The Awakening Read Online Free PDF Page B

although Andy had no problem flexing his muscles and being rude at times, he felt with a niggle of his conscience that now was not the time. He joined Alexis on the sofa and caught the gleam in his dad’s eye. So he, too, was in on it.
    “Alexis, I haven’t been out riding in a while, but I don’t mind taking you out. We also have a riding ring that you’re more than welcome to make use of. I’ll let Ben, our stable manager, know. He can get you matched up with a horse…”
    Todd jumped in. “Oh, Andy, as Alexis is our guest, why don’t you look after that? Ben is far too busy, and, Alexis, I think you might be more comfortable with Andy. He really is a master with horses.”
    “Why, I would love to spend some time riding. That’s if you have time, Andy? After all, your mother has invited me to stay through the New Year. And I would love it if you could show me the trails and the horses.” She held up her glass and slid around until her leg bumped Andy.
    “Dinner is ready,” Jules announced.
    Andy leaped up and sloshed his drink on his jeans.
    His mother frowned. “Come, Alexis. Let’s head into the dining room. Andy will join us after he’s changed.” The women left the library, but Todd grabbed Andy’s arm before he slid out of the room.
    “What’s the matter with you? This is the senator’s daughter. Be a little more friendly, and it shouldn’t be difficult. She’s not that hard on the eyes.” Todd leaned in.
    “I’m not interested. And what the hell is Mother doing, inviting her to stay past New Year’s? I’ll be bumping into her every time I turn around. I’m not interested in either of you stepping into my personal life and pushing any woman in my direction. So just back off.” Andy was irritated. He’d been distracted lately, but tonight he hadn’t missed how both Todd and Caroline were pushing Alexis in his path.
    “Look, son. I happen to agree with your mother on this one. She’s a fine catch. Get to know her. Spend some time with her. Woo her. But this is an alliance I want, that your mother wants. You don’t need to fall in love with the girl, but I do want you married by spring.” Todd set his glass on the bar and squeezed Andy’s shoulder. “Listen, son, it’s time you settled down, anyway. Have some kids. Give us some grandkids. It’ll look good.”
    Andy stared at Todd as if he’d lost his mind. “I don’t give a shit about an alliance. No one pushes any woman on me, ever. And when I marry a woman, it will be a woman I’m in love with, not because of political clout or money. That’s your game, Dad, not mine.” Andy strode from the library but stopped when Todd chuckled.
    “Son, you have no idea what’s in store for you. If you don’t make this happen, your cousin Jed and that Claremont piece of trash he married will lose their ranch,” Todd said matter-of-factly.
    Andy jerked his gaze up, not believing his father had actually said that. Cool, icy eyes stared back, and it took him a moment to realize that, for the first time ever, his father and mother had formed some alliance, and he was the pawn. Why, the bastard had told Caroline of Andy’s one weakness, his love for Jed. Any threat to Jed would bring Andy to heel. But this made absolutely no sense. Andy and his dad loved each other, so he had to wonder what was really going on.
    “Why would you do this to your own nephew?” He needed to know because if he did this to Jed, Rodney Friessen, Todd’s older brother, would swoop in and take Todd on, and only a fool would take on Rodney Friessen. Todd was not a stupid man—far from it.
    Todd never smiled when he said, “This is business, son. And just remember something, too. When Jed took up with that Claremont trash, he spit on his family, on me. So I no longer have his back.” Todd patted Andy on the shoulder as he brushed past. “Look on the bright side: Alexis is easy on the eyes and could be a whole lot of fun in bed. And love’s … got no place in