brides for brothers 03 - cowboy groom by judy christenberry Read Free Book Online Page A

Anna watched Brett for his reaction.
    “I told you Anna rode in with me. She’s here for the day, like me. So of course we’ll all go home together.” He offered her a warm smile and slid his arm around Sylvia’s waist.
    Anna sighed. The woman didn’t know when she had it good.
    “But, lover, I’d planned on us having a long talk while we were driving to the ranch. A private talk.”
    “Don’t worry, Sylvia. Anna’s like a part of the family now. You can talk in front of her. She won’t mind, will you, Anna?”
    Brett might be handsome, brilliant, warm, and caring, but he knew absolutely nothing about women. Not if he thought that line would work. Anna could only nod and say, “Of course not, Miss Sanders. I’ll be busy driving anyway. In fact, you and Brett can sit in the back together.”
    “Hey, wait a minute,” Brett protested. “I wouldn’t be able to walk when we got to the ranch if I rode in that cramped back seat, and you know it, Red!”
    “Don’t call me Red,” Anna protested, forgetting her grand surroundings.
    Brett grinned, that twinkle back in his eye. “I think you’re just trying to win that bet.”
    Before Anna could respond, Sylvia intervened, irritation on her patrician features. “Are you refusing to ride in the back with me?”
    Brett turned his attention back to his fiancée. “Well, see, darlin’, Anna’s car is little. I’d be too uncomfortable in the back seat.”
    Anna watched as suspicion clouded Sylvia’s eyes.
    “What do you mean ‘little’? The smallest Mercedes?”
    Anna choked back laughter. Oh, this was going to be good. She had a feeling she was going to be dining at the Three Palms very soon.
    Brett looked at Anna, as if expecting her to explain, but Anna only smiled and remained silent.
    “Not exactly. See, I was going to bring my truck, but—”
    “Your truck? You expected me to ride all the way to the ranch in your truck?” Sylvia seemed to choke out the words, then shudder as the thought sunk in. She turned to her father. “Daddy, we’ll have to borrow a car. Is the Cadillac okay?”
    “I’ll need it during the week, but I guess I can manage.”
    “Yes, you can!” Sylvia practically jumped down the man’s throat. “Or buy another one, if you have to. I—”
    “But it won’t be back here until six this evening,” Senator Sanders said.
    “This is a nightmare!” Sylvia shrieked.
    “Don’t worry about it, Donald. We can’t wait until six. I’ll have to be up early tomorrow morning to help with the branding,” Brett explained. “I can’t get back late tonight.”
    “Fine!” Sylvia threw up her hands. “We’ll rent a car for the week. Call someone, Daddy.”
    The senator turned toward the phone, but Brett stopped him. “Not necessary, Donald. Unless you’re not coming back with me, Sylvia. Because I’m riding with Anna in her car. Now, you’re welcome to join us, but we won’t be renting a car without a good reason.”
    The quiet authority in Brett’s voice was impressive. Anna found herself wanting to jump to her feet and salute him. But somehow she didn’t think he’d appreciate it. She turned to see how Sylvia was taking his ultimatum.
    Sylvia’s nostrils flared as she breathed deeply. After flashing a look at her father, she suddenly gave Brett a sweet, wistful smile. “Well, of course, lover, if that’s what you want. I was only thinking of our comfort.”
    “That’s what I want. I also want to get on the road, so how about we load your luggage and be on our way?”
    “Of course, Brett dearest.” Honey was dripping from her words. Until Brett turned and headed for the door.
    Then Sylvia turned to shoot daggers at Anna. “I don’t appreciate this situation,” she hissed under her breath before spinning on her heel and waltzing after Brett.
    Anna sat immobilized, too stunned by Sylvia’s reaction to move.
    “Uh, Miss O’Brien, I hope you’ll excuse my daughter.” The senator’s voice carried sincerity.