned inwardly as she handed the reins over to Seth. Not an hour ago, she’d vowed to have nothing to do with Cal Taggart. But what did she do, first opportunity she got? She’d flirted with him. And he’d noticed. Oh boy, had he noticed! That quick leap in those silver eyes had sent a thrill right down to her toes. She’d had to look away before her own eyes telegraphed an answering heat. Fortunately he’d directed her attention to Seth.
    Not smart, Lauren.
    Yeah, she’d have to keep her lip zipped and give that cowboy with the hot promise in his eyes a wide berth.
    Crushing down an appalling and unwarranted disappointment, she headed toward her cabin to soak her sore muscles.

    Lauren managed to keep to her resolution to steer clear of Cal for four days. Of course it helped that he wasn’t there. He’d taken an all-male group on a wilderness pack ride. Instead she watched the ranch, pumping Delia for information every chance she got.
    And each day, she joined the shorter trail rides, searching for the blond woman from her vision. By Friday, she had a sore backside, but she was afraid if she begged off a single ride, she’d miss her only opportunity to save the woman’s life. On the upside, Sunset Ridge no longer made her so dizzy with anxiety.
    Then Cal returned. Stupidly, her spirits lifted, though she was still determined to avoid him. He let her hide among the other riders for two more days, but the glint in his eye told her he knew she was ducking him.
    Today, however, she couldn’t dodge him. This ride was an overnighter, though nothing like the sleeping-under-the-stars pack ride Cal had taken the macho types on. By comparison, this trip offered the height of luxury. They would ride all morning, stop for lunch, then on to an old cabin where they would overnight, with real beds and, thanks to propane, lights and hot water. Still, she suspected the number of takers would be small.
    She was right. When she reported to the paddock with her canteen and binoculars, there was no one there but Cal. Loungingagainst the fence, one booted foot hooked on the bottom rail, hat brim pulled low on his brow, he looked all cowboy today.
    She blinked. “What? Am I early?”
    “No, you’re right on time.”
    Her pulse leapt. “We’re it? Just you and me?”
    “Does that bother you?”
    Damn right, it bothered her. And excited her too. “Of course not. But it’s hardly a good use of your time, is it?”
    “Depends how you define good.”
    She wasn’t going to touch that one. “But I’m just one guest. If no one else is interested, we should forgo it. The wants and needs of the majority should rule, after all.”
    He dropped his foot and pushed away from the fence, which brought him closer to her. She resisted the urge to step back.
    “Ah, but we’re concerned about the wants of all our guests.”
    His eyes held a mocking light, which fascinated her more than the blatant sexual innuendo. For the first time, it occurred to her that the derision she’d glimpsed in him from time to time might be directed as much at himself as his patrons.
    “You don’t like this gig much, do you?”
    Without moving a muscle, his face turned