The Bull Rider’s Keeper Read Online Free PDF

caught his mother’s attention. “So how come Grandma Angie’s fine, but I can’t call you Mom?”
    Angie shrugged. “The babies don’t know better. They love me. I just don’t want some great catch hearing you call me Mom and thinking I’m old, or something.”
    Barb pursed her lips together and Jesse knew she was holding in a laugh. “So tell me about this Taylor. Is she going to give us trouble?”
    Jesse thought about the woman who’d posed half nude so effortlessly for a group of college students. He remembered the way she floated through the gallery patrons Monday night, smiling and joking, even after her parents had announced the sale. She had steel balls, that one. He realized the women were waiting for an answer. An answer he wasn’t sure about. Finally, he said the only thing that he knew to be true. “I don’t know.”
    Barb cocked her head and watched him. “Usually, you can size someone up in a few minutes and know if they are going to be trouble or not. What’s different about this girl? Or, have you not met her yet?”
    Jesse took another swig of the laced coffee before he answered. “I’ve met her, and I still don’t know. She’s strong, and amazing, and beautiful, but I think she’s hiding something inside, really, really deep.” He shook his head. “Sorry, I can’t answer your question.”
    “You like her.” Barb didn’t phrase it as a question, just a matter of fact.
    He shook his head, and drained the coffee. “I don’t know her well enough to like or hate her. All I know is, she didn’t look happy to hear the news.”
    Barb’s cell went off. She held up a finger walking away from the table as she answered, “Hi, Kadi.” Barb had married into a ready-made family last year, complete with a seven—now eight—year-old who loved to ride almost as much as Jesse did. The kid had a strong seat as she rode, and she’d started competing already. Soon Kadi would be barrel racing, and Barb would have to hire someone to manage the kid’s career, or give up the bull riders.
    Angie stood and took Jesse’s cup to the counter.
    “Just coffee, please. I don’t need to be drunk at ten in the morning,” Jesse called after her.
    Angie cocked her head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
    When Angie and the coffee returned, Jesse took a tentative sip and smiled. Strong, hot, deep coffee, and only coffee. “Thanks, Mom.”
    She patted his shoulder. “Anytime.”
    Barb finished her conversation, and came over to the table. “I’ve got to go. Kadi forgot her riding gear, and her instructor is picking her up after school to practice for the competition this weekend.”
    “I’ll meet you over at the gallery tomorrow.” Angie smiled. “It will be like I’ve got a real job.”
    Barb and Jesse laughed.
    “What?” Angie looked from one to the other.
    “They won’t know what hit them.” Jesse patted her hand.
    Barb said, “Just meet me there. We’ll talk about what you need to do when we meet with this Taylor girl. Remember, you’re there to protect Jesse’s interest, not make friends.” Barb swung her bag over her shoulder. “I’ll call tonight after I talk to George.”
    “Thanks, Barb,” Jesse called after her. She raised a hand and waved, but didn’t look back as she walked to the door.
    “That girl needs to put her foot down. The kid runs both Barb and Hunter with a crook of her finger.” Angie shook her head.
    “Mom, I’m not sure parenting advice is your forte.” Jesse pulled the computer closer and opened up the website for the gallery. He sighed as they paged through the site. Finally, he leaned back and looked at his mother. “Do you think I made a mistake?”
    “Heavens, no. Sometimes, fate takes an active hand in our lives. Something drew you to make that decision last night. It may have been rash, but I believe that you need to be there.” She pulled out her phone. “I can get you an appointment with Angelic if you want.”
    “I don’t