A Texas Chance by Jean Brashear Read Free Book Online Page A

to know how the dog had passed the night.
    Poor guy. He needed a name.
    Well, it wasn’t like she didn’t have plenty of time to think of one while performing mindless manual labor.
    “I’ LL JUST BE A LITTLE late to the office,” Jenna said as she drove. “But I have to find out why Sophie didn’t come to the party last night. She texted to say something had come up, but not what it was. I hope she didn’t work all night. I mean, she’s worried sick about getting the hotel ready to open, but we agreed she needed that break. She’s been working really long hours.”
    When Jenna remained silent for a full minute—amazing—Cade tipped up the bill of his ball cap. “And you’re bringing me along…why?”
    “So you can meet her and see which of your photos will fit.”
    “Jen, I don’t know…”
    She huffed. “Look, Mr. Cranky, you said you were bored back home. And my friend needs help—not that you’re allowed to say that, remember?” Her knee bounced as they waited for the stoplight to turn. “Where did you disappear to last night, anyway?”
    “Went for a walk.”
    “I’m sorry.” She heaved a sigh. “I know you don’t like large gatherings. I didn’t really think so many would show up.” She glared at him. “But what if Sophie had made it? You’d have missed her.”
    He could explain everything that had happened, but what was the point? Next thing he knew, after stopping at this Sophie person’s place, Jenna would be detouring to check on the dog and making arrangements for him to come live with her.
    By end of day, she’d probably have everything neatly tied up in a bow, but that wasn’t what he wanted. He would deal with the situation himself.
    Queenie didn’t really want that dog, did she? She probably lived in a condo, and the poor guy would be trapped inside all day and half the night. A lousy fate for an animal that had already seen more than his share of hard times.
    So what do you plan to do about it ? Take a dog on your next shoot?
    He wouldn’t have a next shoot, though, would he, if he couldn’t even pick up a camera? Go back to West Texas and ranch? Swing a hammer for Jenna?
    Cade sat up straight and stared out the passenger window, seeing only the black hole where his constant curiosity had lived for so long. He couldn’t live like this, so…okay, scared. Bone-deep scared in a way no cliff had ever been able to make him feel.
    “Here we are,” Jenna said.
    With relief he dragged his attention to an amazing old house painted a soft yellow with dark green shutters. “This is a hotel?”
    “Not yet, but it will be. It was originally a mansion that was turned into a boarding house long ago. It had been empty for fifteen years when Sophie spotted it.” Jenna smiled. “It’s going to be unique—the quaintness of a bed-and-breakfast with full, five-star hotel service. She has a refuge in mind, a place where even the most famous guests can stay and not be bothered, luxury and the feeling of home all in one. I’m not doing her vision justice, but she’ll describe it better. Come with me.”
    Cade followed his sister slowly, taking in everything around him. The grounds were badly overgrown with weeds and vines, but parts of the front had already been cleaned up to reveal mature bushes and trees, and flowers spilled from the wide covered porch like frothy skirts. The trees were enormous, and for a second, he thought he caught a glimpse of water behind the house.
    “Amazing, right? That’s why we have to help her.”
    “We?”
    “Sophie is very closemouthed about her past, but from what I can tell, she’s got no one. And something bad happened on her job—she won’t say what exactly, but I know it had to be bad for her to leave when she was on target for a big promotion. She’s very independent, and she hates asking anyone for help or a favor.” Jenna halted. “She’s put everything she has into this place, and it’s set to open in a month, with rooms already