Lone Star Courtship Read Online Free PDF Page A

you’re going to be here more than a few days we need to break you out of there and set you up in one of our condo units on Tiki Island.”
    â€œOh, that won’t be necessary.” Barrett was adamant.
    â€œSuit yourself.” The men left their contact cards, donned the matching cowboy hats and stepped out into the humidity.
    Casey stood and gathered her notes.
    â€œI realize it’s been a long day for you, Barrett, but if you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to hear your objectives for this visit.”
    Before he could answer, a phone began to ring in the next room.
    â€œI’ll get that, Savannah.” Casey tucked pages into a leather binder. “Will you join me in my office, please?” The phone rang again and she dashed from the conference room, evidently certain he would comply.
    â€œBetter hurry, she won’t wait on you to catch up.”
    â€œThat’s the second time I’ve been told that today.”
    Savannah grinned. “Welcome to the orbit of Casey Hardy. She spins fast and you’re either pulled in by her gravity or slung out into space. Either way, it’s a wild ride.”
    Barrett stepped into the office with Casey’s name-plate on the door. She was already on her cell phone, a small pair of tortoiseshell glasses low on her nose as she referred to a spreadsheet before her. She gave him an apologetic smile and held up her index finger, indicating she’d only be a minute.
    Unlike the well-appointed and spacious conference room, this work area was small. The desk and credenza were piled high with files. A desktop as well as a laptop were booted up within arm’s reach, appointment reminders flashing on both monitors.
    â€œOrganized clutter,” he noted, and couldn’t help wondering if that was the way her mind operated.
    A whiteboard covered with brightly colored Post-it notes hung at eye level to the left of the desk. He was delighted to find the handwritten words were quotes. Being a fan of a well-turned phrase, he’d always had an appreciation for words of wisdom that stood the test of time. Right in the middle of the board was a phrase that caught his attention and almost took his breath.
    Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

Chapter Three
    C asey replaced the handset without a sound and returned her attention to the strikingly handsome man in her office. Rumpled and wrinkled and with a lock of hair drooping over his forehead, he was dangerously appealing. His shirt gaped open at the throat, revealing a flash of tanned chest that matched the sun on his face. An outdoorsman.
    Probably a golfer. She’d always wondered at the intelligence of those who wasted their time and money chasing a dimpled ball with a metal club and called it sport. Yep, she’d bet he was a golfer.
    He stared at her Post-its.
    â€œMy moments of Zen,” she explained.
    â€œZen?”
    â€œYou know, contemplation and meditation.”
    He grinned at something he read, his profile alight with humor, deep with character. Her insides squirmed in the most delightful way.
    â€œIs that why you collect them?”
    â€œNot really, but it’s one of the nice benefits of the effort.”
    He read out loud. “‘A mountain lion roared with pride after he’d eaten a longhorn steer. He made so much noise that a hunter shot him. Moral—when you’re full of bull, keep your mouth shut.’” He turned puzzled eyes to her. “I don’t quite get that one.”
    â€œHang around Texas for a while and you will.”
    â€œIn that case you’d better explain it to me now, as I have no intention of being here long enough to decipher colloquialisms.”
    He won’t be around long. Hot dog!
    Her heart thumped with relief. Then, just as quickly, it wilted with regret.
    He won’t be around long. What a shame.
    â€œSo, your visit will be a short one?”
    â€œThat depends upon you,