Cowgirl Up and Ride by Lorelei James Read Free Book Online Page B

a Kleenex. “My life didn’t ‘start’ when I went to school in Denver.
    My life has always been right here. So stop feeling guilty or I’ll gorge on all the brownies to comfort myself.” AJ kissed her crinkled brow. “ Stuck . As if. Glad I still have you to take care of.”
    “I know. I miss your daddy every day too.”
    Jenn’s minivan zipped up the driveway.
    “I imagine you’ll be off now?”
    “I promised Liza I’d swing by and look at a couple of wedding things.” A white lie.
    Better than the truth of Cord McKay having his wicked way with her.
    Her eight-year-old niece, Krista, shuffled in followed by her six-year-old nephew, Mason, and four-year-old Ariel. They plopped on the couch without a word—which was not normal.
    “Guys? Why so glum?”
    “Because I left Alan,” Jenn said from the doorway.
    AJ glanced up. Jenn’s face resembled a puffer-fish. Her eyes were bloodshot from crying.
    “Why don’t you guys eat the ice cream bars I brought outside while I talk to Grandma and Aunt Amy Jo.”
    The kids escaped out the porch door.
    “You left Alan?”
    “It’s not like he hasn’t left us first.” Jenn snagged a tissue and dabbed her eyes. “I’m tired of him being on the road all the time. Alan told me if a dispatch position opened up www.samhainpublishing.com 47

    Lorelei James
    he’d take it. The money is better and he’d be home every night. Guess what? I found out he turned one down. Last year. He didn’t even talk to me about it.”
    “I’m so sorry.”
    “Me too. So is it okay if the kids and I stay here for awhile, Mama?”
    “Absolutely, you know this is your home.”
    “Thanks.” Jenn said to AJ, “Will you help me unload some of the stuff from the van?”
    “Sure.” AJ looked at her mother. “Will you be okay for a bit?”
    “I’m fine. Send in my babies with some of that ice cream. We’ll snuggle up and have some Disney therapy.”
    Once they were outside, Jenn collapsed against AJ and sobbed.
    AJ wanted to cry along with her, but she’d have to be the strong one in the family.
    Again. She should be used to it by now.
    Jenn pushed back and wiped her face. “Sorry.”
    “Nothing to be sorry about.” AJ unloaded suitcases and boxes. “Where is everybody gonna sleep?”
    “I thought I’d take Mama and Daddy’s room since she’s not sleeping in there. I’ll put Krista and Ariel upstairs next to you, and Mason in the spare room, okay?”
    “That’s fine.” They carried everything into the house.
    “I need a drink.” Jenn opened the liquor cabinet. “Wanna get drunk with me? I can give you all the reasons why you shouldn’t ever get married.”
    AJ glanced at the clock. “Look, sis, I have something I need to do tonight. It’ll take an hour, hour and a half tops.”
    “You’re leaving? But…” Jenn’s eyes filled with tears.
    “I’ll be back as soon as I can. I promise. Then we can stay up and talk as late as you want.”
    She nodded and knocked back a slug of Jim Beam.
    AJ grabbed her purse and was out the door.

    48
    www.samhainpublishing.com

    Cowgirl Up and Ride
    Took ten minutes to reach Cord McKay’s place.
    AJ parked in front of the big house and stayed in the car, telling herself she was admiring the stunning structure, but in truth, she was scared. How would Cord react when she told him she couldn’t stick around tonight? After she’d bailed last night? She couldn’t stand it if she’d waited all this time only to have him change his mind because their damn schedules didn’t mesh.
    After she knocked on the screen door, he yelled, “It’s open.”
    She hesitated in the foyer. “Cord?”
    He poked his head out and pointed to the receiver next to his ear and gave her the five-minute sign.
    AJ wandered into the kitchen. She’d been in this gorgeous house many times, but never when Ky wasn’t underfoot. The place was huge and she knew from listening to Keely that Cord’s ex-wife had demanded he build her a brand new log house with