Expecting the Cowboy's Baby Read Online Free PDF Page A

of his shirts. The one he’d worn last night. “Put this on after your shower. I’ll be back later.”
    Cassie watched him rummage through her purse, come up with the keys and head out the door. As soon as he was gone she undressed quickly and, on impulse, donned his light blue chambray shirt. She closed her eyes and turned her face to the collar, inhaling deeply, taking in his spicy scent. “Mmm.”
    But then she snapped her eyes open instantly. She’d forgotten to give Jake the code to her car alarm. With the way things were going, hotel security might just arrest him for breaking and entering. She dashed to the door, took a step outside, catching sight of him at the elevators. “Jake!”
    He didn’t hear her.
    She called again, stepping farther into the quiet hallway. “Jake!”
    Finally spotting her, he cast her a questioning look. She waved him over and he left the elevators, heading back to his room. She met him just outside the doorway, gripping tight the shirt she wore. “Cassie?”
    â€œI forgot to give you—”
    â€œCassie!” Brian’s voice resonating in the hallway spelled out doom.
    â€œCassie!” Alicia’s sweet voice coming from the same direction spelled out unabashed interest. Cassie didn’t know which was worse. They approached her instantly, but both sets of eyes were on Jake.
    Cassie wanted to melt into the floorboards. She wanted to wake up from this nightmarish dream. Neither was going to happen, so instead she looked her brother in the eye. “Good morning,” she said cheerily.
    Brian grunted. Alicia grinned.
    Cassie knew what they were thinking. What else would they think seeing her dressed this way, just outside the hotel door, with handsome Jake Griffin standing by her side?
    â€œWhat’s going on?” Brian asked point-blank, staring straight into her eyes.
    â€œUh—”
    â€œOh, don’t be silly, Brian. Your sister’s a big girl,” Alicia interrupted. “And this is her date, right?” Alicia smiled at her and continued. “Brian and I worried that you’d made up that whole story about having a date when he didn’t show up with you for the rehearsal dinner. But it seems he made it here just in time for our wedding.”
    â€œIn more than enough time,” Brian said sourly, glancing at Jake then piercing her with a look. Things were spinning out of control and Cassie didn’t have a clue how to put a stop to it.
    â€œWell, aren’t you going to introduce us?” Alicia asked, her eyes darting back and forth from Jake to her.
    â€œUh, of course.” Brian had never met Jake before. Her brother had been away at college for most of Cassie’s high school days. She put a hand on Jake’s arm, giving him alittle pleading squeeze. “Jake Griffin, I’d like you to meet my brother Brian and his fiancée, Alicia.”
    Jake shook hands with Brian. “Nice to meet you.”
    Brian nodded, then Alicia stepped up to give Jake a big hug. “I’m so glad to meet you.”
    â€œNice meeting you, ma’am.”
    Alicia blinked and cast Cassie an approving look. “Oh, he’s just precious, Cassie. Where did you two meet?”
    Cassie hesitated, praying for divine guidance. “Uh, well, the truth is—”
    Jake stepped closer, wrapping an arm around Cassie’s waist. “Cassie and I go way back, don’t we, honey?”
    Cassie braved Jake a look, hoping to keep trepidation and fear out of her eyes. Yet she was grateful that he’d played along, for what it was worth. “Uh, yeah. Way back.”
    â€œWell, isn’t that nice,” Alicia said. “We’ll want to hear all about that, later on. But right now I’m starving and Brian promised me a big breakfast, then it’s off to the hairdresser. C’mon, Brian. Let’s give these two some privacy. We’ll see them at the