Escaping Love by Debra Smith Read Free Book Online Page A

in the trash. To this day she still thinks they were from one of the seasonal hands on the ranch.”
    “You wouldn’t break her heart like that , would you?”
    “Try me.”
    “Good Lord, woman, you sure are mean.”

Chapter Six
     
     
    Alex had to admit sitting around a huge fireplace, drinking homemade apple cider, and laughing at baby pictures of a gangly, awkward Clint took first place for one of the best nights of her life.
    Clara’s smile lit up the room as she handed an other compromising picture to Alex for her viewing pleasure.
    Clint whined from across the room, “Not that one. I thought I burned the final copy last time I came home. How the heck do they keep showing up?”
    Alex gazed to the innocent-looking redhead and would put money on the fact she had something to do with it. Confirming her suspicion, Jesse gave her a subtle wink. The girl was growing on her. She envied the easy relationship between the two.
    “It must have been fun to grow up on the ranch together.”
    “It was .” Jesse beamed. “Even though we aren’t blood, it didn’t stop us from acting like it.”
    Her full attention fell to the picture. Holy chicken legs, Batman . She covered her mouth to contain the escaping laughter. The photo captured an awkward, skinny, pre-teen Clint with and oversized cowboy hat on his head. That wasn’t the funny part. The Stetson pushed his ears out, rivaling Dumbo in comparison. Then on top of that, he sported a goofy grin with a missing tooth. A sturdy-looking horse stood beside him with bits of hay sticking out of its muzzle.
    She nodded to Jesse . “Do you have any more of these?”
    “I sure do.”
    “Good, I would like to keep this one.”
    “Sure , help yourself.”
    Yep, they were going be great friends. Even if everything with her family went south and the queen couldn’t help her. She would keep in contact with Clint’s family. Maybe she could send them money or something to thank them for letting her stay with them. No, they would never accept it. She needed to help them in a different way, but how?
    “ Momma, I’m gonna go stay with some friends this weekend.”
    Clara’s gaze darted to Clint , and he dipped his chin ever so slightly. “Okay, I should be able to do your chores and mine without any problem since Clint’s home.”
    “I don’t know. Old Gus doesn’t like him. He may get trampled again.”
    “She does have a point. I do like my bits right where they are,” Clint hedged.
    “I can do it.” As soon as the words were out, Alex regretted it. They all looked at her with equal amounts of skepticism and surprise.
    Clint ran his hand through his hair, making errant strands stick up in an annoying but charming sort of way.
    “I don’t know, darlin’. Gus is a bit ornery.”
    She shrugged . “It’s not like he’s gonna try and kill me. Right?”
    The group exchanged glances.
    “Right?” she pushed.
    “Well, I’m just not sure.”
    “Listen, I have a way with animals. I’m sure I can handle it for the next few days. It’s the least I can do.”
    “Yeah, come on , bro. She at least deserves a chance.”
    “As entertaining as this conversation is, I must retire for the night. Miss Jesse, do you think I could catch a ride into town with you tomorrow?” Kane waited.
    Alex had forgotten he was even in the room. He seemed to fade into the shadows cast by the firelight. She worried for the girl, but with Jesse being human, he wouldn’t risk breaking the one law no one could escape death for breaking. Never let a human know what you are.
    “Sure. I’d be happy to.” Jesse winked at Clint , making him scowl at Kane.
    “Thank you.” He rose and headed in the direction of one of the spare bedrooms.
    Clint spoke immediately after the door shut. “No.”
    Jesse stuck out her tongue. “When have I ever listened to you? Besides it’s not like anything is going to happen.”
    A feeling of unease settled in Alex’s chest like fog drifting in on a coastal