Summer Shadows Read Online Free PDF Page A

best go back to town.”
    The woman looked at him with barely concealed contempt. “I am aware of everything about this property.”
    Well, she wasn’t aware that he was foreman. Anyone who knew anything knew that by now. So what did her ignorance say about her and her claim to knowledge?
    She was slim—too slim—fine-boned, and regal. Her black hair was pulled back into a knot at the nape of her neck, and her great black eyes reflected the sun in two small spots. Her skin was creamy and pale. She was far and away the most stunning thing he’d ever seen. He was very thankful he’d never set eyes on her again, once he got her turned around and headed back to town.
    Marsh stopped typing and stared at that last paragraph. It was the third time he’d tried to write it. Once again he’d described that irritating woman upstairs. He closed his eyes and saw Abby Patterson, all skin and bones and glowing black eyes. Even the coolness between Craig and Marguerite—now where had he gotten that name?—was a replica of the frost between himself and Abby. Too weird.
    He reached for the delete key, then hesitated. He’d leave it for now. It’d be easier to make changes later when she wasn’t so much on his mind.
    Snotty, irritating, fascinating woman. Silent woman.
    “Can you tell me your business?” Craig asked.
    He watched her face freeze with disdain. “My business is certainly not your business.”
    He felt his temper spike and struggled to control it. “If you’re riding this road it is.”
    “Are you telling me that a person cannot ride this road?”
    “We’ve been having some trouble around here. The road is open only to those going to Frost Spring Ranch.”
    “And those going there are only those you approve?”
    He smiled with one corner of his mouth and dipped his head in acknowledgment. Where had she learned haughtiness? She could give a queen lessons.
    She eyed him like he was a worm left too long in the sun and urged her horse forward until its nose almost touched his chest. He had to admire her nerve, foolish though it was. It took more than a horse knocking into his chest to move Randall Craig.
    He reached out, running a gentle hand down the animal’s forehead, patting him softly on the cheek. The horse whinnied its approval. Craig smiled up at the woman. It was time to try diplomacy.
    “This is a fine horse. Someone knew what he was doing when he bought it for you.”
    Her dark eyes flashed with anger. “I selected this horse, not that it’s any of your business. I am more than competent at recognizing and obtaining good horseflesh.”
    Uh-huh, I’m sure you are—or at least you think you are
. “Well, ma’am, you shure done good with this here boy. I bet you might could teach me a thang or two.”
    She rolled her eyes at his sudden transformation into the uneducated cowboy and urged her horse another step forward. One more, Craig knew, and he’d be forced to step back.
    “Please get out of my way.” When he didn’t move, she ordered, “Now.”
    “Go back to town where it’s safe, Miss—?” He waited for her name, but she did not offer it. He took hold of thebridle. If she wouldn’t turn on her own, he would turn her himself.
    “Unhand my horse,” she hissed.
    “Look, Miss,” he began in his most reasonable voice.
    “Don’t
look Miss
me.” She glared, red flags flying in her cheeks. “I’m going to Frost Spring Ranch and nowhere else.”
    “Marguerite! Margie!”
    They both looked toward the ranch house a half mile down the road. A young girl in braids was running toward them, her arms waving, her face wreathed in a smile.
    Craig frowned as the haughty princess became human. Her smile was luminous as she waved wildly back. “Addie! Oh, Addie!”
    A chill settled around Craig’s midsection. “Just who are you?” he asked, his voice abrupt.
    When she looked down at him, the haughtiness was back in full force. “Frost,” she said, her voice and demeanor as chilly as her