Rodeo Reunion Read Online Free PDF Page B

social life. What she did with her Saturday was none of his business. He clicked the TV on, then off again and let Blizzard out.
    A knock sounded at the front door. He hadn’t heard a vehicle. Maybe it was Hunter wanting to play with Blizzard or practice batting. Hunter had been over almost every day, but he’d only seen Raquel supervising from her yard.
    He hurried to the front of the house and swung the door open. Raquel stood on his porch, kicking his pulse into overdrive.
    â€œHey.”
    â€œHey.” He managed to speak around his heart lodged in his throat.
    A flowery scent entered his space. Tantalizing and soft—like Raquel. Did her long blond hair feel as silky as it looked? His fingers itched to learn, so he shoved his hands in his pockets.
    â€œCome on in.”
    â€œThanks, but I can’t. I’ve got dinner on. My brother and his family have been out of town for the last three months and just got back. They’re coming over for a celebration dinner in a bit. I thought you might like to join us.”
    â€œIt’s real nice of you to ask, but I don’t want to impose on your family dinner.”
    â€œYou wouldn’t be imposing. I cooked a roast with carrots, potatoes and green beans. There’s plenty.”
    His taste buds fired up. “I don’t know.”
    â€œCome on—it’ll be fun. And I’m a great cook.”
    â€œI remember Dylan saying that.”
    â€œHunter would love it if you came.”
    â€œI don’t have a thing to contribute to the meal.”
    â€œYou don’t need to bring anything but yourself. Supper is ready and they should arrive anytime.”
    â€œI’ll be over in a few minutes, then.”
    â€œSounds good.” She turned away.
    Slade raked his hand through his hair. For the first time, he’d noticed her long blond hair. Hair that begged a man to run his fingers through it. Her willowy lithe figure—even after giving birth—that begged a man’s arms to hold her. Her blue eyes that twinkled when she laughed. And her laugh that sounded like music.
    Admittedly, Slade was drawn to her. And attracted to her.
    What kind of jerk would allow himself to be attracted to his friend’s widow?
    * * *
    Raquel booked it across his yard to hers while her legs would still work. Her heart was about to beat out of her chest and her mouth had gone dry when he’d opened the door. How could a man make jeans and an undershirt look so good? How could a man have that many muscles?
    Why did he have to be so stinking good-looking and nice on top of that? Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all.
    But she had to think of Hunter.
    And she had to refrain from staring when Slade brought his fine self to dinner. Surely he’d put a real shirt on.
    Oh. My. Goodness.
    He’d made her heart rev. Again.
    No. No. No. He was here for only three months. Her heart could not rev over him. She’d just been nervous about asking him to coach Hunter’s team. Yeah, that’s what it was.
    Calm down. Butter him up with supper. Resist looking at him unless she had to. And everything would be fine.
    As she entered through the back door, cartoons blasted from the living room. “Hunter, turn down the TV and go wash up.”
    â€œYes, ma’am.”
    The television faded into background noise and she checked the roast, then transferred the fork-tender beef and vegetables to a serving platter. The onions and celery added a savory aroma to the gravy and made her mouth water as she covered the dish with foil to keep it warm.
    â€œThey’re here!” Hunter called.
    Raquel squealed as she hurried to the front of the house and followed Hunter out the door to meet Brant.
    Hunter beat her to him and hugged Brant until he knelt to scoop up his nephew.
    â€œI’m so glad you’re home.” Raquel hugged him around Hunter. “But you’re gonna hurt your back.”
    â€œNot with this