In a Cowboy's Arms (Hitting Rocks Cowboys) Read Online Free PDF

could no longer see her blond hair whipping around her, he’d set off the long way home, circling her property to avoid being seen. But before he’d reached the barn he’d had the impression he was being followed.
    * * *
    I N A LIGHTNING move he turned Chief around and bolted toward the clump of pines where he’d detected human motion. As he moved closer he heard a curse before his stalker rode away, but Jarod had the momentum. He knew in his gut it was Ned. In half a minute he’d cut him off, forcing him to stop.
    He looked at his cousin. “Where are you going in such an all-fired hurry this time of night?”
    “None of your damn business.”
    “It’s a good thing I knew it was you or I might have pulled you off Jasper to find out who’s been keeping tabs on me. I would think you’d have better things to do with your time.”
    “You’ve been with Sadie.” Ned’s accusation was riddled with fury.
    It was possible Ned had seen him and Sadie together tonight, but he decided to call his bluff, anyway. “If you know that for a fact, then why isn’t my grandfather out here looking for me right now, waiting to read me the riot act? Wait, I’ve got an idea. Why don’t you ride over to the Corkin ranch and ask Sadie to go for a midnight ride with you?”
    When Ned said nothing, Jarod continued his taunting.
    “Oh, I forgot. Her father forbid any Bannock to come near her years ago. Have you forgotten he vowed to fill us full of buckshot if he ever caught one of us on his property? Of course, if you can figure out a way to get past Daniel, you can see what kind of reception you’ll receive from her.”
    “Damn you to hell,” Ned snarled as Jarod headed for the barn in the distance.
    Grandfather would be furious with him for baiting Ned. It was a mistake he shouldn’t have made this close to leaving with Sadie, but his cousin had chosen the wrong moment to confront Jarod, who was too full of adrenaline not to react.
    For two cents he’d felt like knocking him cold. Ned had been asking for it for years, always sneaking around to catch him with Sadie. No doubt he planned to tell Daniel in the hope Sadie’s father would finish Jarod off. For his grandparents’ sake, Jarod had never stepped on Corkin property and he’d held back his anger at Ned. But Ned’s obsession with Sadie seemed to be getting out of control.
    Worse, Jarod couldn’t get that night years ago out of his mind.
    Once he’d removed Chief’s saddle and had brushed him down, he entered the ranch house and found his grandparents in the den. That was the place where they always talked business at the end of the day. It was time to put his plans into action.
    Addie hugged him. “I’m glad you’re home. You missed dinner. Are you all right?”
    “Yes. Everything is set for our marriage. Thank you for standing behind me in this.”
    “If your father were still alive, he’d understand and approve. We know it’s the Crow way to marry young. You’re a lot like your dad and have always known what you wanted.”
    “I’m thankful for your understanding and help, but right now my biggest concern is Ned. He must have been following me tonight. In order for him not to find out what’s going on, I’m setting up a smoke screen. I’ll pretend Chief is favoring his hind leg.
    “After chores tomorrow I’ll put Chief in the trailer and drive him to the clinic in White Lodge. If Ned finds out I paid a visit to Sam Rafferty for an X-ray, it should throw him off the scent long enough for us to be married.”
    “That’s as good an idea as any,” his grandfather said. “We decided not to tell Connor and Avery your plans. It’s crucial they know nothing so that Ned doesn’t pick up on any change in their behavior. He’s a talker when he drinks and it could get back to Daniel.”
    Jarod nodded. “Where are they?”
    Addie smiled. “Connor’s in town with friends and Avery is spending the night with Cassie while they study for their finals.