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

way. Somehow it always managed to hurt, though, even when it came from a woman he’d just barely met. He dropped her hands and sat back, wondering how many times he’d have to feel this way. How many more times would the pain of rejection slash through his gut? Hell, he’d given up the battle years ago when Lorie had deserted him, but dammit, he wanted to know why Cassie wouldn’t even consider him. Or had that one night inhigh school, when he hadn’t showed, been that devastating to her? “Because of what happened in high school?”
    Cassie closed her eyes briefly, as though reliving that night, then cast him a somber glare. “Being stood up for homecoming is a pretty big deal for a young girl.”
    A tick worked at Jake’s jaw. “I know. But it had nothing to do with you.”
    â€œIt was as if you’d just dropped off the planet, Jake. I never heard from you again.”
    Jake gritted his teeth. Just when life should have been about cars and girls and going out with your friends, his life had been a mess. And he had pretty much dropped off the planet. His father had finally admitted Jake’s existence that night and had come for him. In one insane instant Jake’s whole life had changed. “It couldn’t be helped, Cassie.” Jake paused. “Is that the only reason you don’t want me taking you to the wedding?”
    â€œNot exactly,” Cassie answered. “I have a much better reason.”
    Jake couldn’t wait to hear this one. “I’m listening.”
    She looked him dead in the eyes, hers, wide, green and so honest. “It’s because I’m attracted to you.”
    Jake flinched again. He took a moment to let that sink in, staring at her, trying to understand what the woman meant, but none of it made sense. It was the last thing he’d expected her to say. “And that’s a bad thing?”
    She bobbed her head up and down. “Oh, a very bad thing. You see, I’m a terrible judge of what’s good for me. What happened in high school with you was just the beginning. From then on I made a string of bad choices, always hooking up with the wrong guy. I’ve been hurt, Jake, and I don’t trust my instincts anymore. I’ve made too many mistakes. I refuse to make any more. That’s why that bull riderwould have been perfect for me. I didn’t feel a thing for him.”
    Jake silently applauded her for that. He slid his hand down his jaw and took a deep breath. Leaning toward her again, he took her hands in his, greatly relieved her rejection hadn’t been entirely because of him or that one night, but because of her own insecurities. He owed this woman and a compelling tug in his heart had him offering to help her. “Listen, Cassie, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t attracted to you, too. That’s not the issue here. Besides, tomorrow we’re both going our own separate ways, right?”
    Cassie nodded slowly, keeping her gaze fastened to his.
    â€œLet me take you to your brother’s wedding. It’d be like a make up date for the one in our past. We’ll spend the evening together. You’ll be able to enjoy the wedding and then we’ll part company. It’s as simple as that.”
    â€œI don’t know.” She began shaking her head. Jake knew she didn’t really trust him. He couldn’t blame her for that. They really didn’t know each other anymore. All she had to go on was what she knew of him in the past. And he hadn’t left her with a good impression. But Jake felt a compelling need to set this one part of his past to rights.
    He couldn’t afford anything more with Cassie Munroe.
    â€œLook, your brother already thinks I’m your date. Why change that?”
    Cassie hesitated, drawing in her lower lip, contemplating. Finally she asked, “You really think we can pull it off?”
    Jake nodded. “We can manage one