A Second Chance at Crimson Ranch by Michelle Major Read Free Book Online Page A

“I’m not going to—”
    â€œHe doesn’t have to,” Olivia offered quickly, taken aback at Logan’s immediate instinct to protect her.
    Logan bent down, his voice quiet but firm as he spoke to Jordan. “She is not responsible for what your mother did. You have every right to be angry, but not with Olivia. You think making her the bad guy is going to help you feel better, but it won’t. That’s something you’re going to need to figure out real quick or you’ll be facing bigger trouble than vandalism charges. Trust me.”
    He smoothed a hand over the boy’s back, the touch surprisingly gentle given the way he’d been holding him moments earlier. “Apologize to her. Now.”
    â€œI’m sorry,” Jordan mumbled.
    â€œLook her in the eye.”
    The unshed tears Olivia saw glistening in Jordan’s eyes broke her heart all over again. “I’m sorry I called you trash.”
    â€œYou will treat Olivia Wilder with respect and not just while you’re here with me.”
    Jordan looked at Logan and nodded.
    â€œI’m going to have my eye on you while I’m in town.” Logan reached down and picked up a bucket and scrub brush, handing them to Jordan. “I don’t want to hear about any trouble involving you. Got it?”
    The kid took the bucket and brush and nodded again.
    â€œGood. You can start with the spray paint in the back room. After the wall is repainted, I need a few things from the hardware store. I’ll give you cash with the list.”
    Olivia saw Jordan’s eyes widen. “You trust me with money?”
    â€œUntil you give me a reason not to,” Logan answered. “You’re a good kid, Jordan. Don’t let your anger make you forget that.” He pointed toward the back of the building. “Now get going on that wall. If you want something, there’s soda in the cooler by the wall and chips next to it.”
    â€œThanks,” Jordan mumbled in response, but he looked relaxed as he disappeared out the door to the hallway.
    â€œI’m sorry.” Logan turned to Olivia. “I should have told you about Jordan. I caught him decorating the wall this morning before school. Not the most flattering language.”
    â€œBegins with a B, rhymes with witch?” she guessed.
    He flashed her a smile. “You don’t want to say the word.”
    She shrugged in response. “I was never much for cursing. But I’ve heard that particular word enough to recognize it. What happened when you found Jordan?”
    â€œI scared the hell out of him,” Logan said with an answering shrug. “Then told him he was going to work here after school and in exchange I wouldn’t call the cops. If you don’t want him here, I’ll make other arrangements.”
    â€œI don’t mind. This whole situation is probably hardest on Jordan.” She studied him for a moment then smiled. “Is he your
crew
?”
    Logan nodded. “Until I need more.”
    â€œYou’re a nice guy.”
    His mouth dropped open. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
    Her smile widened. “Just what I said. You’re nice. You want to do the right thing. Most people wouldn’t have given that kid the time of day, let alone a second chance. Nice is underrated. It’s a compliment, Logan. Say thank you.”
    â€œNo.”
    His big shoulders shifted as if his shirt was suddenly too tight. She watched his fingers flex and knew she’d made him uncomfortable. The thought made her giggle a bit, since she’d been feeling slightly off balance all day. Misery loved company.
    â€œAre you laughing at me?” A muscle in his jaw ticked.
    â€œNear you,” she corrected. Her skin felt delightfully warm all of sudden. Her whole body went tingly at the same time as a weight seemed to lift away from her heart.
    She’d told Logan she trusted him and that was