One Stubborn Cowboy Read Online Free PDF

her error. He could have set her straight.
    Kit sat back, searching her eyes for the pity and compassion he always found. But he didn't see it in Kelly. She was still staring at him but she looked as if she was getting angry again. He glanced at his brother and Sally, then back to Kelly. Her gaze was almost furious.
    "No reason you should know," he said.
    "No, just let me make a fool of myself thinking you'd sprained your ankle. Do you like people making themselves look foolish?"
    He shrugged. "It's a change."
    Her lips tightened as tension rose. Oh! She'd like to slap that tanned face and get some response out of him beyond the bored indifference. It was a wonder he wasn't laughing himself silly at the way he'd fooled her.
    "Have some chicken, Kit." Sally offered the loaded plate, trying to soothe the situation, "Kelly helped me with it."
    "I wonder if I dare eat any," he said, reaching for the platter.
    "You can," Kelly assured him earnestly. "I'll point out the poisoned pieces so you won't miss them."
    His eyes gleamed, but before he could reply, Clint asked Kelly where she was from and how she liked living in ranch country, obviously trying to defuse the situation. She answered his questions, conscious of Kit's silent regard throughout the meal.
    Sally told them what they'd done with the pony that afternoon, and raved about Kelly's sketches.
    "So Popo worked out okay?" Clint asked.
    "Yes, it's been very helpful. But he doesn't look sad, like my little black pony. The one I'm writing the book about."
    "Which one is that?"
    "I don't know. I saw him alone in a field when I was exploring one of the side roads. He was just standing near a tree and looked so sad." She paused and shot a quick glance at Kit. Surely that was the perfect opening for another of his sarcastic remarks. Cowboys probably didn't think ponies looked sad or happy.
    "Smiths', I bet." Kit answered his brother, ignoring Kelly. "I heard they got one for their grandchild."
    "The baby's only six months old," Sally said.
    "Probably why the thing's sad," Kit scoffed, catching Kelly's eye, teasing lights dancing in his. "I know where he's kept. I'll take you to see him sometime, if you like," he tossed off the words.
    Kelly couldn't believe her ears. Was that a genuine offer? Quickly before he could change his mind she accepted.
    From time to time as the meal continued she glanced at Kit, trying to determine what made him tick. He contributed little to the conversation, though whenever she looked at him, his eyes were on her—hard, dark, glittering. Rather than make her nervous, it was exhilarating.
    When he'd finished eating, Kit excused himself and silently glided from the room. From the resigned look between Sally and Clint, Kelly suspected this was his normal behavior. She was disappointed when he left, though she knew he wouldn't stay just to spend time with her.
    As soon as the dishes were finished, Kelly planned to leave.
    "Don't go yet," Sally said. "It's still early."
    "Not really, it's already dark outside. I'm new enough to worry about the drive home. It's a lot different from San Francisco. I've enjoyed the afternoon and evening, Sally. Thank you. I've got some great sketches of the pony. It's been a huge help."
    "I'm glad you came. Will we see you at the dance next Saturday?"
    "What dance?"
    "A Memorial Day celebration, with dancing and food galore. There'll be a small band, ladies bring food, guys chip in for the beer and cokes. Oh, Kelly, please come. It's a lot of fun and you'll get to meet everyone."
    When Kelly agreed to go, Sally gave her the particulars.
    She didn't see Clint or Kit again, but asked Sally to tell them goodbye as she started out. It was dark with no moon, and no streetlights. The driveway from the Lockford house was long and narrow. She drove carefully, not wanting to drive off the pavement. Reaching the highway without mishap, she breathed a sigh of relief as she turned toward home.
    The highway was dark and deserted until a car