Robin Lee Hatcher Read Online Free PDF Page B

bite.
    She heard the children’s laughter.
    “Get back, Joker,” Gavin said. “That’s no way to greet a lady.”
    Emily opened her eyes as he dragged the overzealous wolfhound away by the scruff of his neck. Obviously Gavin Blake didn’t share his daughters’ amusement. His gaze was hard and unflinching as he offered his hand.
    She accepted reluctantly. “He’s your dog, no doubt.”
    “Joker’s still a pup.” He pulled her to her feet. “He hasn’t learned any manners yet.”
    “A pup ?” She turned to stare at the dog — large square head, thick wiry coat, muddy paws. “He’s almost as big as a horse.” She brushed at the dirty prints on her bodice.
    “Duke. Duchess. Come.” In response to Gavin’s quiet command, the other two dogs sprang to their feet and trotted over. Without a word from their master, they sat next to him. “Miss Harris, meet Joker’s parents, Duke and Duchess.”
    The larger of the two dogs lifted his right paw. Large black eyes perused her. She almost believed the canine understood what his master had said.
    “He’s pleased to meet you, Miss Harris.” Gavin motioned toward Duke. “Go on. Shake his hand.”
    Was he hoping to humiliate her further? Couldn’t he see she was already wearing enough mud? She was about to refuse, but then she saw Sabrina and Petula watching her, waiting to see what she would do. This was a test she didn’t want to fail.
    Tugging on her bodice, she straightened her dress, then bent forward and took hold of Duke’s paw. “How do you do, your grace.” She moved the dog’s leg up and down three times, then let go as her gaze moved to the female wolfhound. She held her skirts and executed a perfect curtsey. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Duchess.” Her voice dropped to a stage whisper. “But, my lady, that son of yours is a disgrace. You must take him in hand at once or there’ll be no redeeming him. He’ll prove himself a fool at court.”
    The girls burst into laughter once again and hurried forward to throw their arms around the dogs. Joker pushed his way into the happy group, his tongue lapping everyone in reach. A warm thrill surged through Emily as she watched them. The girls were going to like her, even if their father didn’t.
    Her gaze met Gavin’s as she straightened. Was that grudging approval she saw in his eyes? She hoped so. She was determined to change his opinion of her before she returned to Boise in the spring. She would make him admit that she was well suited for the work he’d hired her to do. So help her she would, even if it killed her.
    “Come along, girls,” Dru said. “Let’s show Miss Harris to her room.”
    Petula came to stand beside Emily, without a word slipping her small, sweaty hand into Emily’s and pulling her toward the house.

    Emily Harris had spunk. Gavin had to give her that. She could have burst into tears or railed at the dog for ruining her dress. Instead, she’d been a good sport and had even played along when he introduced her to the dogs. Maybe it wouldn’t be so awful having her here. Maybe she wouldn’t wilt as fast as he’d thought. Maybe she wasn’t completely spoiled and self-centered.
    “Something botherin’ you, Gavin?”
    He didn’t look at Stubs as he shook his head.
    “Is it Dru? Is she feeling bad again?”
    “No. You wouldn’t even know she’s sick except she doesn’t eat enough to keep a bird alive.”
    “She seems to like Miss Harris, and Miss Harris seems taken with the girls. That’s what Dru was wantin’.”
    Gavin didn’t reply.
    “Mighty pretty to look at too. Matter of fact, she kinda reminds me of your — ”
    “Don’t.” Gavin glared a warning at his foreman.
    Stubs Martin had worked as a hired hand on the Blake farm back in Ohio when Gavin was a boy. Fate had brought them together again years later, and they’d been good friends ever since. But every friendship had boundaries, and Stubs had just about crossed the line.
    “Sorry, boss. I