One Stubborn Cowboy Read Online Free PDF Page B

came right up behind her, the headlights higher than her compact car, the glare in the mirror blinding. She adjusted her mirror down, slowed to let the other car pass. It slowed, as well, Kelly had heard stories of people attacked on long, lonely stretches of rural highway. The other driver would be able to see she was alone. A flicker of fear ran through her. She sped up. The car behind her kept pace.
    Kelly strained to see the lights of town. It couldn't be too far. It hadn't taken her long to reach the Lockford place that afternoon. The bright lights of the other car filled hers, keeping her constantly aware of the following vehicle. They were alone on the highway. What if he ran her off the road? Ran into her car? God, where was the town?
    She caught a glimmer of light in the distance. Speeding up a little, she soon saw the lights of the houses and the general store. Almost home. She'd be all right, just a little farther.
    Slowing for her driveway, she turned in, safe at last.
    The other vehicle turned in behind her. Her heart lurched as it stopped just behind her car. She eyed the distance to her door. Could she make a dash for it, have her key ready and get safely inside before the other driver reached her? Her shoulders sagged. There would not be enough time. And using her key would give the other person a few seconds advantage.
    Could she make it to Molly's house? Pound on her door, at least let someone know she needed help? She glanced in the mirror. Had the other driver already gotten out?
    Suddenly Kelly threw open her door, slammed it shut and stalked directly into the headlights, swerving to come up alongside the high blue-and-white truck.
    "Do you know you scared me half to death?" she said through gritted teeth, looking into the dark cab at the figure dimly illuminated by the dashboard lights.
    "Just wanted to make sure you got home safely," came the lazy drawl.
    "I can take care of myself, thank you."
    "Just trying to be neighborly." Was there a hint of amusement in his voice? Did he think it funny she had been practically terrified? If so, he had a sick sense of humor!
    "How was I to know who you were? All I saw were bright lights in my rear view mirror."
    He flicked off his headlights, plunging them into darkness. "Why don't you yell louder," he said softly, "so all your neighbors will hear you?"
    Kelly glanced around. She saw no one.
    "I wasn't yelling," she said in a lower tone, knowing she had been. He always put her on the defensive. Had he really followed her due to concern? A small warmth touched her heart. No one had ever worried about her before. Not that she could remember.
    She hesitated a moment. Had he really followed her to make sure she got home safely? What if she'd had car trouble, how would he have helped.
    Not that it mattered. What did was he'd put himself out to make sure she got home.
    "Do you want to come in for a cup of coffee?" she offered, reluctant to have him leave after going to the trouble to follow her home. Beside, she was dying to learn more about Kit Lockford.
    He didn't reply at once, and she could almost feel him weighing the pros and cons of such a move. At last he spoke. "Okay, I'll try it."
    "I've heard more eager acceptances from people going to the dentist," she muttered. "What are you going to try, the coffee? Afraid I might poison it?"
    "No, I'll try the experience of drinking it with a sassy-mouthed termagant."
    "I am not." Her voice raised again.
    "For all you look like an angel, you have the temper of a shrew and the stubbornness of a mule. You take the cake when complaining about my behavior." he returned.
    Kelly didn't know what to say. He'd said she looked like an angel. She smiled, liking the compliment. For the moment she'd ignore the rest of his comment.
    "Come in for coffee," she said softly.
    Kit opened the door and swung his legs out. The crutches were drawn from the seat and he eased out until he was standing.
    "I'll shut the door," she said as he began