Unfinished Dreams Read Online Free PDF Page A

seeing a large black pickup sitting in her gravel lane. This was getting more and more interesting by the minute. “I’d say this deserves a cup of coffee, how about it…. Was it, Gabe?”
    Tess pushed her fingers through her hair, amazed she felt oddly at ease with this stranger. On the contrary, it surprised her that his voice and the man himself were such an intriguing package--not to mention ruggedly hot. She reminded herself; again, she wasn’t looking for entanglements, even if he was a handsome cowboy—especially with a handsome cowboy. She’d made up her mind. Given that, what harm was there in having one cup of coffee with Mr. Espresso eyes.
    He paused for a moment before he responded. “Well, if it’s not too much trouble, sure. Thanks.” He pushed his hat up and held her with a curious gaze.
    No more curious than she felt, for sure.
    “Why don’t you make yourself comfortable on the porch. I’ll go get dressed and then I’ll get us some coffee.” She stepped back and closed the solid door wondering when she’d gotten so brazen as to invite a total stranger to wait while she dressed. Justifying the jitters in her stomach as hunger pangs, she ran up the stairs two at a time.
     
    * * *
     
    It was the same woman he’d seen in town. Seeing her up close in a baby-tee and flannel boxers was almost worth the ribbing he’d taken from Merle when he came out of the store carrying a twelve pound slightly cracked watermelon on his shoulder.
    There’d been a couple of times he’d have sworn she was looking at him at the store, but after a few minutes, he’d lost what little nerve he had to introduce himself. He had no idea she lived here, which stirred up a whole lot of strange sensations.
    He sat down hearing the familiar metal squeak of the porch swing’s chain, giving under his weight. The sound brought back memories of days gone by. Simpler times, times that held a special place in his heart.
    Gabe squinted as he gazed over the lush green fields and wondered if his pumpkins were blossoming out behind the barn. He’d not been back to water them, but the rain had been plentiful this past spring and summer, so maybe—
    He dropped his hat on the porch beside him and closed his eyes as he smoothed back his hair. Those times were long gone now. This used to be his place. This porch swing is where he came to think. The place where he came to get right with the world and cool down from his frustrations of putting his life on hold to care for an ailing father.
    The creak of the screen door broke through his thoughts and he turned to see Tess smile as she came out the door. Her face looked freshly scrubbed and apparently, her idea of ‘getting dressed’ was to throw a sweatshirt on over her boxers. Not that he noticed particularly, except what the navy color did to her luminous eyes.
    “Cream or sugar?” She held open the door with her foot, her smile friendly as though they’d known each other a long time. It didn’t seem she was the least bit concerned entertaining a stranger in her home (correction his home) Maybe she was one of those women who’d taken  those self-defense classes.
    “Mr. Russell?”
    Her voice interrupted his thoughts. His gaze shot to hers, meeting her curious expression.
    “A little milk if it’s not too much trouble.”
    Tess shrugged. “No problem.” She let the screen door slam behind her. “Oh!”
    He looked toward the door, hearing her voice from inside.
    “Here’s the reason you came,” she returned, padding barefoot across the porch. “You’ve got mail.”
    She held out three envelopes and it wasn’t until the door slammed a second time, that he realized his hand was suspended in midair. He blinked, trying to refocus his thoughts from the gentle sway of her flannel-wrapped backside as she walked back to the door. He had to get a grip or else he might scare the poor woman, and if not her, he was doing a damn good job on himself.
    Frowning, he sighed and flipped