Sharp Shootin' Cowboy Read Online Free PDF

back again?”
    â€œYup. Jarheads are all stupid as shit like that. We believe in completing the mission. Can I drive you somewhere?”
    She considered the offer. “Yolanda brought me, but I’d hate to ruin her night by asking her to take me home so early. On the other hand, I live forty-five minutes in the opposite direction from you.”
    â€œI don’t mind.”
    â€œWhat about Garcia? Didn’t you ride together?”
    â€œHe’s smart enough to dial a taxi. Where do you live?”
    â€œSan Jacinto.”
    â€œMy truck’s over there.” He pointed and then settled his hand on her lower back for the second time that night. Her skin was warm through the cotton dress, yet she shivered.
    â€œCold?” he asked.
    â€œIt’s a bit chilly, but nights are always cold at this elevation. I should have brought a jacket.”
    â€œI keep one in the backseat of my truck. You can borrow it.”
    They walked across the parking lot in silence broken only by the crunch of gravel underfoot and the music blaring from inside the club. He clicked his key fob to unlock the truck.
    â€œThis is your ride?” she asked.
    â€œYeah, it’s mine.” He was glad he’d had his F-350 washed and detailed. Although he didn’t own a lot, he tried to take good care of the few possessions he had.
    She eyeballed his pride and joy with disapproval. “Do you have any idea how wasteful this vehicle is?”
    He shrugged. “S’pose I know better than you do, since I tank it up every week.”
    â€œDon’t you care anything about the environment?”
    â€œLook, Haley, before you get back on that high and holy horse of yours, remember where I come from. A Prius ain’t exactly equipped for farm and ranch work.”
    She closed her mouth.
    He opened her door.
    She hesitated again, a wall of wariness once more surrounding her. “You are just offering a ride, right? You aren’t expecting anything else, are you?”
    â€œLike what?” he prompted.
    â€œA lot of guys would think—”
    He shook his head. “You’ve got to stop painting all men with the same brush. No strings, Haley. I’m not that kinda guy. I just want to be sure you get home safe. That’s all. Besides, it’s only nine o’clock on a Saturday night, and I don’t have any plans other than packing my stuff.”
    â€œWhen do you leave?”
    â€œNext week. You wanna send Yolanda a text to let her know you’re leaving with me?”
    â€œDo you mind?”
    â€œCourse not.”
    She pulled out her phone while he retrieved his Carhartt jacket from the back. He suppressed a chuckle as he dropped it over her shoulders. The coat nearly swallowed her up. He handed her into the cab, circled around to the driver’s side, and climbed in.
    â€œDamn it,” she cursed. “My phone’s dead!”
    â€œHere.” He fished his iPhone from his shirt pocket. “Use mine.”
    He waited while she typed out her text.
    A moment later, the phone chirped. “Is that her answer?”
    â€œYes. She says go on ahead and not to worry about Garcia. She’ll drive him back to base.” She added dryly, “You might have figured out she has a thing for guys in uniform.”
    â€œA perfect match.” He grinned. “Garcia has a thing for girls with a thing.”
    She laughed again. He could get used to that.
    They headed toward I-215 north. In silence. She shifted frequently in her seat as if restless. The cab seemed smaller, the air heavier. He glanced frequently in her direction. He was feeling pretty edgy himself, but knew how to hide it.
    â€œI make you nervous?”
    â€œNo! Of course not.” Her denial sounded too forced.
    â€œHungry?” he ventured at length. “It’s still early. Want to go get a burger or something?”
    â€œNo thanks. I don’t eat meat. People can survive