One Wild Cowboy Read Online Free PDF Page A

point,” Emily’s father concluded finally.
    Well, that was easy, Emily thought with relief. Astoundingly…almost suspiciously…so.
    â€œWe came in to tell you that the opening ceremony is about to start,” Greta said.
    â€œI’ll be right there,” Emily promised. “I just need to get a few trays of chocolate and lemon-meringue pies.”
    â€œWe’ll all help,” her dad said.
    Five minutes later, the pies were set out on the buffet tables. Shane and Greta—the charity event’s hosts—were stepping up to the microphones. They spoke about the Libertyville Boys Ranch, and how much the facility helped juvenile delinquents turn their lives around.
    â€œThe institution has been so successful, they are expanding again. The problem is, they need more therapy horses for the kids to care for. So,” Shane said, “I’ve made arrangements with the Bureau of Land Management to purchase three wildmustangs for training. Dylan Reeves—the renowned horse whisperer in the area—is going to be doing the schooling.” Wild applause erupted. “When they are ready, the horses will go to the boys ranch, where they will be adopted into a very good home….”
    Incredibly impressed, Emily made her way through the crowd to Dylan’s side. In shock, she murmured, “I had no idea you were a philanthropist.”
    Was it possible the two of them had more in common than they knew?
    Not surprisingly, Dylan looked irritated by her compliment. “Don’t view me as some sort of saint. I’m not,” he muttered gruffly, and then for good measure, added, “I’m being paid.”
    â€œJust not your normal rate,” Emily guessed.
    Dylan scowled. “It’s a challenge,” he said flatly. “I like working with mustangs. I like the fact the horses will find a good, loving home at the boys ranch.” He regarded her, all tough lonesome cowboy. “Don’t make more of it than that.”
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    H OURS LATER , Emily turned to Simone, as the after-event cleanup commenced. Emily followed Simone’s gaze to where her son, Andrew, stood talking with that same group of boys.
    â€œYou’re worried, aren’t you?” The kids were from a neighboring town and looked like bad news.
    Simone stacked serving platters onto a wheeled cart.
    â€œI have a feeling he’s going to ask me if he can go out past his curfew tonight.”
    â€œIf it’s not a good idea,” Emily counseled, “you have every right to say no.”
    â€œI know that,” Simone sighed. “It just seems like that’s all I say these days.”
    The group of kids were edging toward a late-model pickuptruck with extra lights mounted across the top. They seemed to be encouraging Andrew to ditch the cleanup, forgo getting permission and just take off.
    Emily touched Simone’s arm. “Why don’t you go on?”
    Simone’s posture relaxed with relief. “Thanks. I’ll make it up to you.”
    â€œNo problem.”
    Emily cast a glance at Dylan, who was busy helping a group of ranchers disassemble the bandstand. Her brothers were off with her dad, in another direction, taking down the strings of banners and colored lights.
    Pleased the event had turned out so well, she finished loading up her cart and wheeled it in the direction of the café.
    No sooner had she gotten inside than a light rap sounded on the door. Xavier Shillingsworth stepped in, all young bravura. “I was thinking…the two of us should go out on a date.”
    Emily did not like hurting anyone’s feelings. Still, this was ludicrous and she had to make her would-be suitor realize it. “How old are you?” she asked gently.
    â€œNineteen.” Xavier slicked back his hair with his free hand. “But that shouldn’t matter.”
    She arched a brow. Was he talking down to her?
    â€œYou can’t be that