Branded as Trouble by Lorelei James Read Free Book Online Page A

that much alike. In the last year, Buck had grown a soul patch and shaved his hair to stubble. Good thing the man had a gorgeous skull. He had a gorgeous everything.
    Not as gorgeous as Colt.
    Dammit. She was trying not to obsess about him.

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    Lorelei James
    Buck opened his arms in welcome and she hugged him. “I didn’t expect to see you here, Buck.”
    “Same goes. Normally, it’s not my thing. But I promised Hayden if he helped me fix fence for two weeks without complainin’, we’d bid on the fly-fishin’ weekend. He upheld his end of the deal, so I’m upholding mine.” He set his hand on the slender shoulder of the boy beside him. The kid’s slight build and fair complexion made him look about seven, but his eyes behind thick glasses were wise for such a young age.
    “This is my buddy Hayden. Hayden, this is India Ellison. She’s Skylar’s sister.”
    “Nice to meet you, Hayden.”
    “You own India’s Ink, right?”
    “Yep.”
    “When I’m eighteen, I’m going to get a tattoo just like Buck’s.” He gave Buck a look of absolute adoration.
    India smiled. “It’s never too early to start thinking about the perfect design. I’ll look forward to seeing you in a few years.”
    “Why don’t you grab us each a cup of punch before the band gets started?” Buck suggested. Hayden took off like a shot.
    “What a cutie. He seems like a nice kid.”
    “He’s great.” Buck’s gaze followed the boy across the room.
    “It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. Don’t know if I ever said thank you for givin’ me a dose of tough love.”
    “You’re welcome. I’m just glad to see it’s working out.” A few months back, during a dinner at Sky and Kade’s place, Buck had spent the evening whining. His twin was happily married. His 58
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    Branded As Trouble
    cousin Colt had built a new place and sold the Boars Nest to Cam.
    Poor Buck was left homeless and lonely—a fact he’d bitched about until India snapped. If he was so damn lonely, there were plenty of boys in the Little Buddies program who needed time and attention from an adult male. It’d shocked her a few weeks later when Kade mentioned Buck had taken her advice and signed up for the program.
    “I didn’t expect to see you here either.”
    “Domini’s idea. But I’d hoped to run into Colt. Have you seen him?”
    Buck’s eyes avoided hers. “Uh. Yeah.”
    “Where?”
    “He’s around.”
    When he stayed mum, India demanded, “What’s going on?”
    “You tell me. I figured you and Colt must’ve had a fight or something.”
    “Why?”
    “Because he’s here with a date.”
    A sucker punch couldn’t have hurt worse. “What?”
    Pause. “That motherfucker.” Buck looked at her. “You didn’t know?”
    India shook her head.
    “Just say the word and I’ll kick his ass.” Buck swore and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “Ah, honey, I’m sorry.”
    “No wonder he’s been dodging my phone calls all week.”
    “Stupid bastard.”

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    Lorelei James
    That caused a small smile. For the hundredth time India wished she could fall in love with Buck McKay. He wanted the same thing she did—what Kade and Skylar had—true love, mutual respect, great sex, a real home, sweet kids, the whole shebang. Buck looked out for her, treating her like a little sister, which was the problem.
    It’d feel incestuous if they became more than friends.
    It should feel incestuous with Colt too, since they’d been friends longer, but somehow…it didn’t.
    She pulled back in mind and body. “Thanks.”
    Hayden bounded up. Refusing his gentlemanly offer of his punch, India retreated to the shadows by the bathroom.
    Her eyes continually scanned the crowd for Colt. Finally she caught sight of him on the dance floor. God. He was stunning.
    Absolutely freakin’ stunning. He spun the woman in his arms around twice and kept zipping along the outskirts so she