A Match Made In Texas by Anne Marie Novark Read Free Book Online Page B

man, Theresa felt completely out of her depth. She knew if she became physically involved with Austin, her heart would be at risk. She also knew if a person never took risks, life wasn't worth living.
     
    Glancing at the clock on the wall of her classroom, Theresa decided to call it quits for the day. Her tummy grumbled with hunger. Even though it was only four-thirty, she heard a cheeseburger and fries calling her name from the cafe.
     
    Ten minutes after giving Sarah Sue her order, Theresa sat at the counter talking to the waitress, sipping a soda. The place was practically empty. Too early for the dinner crowd just yet. A bell tinkled over the door and Kelsey McCade made a beeline toward Theresa.
     
    "Hi, Miss Rogers," she said, sitting on the stool near her teacher. "Hi, Sarah Sue. Can I have a corndog and tater-tots, please? I'm starved."
     
    "What are you doing in town, Kelsey? Did you miss the bus?" Theresa asked.
     
    "No, I don't go home on Wednesdays. I have band after school, then soccer practice at five-thirty. Dad picks me up at the field. Thanks," she said, when the waitress set a large cola in front of her.
     
    Sarah Sue gave Theresa her burger basket, poured herself a cup of coffee, then leaned on the counter, preparing to visit.
     
    "How's that handsome daddy of yours doing, darlin'?" she asked.
     
    Kelsey shrugged. "Fine. Busy. You know--same old, same old."
     
    "I haven't seen him in a while. Tell him to stop by some time and see ol' Sarah Sue." She turned to the order window behind her, retrieved a red plastic basket, then set it in front of the little girl.
     
    "Thanks," said Kelsey. "I'll tell him. But you know he doesn't get out much. I'm working on it, though." She bit into the steaming corndog.
     
    "One of your projects?" Sarah Sue asked, taking a sip of coffee.
     
    "You could say that."
     
    Theresa listened to the conversation as she ate her meal. She wondered if the "project" had anything to do with herself.
     
    "What are you doing this afternoon, Miss Rogers?" Kelsey asked after a minute.
     
    "Nothing much. Why?" Theresa dipped a fry in catsup and bit into it, eyeing her pupil with curiosity.
     
    "Oh, I thought you might like to watch me practice soccer."
     
    "I can't believe you're going to practice soccer in this weather? The wind is vicious, and it's awfully cold out."
     
    Kelsey popped a tater-tot into her mouth. "Sure we're going to practice. We're not wimps. Besides, soccer doesn't stop for anything except lightning."
     
    "Really?"
     
    Kelsey nodded. "So, will you come?"
     
    "I don't think so. Not this time," she said, cringing at the thought of facing Austin McCade again.
     
    "Aw, please? You said you weren't doing anything."
     
    Theresa shook her head. "I really need to grade papers this evening. I'm behind. I'll drive you over to the field, though. How about that?"
     
    "Cool."
     
    Theresa watched Kelsey happily consume the rest of her food. She had a funny feeling that soccer wasn't the only game Kelsey was playing.
     
    The drive to the soccer field lasted a good five minutes. Salt Fork was a small town. It didn't take long to get anywhere within the city limits.
     
    Pulling up to the playing area, Theresa stopped her car. Kelsey was busy putting on shin guards and soccer shoes. She had changed into a warm sweat suit at the cafe.
     
    "Thanks for the ride," Kelsey said. "Are you sure you won't stay and watch?"
     
    "Maybe some other time," Theresa said.
     
    "How about Saturday? We have a game at eleven, and it's right here. And it's not just me on the team. Charlotte, Amelia, and Lisa play, too. Please say you'll come. Please?"
     
    Theresa couldn't resist the appeal in the big blue eyes. She had a soft spot for the little girl, that was for sure. "Okay," she finally conceded.
     
    "Promise?" Kelsey asked.
     
    "I promise," Theresa said with a laugh.
     
    "Great. Hey, there's my dad."
     
    Theresa's heart nearly stopped. "Where? I thought you said he was going to