Payback Read Online Free PDF Page B

Ice and snow had formed on the road, making it difficult to navigate.  I was concerned because on the left side of the road there was a slope that led down into a ravine, and on the right the road was lined with tall trees.  My tires were spinning every hundred feet or so. Luckily, the snow had slowed to light flurries and I was hoping it would stop.  I wasn’t sure my car would make it up the grade, but after turning a bend, I saw a log home with several outbuildings. The building closest to the house was a large barn, and next to it sat a towering silo. I pulled in next to the log cabin which was lit up on the main floor. 
    My stomach pitched . I wasn’t sure what I was walking into. My life had been an internal battle between self-doubt and stubborn determination. Most of the time I was able to keep some balance, make myself move forward, but sometimes my insecurity would raise its ugly head.  Years ago, it had been Caden’s encouragement and love that had pulled me through, allowed me to believe in myself, and propel me forward. As I grew older, the self-doubt receded and I was more comfortable in my own shoes. My lack of confidence was replaced with cynicism and reality. It was clear after years of struggling, that talent didn’t always equate with success.
    Reaching behind me, I pulled out a copy of the book I had print ed out for Caden. Taking a deep breath, I opened my door and saw a man approaching me from the redwood deck on the back of the log cabin.  He was wearing a tan, down jacket, jeans, cowboy boots, suede gloves and a tan cowboy hat.  Tall, good looking, and lanky, he had light brown hair and fair features.  His smile was warm and genuine. 
    “Howdy, ma’am. Are you lost?”
    The snow had slowed, but the wind was still whipping around my body like a small cyclone.  I hadn’t planned on being away from California for three months searching all over Montana, so all I had with me was a light jacket, a few hoodies and thin sweaters. Dressed in my best casual for the trip to Trego, I sported my purple V-neck sweater, Ralph Lauren jeans, my thin, blue, Betsy Johnson jacket and knee-high leather boots with (what would be considered sensible in Hollywood) four-inch heels.
    “Um, I was wondering if Caden Kelly was here?” I tried to sound pleasant , but my teeth started to chatter. I tucked the novel under my arm and slipped my purple hands into my pockets.
    He gave me a non-sexual once over. “I’m sorry, but this Caden guy doesn’t live here.”
    My body slumped , and I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes. The man stared for a moment at my Porsche and then finally gave in. “You don’t look like the usual groupies we get up here looking for him…most of them don’t drive Porsches.”
    I tried to keep my lip from quivering as I answered, “I know Caden—knew Caden—when he lived in California.  I was a –”
    I stopped when I heard the sound of a horse whinnying behind me.  I turned to look and gasped.  Sitting on a beautiful, sable brown horse was the most handsome man I had ever seen.  He was older, with well-defined bone structure, a little scruff on his chin, and the clearest blue eyes. The black cowboy hat sat halfway down his forehead, giving him a sexy, cowboy look. The black jacket with a brown shearling lining was zipped up revealing only the collar of a pearl-button plaid shirt. The horse continued to walk slowly towards us while Caden Kelly stared down into my eyes. I expected some reaction, but I could only read curiosity in his expression.
    The cold wind filled my lungs and , in my excitement, I took two steps towards him.  He stopped and climbed off the horse. Everything and everyone seemed to be moving in slow motion except for my mind which was racing as I tried to remember what I wanted to tell him. The snow picked up again, leaving large flakes on our shoulders. I shuddered.
    “Caden!  I…I…I came because I have this novel. I wrote it with you in mind