Rough Ride Read Online Free PDF Page A

to grab a beer, but the thing of it was, this was why he worked hard all day. So that when this offer came up, he really would be too damn tired to give in. It sucked. He hated it, but in the mornings when his head was clearer, he was thankful and started the day over just the same. “Have better things to do.”
    “What’s more important than quality time with your brothers?”
    Not much, but the lie came out easy enough. “Sleep and food.”
    His brother Grant walked over and rested an arm against the cab of the truck. “Is he coming?”
    “Nope.” Trent shrugged. “Says he needs sleep and food.”
    Grant shook his head. “You can get food at the bar. You’re coming with us.”
    Lane started his truck, more and more anxious to get out of there now. “No. I have food at home. A shower and a bed. Do you have a problem with that, Babycakes ?”
    Grant’s smile faltered. “You almost say that as cute as Rebecca does.”
    Rebecca was Grant’s pregnant girlfriend. And why the two of them hadn’t married yet escaped him. Because they were clearly happy together and didn’t look to be splitting up anytime soon. A family was on the way, all the things Lane wanted. He cursed himself and had to get out of here. “Piss off.”
    “I think he’s being a cranky-pants.” Trent pushed his hands in his pockets. “He forgot you’re the baby in this family.”
    Lane shook his head and left the lot. He wasn’t cranky. Apple Trail was the last place on Earth he ever wanted to be. It was too easy to be with his brothers. It was all he could ever want, but the secrets he carried caused too much guilt. Every time he saw his brothers, looked at them, the guilt weighed heavier and heavier. He’d made a promise not to tell and he wouldn’t. No matter how much it killed him.
    He parked at his trailer for another lonely, long night until daylight when he could get back to work. But this time, he wasn’t alone. A small white ice chest sat in front of his door. The parking lot was empty. No one was on their porches at other trailers. Only the faint sound of someone’s wind chime being tickled by the breeze made any noise.
    A rock sat atop the chest and the corners of a piece of paper flickered in the slow breeze.
    Everyone should eat something home cooked once in a while.—G
    His lips tugged, then he thought better of being amused by it. That’s how it started. Being amused. Interested. Being on his back with her across his lap and her tits bouncing as she rode him. He shook his head and let himself in, but couldn’t help but squat and crack open the cooler before getting his boots off. Warm air escaped the small box. A thick towel was over the top and he couldn’t resist peeking under it. Hot steam slithered out carrying moan-inducing, body melting scents of food perfection. Several plastic box containers were stacked up the center and a couple of hot water bottles surrounded them.
    Now this was a woman.
    He pulled open the first box and groaned at the huge slab of chicken fried steak. Crispy on the edges. Juices seeped between the cracks of the thick golden brown coating. Steaming peppery spice of fried goodness rose from the package. Another container was next to it and he lifted to see a small tub of white peppered gravy. His eyes all but rolled up into the top of his head from pure-passing-out joy. His favorite. And he was going to enjoy it. He sealed the lid down, put it back in the chest and closed the cooler for a quick shower first. Then he’d open that treasure trove of goodness.
    He paused on the way to the shower. With a growl rumbling his stomach, he swiped a hand over his face. Then he was going to have to return the chest and the containers.

 
    Chapter Four
    Gretchen tapped her toe and stared at the present she’d found on her doorstep. Her ice chest. All the plastic containers washed and returned. And a note.
    It was awesome. -L
    Flora leaned over her shoulder. “I don’t think I understand.”
    Gretchen