Texas Heat Read Online Free PDF Page B

him.
    â€œMartha, have you seen Cole?” she asked the buxom cook, who looked up from chopping vegetables.
    â€œNo, Mrs. Tanner, he hasn’t been in here.”
    â€œI thought he might be in here filching a Coke or something.”
    It was on the tip of Martha’s tongue to suggest that Cole might be found outside filching beer, but it wasn’t her place.
    â€œWell, if he comes in here, please tell him I want to see him.”
    â€œI’ll do that, Mrs. Tanner.”
    A worm of apprehension crawled around in Maggie’s innards. What was Cole up to? He knew how important this party was to her.
    When Maggie finally found her son on the rear patio, she had to stifle a laugh. She had to admit he looked a bit ridiculous in his Western outfit. The jeans Cole had purchased were too crisp, too new, and the bright plaid shirt, which should have had a pointed spread-wing collar, instead had a typical Ivy League button-down over the black string tie. “Cole, your grandmother and Thad are here. They went upstairs to freshen up. I’d like it if you came into the living room to welcome them.”
    Cole looked up from his magazine and stared for a moment at his mother. “Righty-o, Mam,” he drawled.
    â€œAnd don’t be a wise-ass. I know you can behave like a gentleman. I pay that school enough to teach you manners, so practice them.”
    â€œIt’s a bit hard to act a gentleman in this getup,” Cole retorted. “You think I’ll fit in with all the other cowpokes?”
    â€œStop it, Cole. Get into the house; Mam’ll be down in a minute. Don’t screw up. I mean it.”
    Cole threw down his magazine, obeying his mother. He liked it when she used slang to get her point across. That meant he was getting to her.
    Billie felt a sense of exhilaration as she linked her arm in Thad’s to walk down the long, winding staircase. This was someone else’s house now; she and Thad were visitors. They could leave anytime they wanted.
    â€œYou aren’t sweating this at all, are you?” Thad grinned.
    â€œNot in the least. I’m looking forward to seeing my children. I was just thinking that Sunbridge has no hold over us anymore. I’m all right, really.”
    â€œI can see that. I hope you’re looking forward to our trip when this visit ends.”
    Billie’s eyes brimmed and Thad was immediately sorry he’d brought up the subject of Japan. “I am looking forward to seeing the Hasegawas again. Otami is with Riley now, and that’s all she ever wanted. As for young Riley coming here to Sunbridge, the Hasegawas’ unselfishness amazes me.”
    â€œIt didn’t surprise me. Shadaharu was wise to give Riley the choice.”
    â€œFeel better?” Maggie called from the bottom of the stairs.
    â€œMuch better.” Cole was standing beside Maggie, and Billie swallowed a giggle at the vision her grandson presented. A cartoon cowboy all decked out for a Saturday night. She knew Thad was reacting the same way—she could feel the tremble of laughter in his arm.
    â€œYou’ve grown, Cole, and you’re so handsome! But then, I suppose all grandparents say things like that.” Billie wrapped the boy in her embrace. She kissed him and leaned back, her hands on his shoulders. “Yes, very handsome.” She beamed. “So much like your father.”
    Cole laughed, but the humor never reached his eyes. “What you’re saying, Grand, is you have to look to find the Coleman in me.”
    â€œThere’s better than Colemans in this world, dear. But you do have your grandfather’s smile and jaw.”
    â€œThe world isn’t big on jaws. It’s the rest that counts,” the boy joked.
    â€œYou’re home, and that’s what matters,” Thad interjected. “Besides, a fella can get a bit overwhelmed by all these Colemans. At least you can keep your grandmother and me company. You