Honey Kisses (Romance on the Ranch Series #2) by Verna Clay Read Free Book Online Page A

dieting. Might as well make it
worthwhile. What would you like, Ann?"
    Ann eyed the apple strudel. "I'm a sucker
for anything with apples."
    The customer in front of them moved on and Sarah
ordered their pastries. "You want a fancy or regular coffee?"
    "Just regular, and please, let me
pay."
    "No way, girlfriend, I invited you."
Sarah ordered a regular coffee and a melted chocolate chip caramel café for
herself.
    Ann spotted a vacated table in the busy coffee
shop. "You want me to grab that table."
    "Yes. Put our claim on it and I'll bring
our order."
    After settling into their seats with a view of Main
Street's two-lane traffic and cars parked at angles to the sidewalk, Ann opened
little packets of hazelnut creamer and poured them into her coffee. Sarah sank
her teeth into her bear claw, closed her eyes, and moaned.
    Ann grinned at her friend and followed suit with
her strudel. "Delicious," she mumbled. Feeling lighthearted and happy
to be spending time with Sarah, she said, "Thanks for inviting me."
    Sarah sipped her coffee and grinned. "We
need to do this more often. It's fun to chill."
    Ann nodded because her mouth was too full to
reply.
    Between bites, Sarah asked, "Did Jacob or
Julie call you yet about leaving for Alaska next Sunday?"
    Ann dusted crumbs off her lap. "Yes, Jacob
said Sage hired one of Jackson's ranch hands to work at the Lazy M until they
get back. It's all happening so fast. I'm going to miss them, but I know how
much they're looking forward to spending the summer with Maude and Clyde."
    "I called to let Miles know their house is
available and he's arriving a week later. He said he's been working like a
madman trying to make deadlines and he's looking forward to the change of
scenery."
    Ann said shyly, "If I give you the book I
just bought, would you ask him to autograph it for me?"
    "Of course, but hopefully you'll be able to
ask him yourself."
    "I don't know. He's kind of intimidating.
I'd probably lose my courage."
    "I understand where you're coming from. But
since I've known him for years, I see a side of him others don't." She
looked sad. "He lost the use of his legs in a car accident when he was a
teenager. From what I've gleaned, I think he was very athletic and in line for a
football scholarship. I met his sister once and she privately told me that he
wouldn't leave the house for a couple of years after the accident. Even though
he's done well for himself, sometimes I sense his bitterness. But on a happier
note, I think every book he's written has made the New York Times Best Seller
List. His last two novels were made into movies and I understand the one he's
working on now is also going to the big screen."
    "How did you meet him?"
    "He's friends with Charles and Sissy Johansen.
They own Imaginings Publishing. Although they only publish Romance novels, the
industry is well connected—seems somebody knows somebody, who knows somebody,
who knows…somebody," she laughed. "Anyway, I met him at a party at the
Johansens. I sat next to him during dinner and I guess I had stars in my eyes because
of all the famous authors. In his no nonsense manner he leaned over, raised an
eyebrow, and said, 'They put their pants on one leg at a time.' Of course, I
was embarrassed at being so transparent, but when I thought about what he'd
said, I quickly got over being awe struck. After that, he called to ask my
advice on a romance scene he was writing and we've kept in touch."
    "I don't think I've read anything about his
family. Is he married?"
    "Nope. Although, I think he came close
once. He mentioned something in passing but didn't elaborate. Are you
interested, Ann?"
    Ann felt herself blush. "Goodness, no.
Believe me; I don't want to get involved with a man ever again." Images of
Jackson floated into her mind's eye: laughing, riding his horse, sitting behind
his computer, pouring a cup of coffee.
    Sarah said, "Hey, there's Dixie. Now you
can meet her. Excuse me a sec." She walked to the counter and Ann heard
her