Sweetwater: The Kihn (The Sweet Series) Read Online Free PDF Page A

I glance around, not seeing the spooky lady. “Never mind—let’s get this finished.”
    We continue our shopping, but I keep an eye out for the strange woman.
     
    I stow the last of the canned goods in the pantry and shut the door, still a little rattled. I have no doubt someone watched me unload the car. Don’t ask me how I know; maybe the prickling sensation at the back of my neck. It’s unsettling after what Jake and Sawyer told me had been happening in the area.
    Before we leave for Sam and Sawyer’s, we eatsupper. I’ve prepared steak and baked potatoes, a spinach salad and some garlic bread. Jake genuinely enjoys the meal, and I take pleasure in cooking for him.
    I don’t tell him about the mysterious woman in the store or about someone watching me when I unloaded groceries. Maybe I should have, but years of keeping things that disturb me to myself is a hard habit to break.
    After supper, I change into jeans and borrow a flannel shirt from Jake to wear over my T-shirt. Getting to Springfield for some clothes shopping is quickly becoming my top priority.
     
    Before we head out to the barn, we stop in to say hi to my Aunt Pat. Of all Gram and Gramps’ kids, she’s the one who reminds me of my mom the most with her looks and mannerisms, but she sure doesn’t act like her. She grabs hold and fusses over me just as she does her boys.
    Sawyer calls and tells his mom to release us. He’s impatient for me to check out what they’ve accomplished with the barn. Since I talked to him every day while I was in California, I have a good visual, but I’m eager to see it for real. After promising Aunt Pat we’ll come for lunch Sunday after church, we leave.
    Situated a fair distance from the house, with its own driveway, stands the old milk barn. A large sign hangs over the door stating S&S’s Shotgun Shack . I smile at the way the brothers solved the problem of whose name would be first. It’s always been that way with them.
    They’ve done a good job. A shiny new wood floor lies over the old concrete one, and with the furnishings, it right near looks like a bar. Not that I’ve been in many bars, mind you, but I’ve seen one or two from running with Jake and Sawyer. Diane and Emma Rae are already there, as are several other friends, a few of them cousins. You can’t throw a rock in Sweetwater without hitting a Walker. Sawyer whoops and leaps over the bar. Plain to tell, he’s already had a beer or two.
    “This is awesome, guys!” I glance at what they’ve done, and I’m a little sad I haven’t been here to share in the fun. It must show on my face because Sawyer loops his arm over my shoulders.
    “Sofe, we aren’t finished yet, so you’ll get to help with the rest. And I promise, you’ll be our number-one barmaid.”
    “Gee, thanks, Sawyer,” I say with false gratitude as I elbow him in the ribs.
    “Come on over here. Help me pick out some music,” he offers.
    After greeting everyone, I follow Sawyer behind the bar, checking out the sweet sound system they’ve installed. I scan theroom, noticing Sam’s handiwork in the oak bar top that resembles polished glass. Tables and chairs are situated near the bar, and a pool table with a hanging light is located at the far end of the room. There’s also a small bathroom in the corner, thanks to Aunt Pat insisting on one when they built the barn. To keep everyone warm and toasty, a propane heating stove sits against the wall.
    I sit with Emma Rae, Diane, and Sam at the bar. Sam introduces me to Rose Ross, the beautiful girl sitting beside him. She has long, dark-brown hair and her eyes are deep chocolate. They’ve been dating since right after the Ross family moved to Sweetwater. From my conversations with Sam, I know he’s smitten with her.
    We enjoy our time together, with cold beer and good music, listening to Sawyer’s tale of a coon attack. He sure has the gift of gab. The outside door opens, drawing our attention as Dawn Hayes and Eli Jones enter,