Back to Texas by Amanda Renee Read Free Book Online Page B

Biscuit. Who’d want to sit and eat with strangers? She still wasn’t used to it, but tonight she loved how the other guests asked Adam questions because she had no clue where to begin without it coming across as an inquisition.
    “What brings you in our direction?” Mazie asked. “Katy’s not exactly next door.”
    Adam set his fork on the side of his plate and wiped his mouth with his napkin. “I had a bit of a falling out with my family, and until we can work through it, I thought I’d drive cross-country and take in the sites. I ended up here when I saw the Harvest Festival sign. I had planned only to stay for the weekend, but I might hang around a little longer. If my sister, Lizzy, can smooth things over for me, I’m close enough to get back within a few hours.
    “Lizzy’s your sister.” Bridgett felt her cheeks heat. “I’m sorry. I accidentally overheard your conversation earlier.”
    “It’s okay,” Adam shrugged. “Lizzy’s the family mediator and I have no idea which way it will go. Since I’m here, do you think anyone would be willing to hire a stranger?”
    Bridgett’s pulse increased. Not only did Adam plan to stay past the weekend, but a job meant longer.
That meant she’d have the chance to get to know him better. But what if he decided to stay forever? She could be stuck in this Podunk town if she fell for him. On their way home from the ranch, she’d permitted herself the fantasy of leaving Ramblewood with Adam and visiting the ridiculous tourist attractions he had told her about. Crazy? Absolutely. But for a second, it was a possibility. Tucking her head closer to her chest, Bridgett tried to forget the silly notion and focused on her crepes.
    Someone bumped her foot and she immediately looked at Mazie, who was passing a dish to Mrs. Phelps. When it happened once more, her eyes met Adam’s and his smile told Bridgett he’d caught her thinking about him. Heat rose to her cheeks again.
Oh, please.
She’d rather die than turn into one of those blushing females.
    “What kind of work do you do?” Mazie asked, saving Bridgett from further embarrassment.
    “My parents own a ranch, and I’m familiar with most aspects of farming and livestock.”
    “My sister’s an equine vet,” Mazie said. “I can have her ask around for you.”
    “Lexi,” Adam acknowledged. “I met her and her husband at Bridle Dance.”
    “They’re usually hiring.” Bridgett added. She knew Mazie couldn’t let Adam remain at the Bed & Biscuit much longer seeing as it was booked for the entire fall season. A job at Bridle Dance meant he’d have a bed in the bunkhouses. “I’ll see what I can find out.”
    “That would be great,” Adam enthused. “Thank you.”
    Bridgett couldn’t help feeling excited. It wasn’t as if she already had a job waiting for her in another town, after all. She could continue to look while spending time with Adam. It was amazing how much things could change in a day. This morning she’d craved peace and normalcy and by nightfall, she had something much better. Excitement of the sexy male persuasion.
    * * *
    B RIDGETT HAD ALREADY left for work by the time Adam woke the following morning. Braving his voice mail, he switched on his phone. Thirty-six messages and none from his sister. He deleted most of them and called his accountant to arrange for a large anonymous donation to Dance of Hope.
    A little before noon, Bridgett knocked on his door. Maggie had demanded she take the rest of the weekend off. Apparently, she hadn’t had a day off in almost a month.
    “Since I’m free, would you like to go to the festival with me?” Bridgett asked.
    “I’d love to.”
    “Give me a few to change and I’ll meet you downstairs.”
    Adam closed the door and began to gather the notes he had scattered on the bed. He’d taken a quick trip to the stationery store earlier for some notebooks and pens. He’d had nothing on him when he’d arrived at Lizzy’s. He’d left the majority of