Riding Hard Read Online Free PDF Page B

decided whether to go on a hike or read a book, neither of which appealed to him, someone knocked on his front door. Although he was glad for an interruption in what promised to be a boring afternoon, he couldn’t imagine who had come to visit. No one sought him out besides Regan, and he was in Washington.
    Drake opened the door and discovered Josie Chance there. He tried not to look as astonished as he felt. Thanks to Regan making a few introductions after he and Drake had rescued their friendship, Drake recognized the attractive woman wearing her long blond hair in a braid down her back.
    A few years ago she’d married Jack Chance, the oldest of the Chance brothers and their avowed leader. But that wasn’t the most significant fact about Josie Chance. She happened to own the Spirits and Spurs, which made her Tracy’s boss. Drake suspected that Tracy was the reason behind Josie’s visit.
    Josie didn’t disappoint him. “This isn’t exactly a social call, Drake. I’m here to talk about Tracy.”
    “Be glad to.” He wasn’t, but he’d been raised to say the polite thing. “Come on in.”
    She walked through the door and glanced around the small space furnished with a sturdy sofa and chair covered in green plaid. “Very nice.”
    “Yes, ma’am.” He wasn’t sure what she meant, but agreeing with her seemed like a good strategy.
    She gave him a small, almost reluctant smile. “I wasn’t sure if you’d be a typical bachelor living in chaos.”
    “Because that’s what scoundrels do?”
    Her smile widened. “Often, yes.”
    “I did live in chaos for a little while, but when the maid didn’t show up I decided I might as well keep it clean myself before I started losing things in the mess I’d made. Please, have a seat. I can brew some coffee, and I also have iced tea in the refrigerator.”
    “Sweet tea?”
    “No, ma’am. I know it’s not very Southern of me, but I like mine plain.”
    “I’ll have some, then. Thank you.” She sat in the easy chair. “Tracy would kill me if she knew I’d come over here.”
    Drake took a couple of tall glasses out of the cupboard and filled them with ice. “I won’t tell her, but good luck keeping a secret around here.”
    “You’re right, but I’m going to attempt it. Jack’s the only one who knows I rode over, because I needed someone who could watch little Archie without throwing a hissy-fit about me coming. Three of my potential babysitters are Regan’s sisters, and they would not approve.”
    “I’m sure.” He poured tea in both glasses. “Wait a minute. You rode over here from the Last Chance?”
    “It’s closer to go cross-country, and doing that made it less likely I’d be seen. My horse is out back, tied to a tree.”
    “I’ll be damned.” He walked over and handed her one of the glasses before sitting on the sofa with his own drink. “You’ve infiltrated enemy territory.”
    “Something like that.” She took a swallow of her tea. “This is excellent. Thanks.”
    “It’s one of the few things I know how to make.” He settled back, his glass balanced on one knee. “So you’re here on a secret mission to make sure the big bad wolf doesn’t have designs on the fair maiden Tracy?”
    “That about sums it up.” She studied him. “You’re charming. I assumed you would be.”
    “Back in Virginia, it’s the law. Anyone who fails the Southern-charm test is shipped up north.”
    “Oh, boy.” Josie sipped her tea. “This could be trickier than I thought.”
    “It won’t be tricky.” Drake met her gaze. “I’ve already thought this through. I’ll admit that I find Tracy very attractive, but I—”
    “I knew it. Unfortunately, she’s fascinated with you, too. You should hear the way she carries on about your dastardly behavior, to the point where I finally realized she was into you.”
    If having that confirmed thrilled him, he didn’t want to let on. “But she doesn’t want to be.”
    “Exactly. Do you know