01 Winters Thaw by Jayne Rylon, Mari Carr Read Free Book Online Page B

Sienna. When did you go completely blind? That guy is sex in blue jeans. I wouldn’t mind taking a tumble with him in the hayloft. I hope to hell he’s still here during the summertime. What’s he look like without his shirt on? Bet he’s built like a brick shit house.”
    “You need to stop hanging out with ranch hands all the time.”
    Jade didn’t back down. “Don’t hold out, See. Put me out of my misery.”
    Sienna recalled the scars on Daniel’s chest. They seemed to make him uncomfortable. “He’s okay.”
    Jade laughed. “You’re such a shitty liar.”
    “This whole conversation is pointless. In case you’ve forgotten, I’m in a relationship. I’m not about to throw away what Josh and I have for a roll in the hay with some cowboy who probably won’t be here come spring.”
    “Remind me again. What is it you and Josh have exactly?”
    “What’s that supposed to mean? You know damn well we’re committed to each other. Our futures are set. Together.”
    Jade smirked. “I understand that you think so, but I’m starting to doubt whether or not Josh is still on board with the Sienna Life Plan. Have you asked him lately?”
    Sienna tried to ignore the little voice in the back of her head that said Jade was right. Josh had been distant since returning to college this year without her. She blamed it on the miles and the fact they were both busy, but her gut instinct told her it was more than that. “It’s not my life plan, Jade. It’s ours. Josh is as committed to me as I am to him.”
    Jade stuffed her hands in her front pockets and started walking toward her car. “I hope that’s true. I gotta go. I’m bartending at Spurs again tonight. See you tomorrow.”
    Sienna watched her cousin climb into her car and drive away. She reached up and touched her lips, recalling Daniel’s kiss. There was a part of her that couldn’t deny it was the best kiss she’d ever had.
    God. When did life get so complicated?
    And exciting?

Chapter Three
    Daniel helped Jody and Vicky clear the supper table. Since the invitation to join them for dinner his first night on the ranch almost a month earlier, he’d found himself offered a regular spot.
    “Thank you,” Jody said when he put a stack of dirty plates in the sink and began rinsing them. “I know you’re here to help the boys improve their rodeo skills, but do you think you could add kitchen duties to that list? I wouldn’t mind Doug and James learning how to pitch in around here.”
    Daniel grinned. “I’m afraid I was pretty hopeless at all this stuff until I moved out of my parents’ house and started doing it for myself. My mom tried to assign it to me as a chore, but eventually she gave up when she realized it would only be done right if she did it herself. I never did learn how to load a dishwasher to please that woman. No matter how many times I tried.”
    Vicky chuckled. “The washing machine gene seems to be lacking in the Compton males as well. Last time Doug tried to help me, he had all the dinner plates facing the wrong way.”
    “I think you mean dishwasher, Vicky,” Jody corrected.
    “What did I say?”
    “Washing machine,” Daniel replied easily.
    “Oh,” Vicky chuckled. “Well, the men in this family struggle with that appliance too.”
    They all laughed.
    Sienna entered the kitchen and tossed a dishrag in the sink. “Table’s wiped up. Need any more help in here?”
    Jody shook her head as she put the last few pieces of silverware in the sink. “No. I think Vicky and I have everything in hand.”
    “We sure do appreciate all your help, Levi,” Vicky said as she grabbed the coffeepot, filling it with water.”
    “Levi?” Sienna asked. “Vivi, this is Daniel.”
    Vicky was silent for a moment. “Oh, my goodness. I’m sorry, Daniel.”
    Jody laughed. “Man, that’s a blast from the past. Levi hasn’t worked here in nearly a decade. Wonder what made you think of him, Vicky.”
    “Who knows?” Vicky shrugged