Rustler's Heart (A Kinnison Legacy Novel) Read Online Free PDF Page B

had yet to get to know. Rein had been like an open book from the moment he said her name. The intonation in his voice spoke volumes of what he thought of her, and it hadn’t been very flattering.
    Aimee leaned against the doorframe and smiled. She had a faraway look in her eye. “I had a twin sister.”
    Liberty looked up, narrowing her gaze on the woman.
    “It’s not easy to talk about, but it’s important that I do. I really owe her more for my life and how it’s turned out.” She cleared her throat and straightened. “A few years ago, she was killed in a car accident. She and I had different plans. She wanted to teach, preferably in a rural community in need of good teachers. I wanted the city life, the corporate world, corner office, the whole deal. After her death, I re-evaluated my life, what was important to me and decided to get my teaching degree. I looked at the towns she’d researched—her top twenty list—” Aimee smiled. “And chose End of the Line.” She shrugged. “Who knew?”
    Liberty listened intently, finding the woman’s courage and sacrifice amazing. No wonder Wyatt fell for her so fast. “I don’t know if I could do that,” Liberty said “But, what about your goals?”
    Aimee’s eyes were misty, making Liberty uncomfortable that she’d asked.
    “They changed. I started seeing life differently. So I made my choices, and by some quirk of fate, to which I owe a great deal to my second-grade class of last year, I met Wyatt. Had we not ended up stranded—”
    “Stranded?”
    Aimee dismissed the topic with a wave of her hand. “It’s late and that’s another story I’ll share with you sometime over a glass of wine. Right now, you need some rest.” Her gaze met Liberty’s. “You asked why I was being nice. One reason is that I’m just damn giddy to have another female in the house.” She grinned as she batted away the tears escaping her eyes. “Sleep well.”
     
    ***
     
    Liberty stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. Despite the hot shower she’d hoped would revive her, her eyes remained puffy, rimmed with dark shadows. As though catapulted into a Disney movie, the birds outside her window had begun their melodious racket long before the sun peeked through the curtains. That, and the tossing and turning from the scent on Rein’s pillow and the strange quiet out in the country had made it difficult to fall asleep.
    A short rap sounded on the outer bedroom door. She peered out of the bathroom. “Who is it?”
    “Rein. Aimee sent me to tell you breakfast is about ready.”
    “Thank you. I’ll be right out.” She waited another moment, expecting a response and when none followed, she figured he’d gone. She grabbed a towel and wrapping it around her, stepped into the bedroom. A yelp escaped her throat and she froze in place. There stood Rein, struggling to unhook a shirt from the back of the door. He tilted his head, trying gallantly to avert his eyes.
    “Damn. Sorry.” He muttered at the door. “I thought I could sneak in here and get my shirt.”
    Liberty found the scene charming. “You might have said you needed something.” She pushed the wet hair from her face, enjoying how he seemed genuinely nervous. Part of her wondered what he’d do if she dropped the towel.
    “Sorry, I’ll just—” Thunk . “God-blessed, son-of-a—” He stopped short his expletive and held his hand to his head. He slammed the door behind him and the corner of her mouth lifted. This was going to be an interesting visit. Opting for a running bra under her cami, she pulled on old sweatshirt that hung well below her plaid men’s boxer shorts. She followed the heavenly smell of bacon frying to the dining room, where the table was set, but no one appeared to be around.
    “Oh good morning,” Aimee smiled as she carried a platter laden with bacon and link sausages to the table. It appeared enough to feed an army.
    “Can I help?” Liberty eyed the plate, feeling her arteries