Bound by Honor by Donna Clayton Read Free Book Online

"Thanks for everything. Taking care of Lily. The endless cups of tea. And all the listening you did. You're a wonderful friend."
    "So are you. Lily's lucky to have someone in the world who loves her so much."
    They shared a warm smile.
    Finally, Jenna called out to Gage, "Ready."
    "If you ever need a sitter," Arlene said, "don't hesitate to call me."
    "I won't." Jenna got into the truck. "Lily and I will come for a visit soon," she promised from the open window.
    Arlene nodded and waved as Gage drove away.
    Immediately, Jenna worried if the breeze was too much for the baby, and she pressed the switch to close the window.
    "You okay?" she asked Gage.
    "I'm fine."
    "You don't seem fine. You seem uptight. Really uptight. Do you know Arlene?"
    "Everyone knows Arlene Johnson. I attended school with her daughter, Hannah."
    Lily stirred behind them, and Jenna twisted around to check on her. The baby sighed in her sleep.
    "Do you not like Arlene or something? Has she done something to you?" Jenna pressed, settling herself in the seat once again.
    "I like her fine." His tone sounded clipped. "Arlene has nothing to do with this."
    "So there is something wrong?"
    For a moment, all Jenna heard was the whine of tires on asphalt and she thought he meant to simply ignore her question. He was well within his rights to do so. She never should have pursued the subject this far.
    Finally, Gage said, "There is nothing wrong, Jenna." His black eyes zeroed in on her. "Let it go."
    The remainder of the ride was made in silence.
     
    Gage's ranch house was larger than Jenna remembered. A gable roof cut through the center of it, wings extending to both the east and west sides. Jenna surmised that the windowed wall that was a focal point from outside must be the main living area. Beautiful in its rustic simplicity, the ranch blended well with the lush and sweeping Montana landscape.
    Once Gage cut the engine, Jenna got out of the truck and immediately took Lily from the car seat. The baby opened sleepy eyes and yawned.
    "Are you awake?" Jenna said softly.
    Lily offered a sleepy grin, and Jenna's heart swelled with warmth.
    "You're such a good girl."
    "Are you coming?" Gage called from the porch. "I'll give you a quick tour before I head out to the stable."
    Jenna was surprised to see that he'd already plucked Lily's diaper bag and suitcase from the back of the truck and was unlocking the front door. She hitched Lily onto her hip and hurried around the truck.
    As she'd guessed, the front door opened into a large living area. Both the front and the back of the room featured glass walls that revealed spectacular north and south views of the ranch. One end was obviously used as a media center, complete with stereo and television. At the other end were plenty of book-filled shelves and several comfy chairs. A large stone fireplace in the center of the room separated the areas. Jenna could easily imagine snuggling near a blazing fire while she read a cozy mystery during one of those awesome Montana snowstorms. But she'd never experience that kind of indulgence because she didn't expect to live in Gage's home that long. If her plans unfolded properly, she and Lily would be in her apartment in Rock Springs by fall.
    "Make yourself at home while you're here," he said. "I have cable TV, and quite a few DVDs to choose from in the cabinet there. And lots of CDs, as well. I guess you can see I like to read. You're welcome to entertain yourself."
    Although his small speech was convivial, the underlying tightness in his tone couldn't be missed.
    "Thanks," Jenna murmured. "But between taking care of Lily and keeping up with my work, I doubt I'll have time for much entertainment."
    "You're planning to work?"
    "Of course. I can't let my business falter."
    Lily grabbed a fistful of Jenna's hair and tried to stuff it into her mouth. Jenna said, "Don't, honey. Here. This is better." She offered the baby the pacifier that was clipped to her pink bib.
    "Your business?" Gage