brides for brothers 04 - cowboy surrender by judy christenberry Read Free Book Online

and B.J. reluctantly allowed Jake to carry him the short distance to her house. The sight of her little boy wrapped in Jake’s strong arms unexpectedly moved her. Perhaps it was because of all the stress of the evening, the assault on her senses.
    Whatever the reason, her eyes filled with unshed tears as she watched Jake hold Toby against his broad chest. Her child would never know a father’s touch, a father’s guidance, as he grew to manhood.
    She squared her shoulders. It didn’t matter. He would be loved.
    “His bedroom is the last one,” she whispered as she held open the door for Jake. Toby’s bed was ready. She’d turned down the covers before they’d left.
    After Jake laid him on the bed, she murmured her thanks, hoping Jake would leave, and tucked the covers around Toby, gently touching his flushed cheek as he lay sleeping. When she straightened and turned around, she discovered Jake leaning against the door frame, watching her.
    He stood back to allow her to precede him, then followed her down the hall to the front door.
    “Toby’s a lucky boy,” he said softly as she stopped.
    “What do you mean?”
    “His mom loves him very much.”
    “And yours didn’t love you?”
    His brows arched, as if he were surprised by her response. “Of course she did, but she died.”
    “How old were you when she died?”
    “Eight.”
    “Toby’s father died when he was one. So he’s only had one parent—and who knows what the future holds?”
    “That’s kind of morbid.”
    “No, realistic.”
    “I was trying to pay you a compliment, B.J.,” he said with exasperation.
    She shrugged her shoulders and looked away. The tenderness in his voice was too much to bear after the events of the night. “Sorry. It’s been a difficult evening.”
    “I appreciate what you did for Red.”
    “I didn’t do anything for Red. I was trying to help Mildred. She deserves to be happy.”
    “Doesn’t everyone?”
    Sighing, B.J. gestured to the door. “It’s late, Jake. Too late for a philosophical discussion.”
    “Okay. I can take a hint.” He reached out toward her, but she jerked back. “I was only going to touch your cheek, B.J., not retaliate.” His lips curved in a teasing grin.
    “I’ve already apologized,” she returned abruptly.
    “But not explained.” Something in her expression must’ve warned him to save his breath. He held up his hands in surrender and backed out the door. “Okay. I won’t mention it again. Good night… partner.”
    She ground her teeth as she watched his long stride cover the distance between their homes. No, she hadn’t explained—and she wouldn’t. But she intended to make sure she never got that close to Jake Randall again.
    J AKE WAS FEELING pretty pleased with himself as he walked back to his house. He’d foiled the plans of the females of the house. Ceci was as wrong for him as all the other women they’d pushed forward. But thanks to B.J.’s and his fast thinking, he hadn’t had to spend the evening avoiding Ceci.
    As an extra bonus, he’d shared some interesting moments with B.J. She was sexy as hell—which he’d known the first moment he’d met her. But he’d never been this close to her before. Or tasted those soft lips.
    With a rueful laugh, he rubbed his chin. He’d never paid such a price for a kiss before, either. The memory of the emotions that filled him when he’d held her in his arms chased away his amusement.
    It was just as well she’d hit him. It was a good warning to keep in mind. He should keep his emotional distance from B.J. But he might forget that fact if he spent much more time kissing B. J. Anderson.
    As he stepped up on the back porch, the door opened and Red and Mildred emerged. The only light on the back porch spilled out from the house, but it was enough for Jake to see the bemused expressions of happiness on the couple’s faces.
    “I’m gonna walk Mildred home,” Red said, his gaze meeting Jake’s only briefly. The man could