Lynx Loving Read Online Free PDF Page A

highway.
    “Well. That was interesting,” Krista muttered.
    “I told you to let me walk you inside.” Landon was still trying to calm the anger that raged inside him. Just thinking about either one of those assholes touching her made him want to go back and beat the shit out of both of the asshats.
    “So this is my fault? And for the record, it happened on the way out, so walking me inside would have made no difference.”
    “No, sugar. It’s not your fault. It’s theirs for being dicks. I didn’t mean to imply any of this was because of something you did. I’m sorry. I’m just...not happy right now.” Landon took a deep, calming breath, held it, then released it slowly.
    “I could have taken care of it myself.” Her bottom lip stuck out in a pout.
    “I’m sure you could have, but let’s keep the crotch punching to one a day, huh?”
    When she started to giggle, the remaining tension drained from his body. Her laugh had a way of healing him. It was a magical spell that cast a sprinkle of joy on him.
    “Thanks.” She reached over and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “I’m glad you’re here.”
    * * * *
    T he next hundred miles passed by at a sloth’s pace. It was obvious the highway had been plowed once before the storm had stopped, but the few inches that had fallen after the plowing remained on the surface, making it slick and slushy. The four wheel drive made the trip manageable, but Krista was relieved when she saw the sign that marked civilization would begin again in thirty miles—almost as relieved as Brady had sounded when she’d called to let him know they were back on the road and all was well.
    “When we get home, I’m not getting back in any vehicle for at least a month.” She stretched her legs.
    “Except you have to return to school in two weeks,” Landon reminded her.
    “Um...yeah.”
    “What does that mean?”
    “I’m not going back.” Gawd, it felt good to finally tell someone.
    His brows knitted and he glanced at her. “Does Brady know this?”
    “Nope. Not yet. I’m sure he will be pleased as pie about it. Ha ha. Can’t wait for that conversation,” she mumbled.
    “Why aren’t you going back?”
    “I’ve tried. College is not for me. I’ve been going for over two years, and I still can’t decide on a major. I have other plans for my life, and college doesn’t play into them. I gave it my best shot. I got great grades. I don’t know. I’m just...done,” she said. “I’m too restless there. I’m a lynx, something everyone seems to forget. I need space, too. College is not spacious.”
    “What are these plans you say you have for your life, if you don’t mind my asking?” He smiled.
    “I’ll tell you, but if you laugh at me, I swear, I will dick punch you, too. Maybe not now, maybe not even later, but it will happen when you least expect it.” She grinned when he shifted in his seat.
    “I won’t laugh.” He held up two fingers. “I swear.”
    “I want to open a big cat animal shelter.”
    “A big cat shelter?”
    “Yeah. You know for lions, tigers, lynx—whatever needs to be rescued. There are so many shelters for dogs and cats, but not many for big cats. They need help too. They’re harder to place. It’s not as though they can just be adopted out. I want to provide them a home and find them a suitable place to live out the rest of their lives. It’s not their fault that some humans are stupid and can’t understand that wild animals are not pets.” She stared out the window, imagining all of the animals she would be able to help.
    “And are you going to be taking care of these animals personally?” His voice shook.
    “I’ll need some experienced handlers. I’m aware of that, but I plan to learn. Yes. I want to be involved in all parts of the shelter. You already know we have an advantage. Having an animal side makes us acceptable to other animals quicker once they realize our predator isn’t out to kill them. Plus, I do know cats a