Jodi's Journey by Rita Hestand Read Free Book Online Page A

should feel better about the
men accepting her choice, but she didn't. Heck, he wasn't her
choice either. He was all there was!

    CHAPTER FIVE

    Jodi tasted dust even though she used her
bandana all the time. The sun was bright, but there was still a
chill in the air. She kept her hat on to shade her eyes. Texas was
heaven in the spring with the trees budding, the birds singing, and
the brooks running clear. She loved how the wildflowers grew upon
the prairies, and how the oak and pine blended to paint a
picture.
    The wagon was in good shape, as she had
remembered to grease the axles. She would rather have been riding
her horse than pulling the wagon. Still, someone had to do it, and
the wagon needed to be up front.
    She heard Hunt whistling softly as they rode.
Every now and then he'd shoot her a sign that the way ahead was
trouble, or that they would turn the herd this way or that. She
understood his signs without asking. It seemed instinct took over.
She'd worked the herds many times with Clem and was familiar with
most hand gestures.
    The Texas prairie was green and wet with
rivers and streams. There was all manner of vegetation about. Wild
game was plentiful. She even had an occasion to pick berries along
the way. They'd make a swell pie one evening. The men didn't know
what a treat was until they tasted her pies. She smiled. That was
something even Hunter Johnson couldn't do.
    By nightfall, Jodi's nerves were tensed for
another awkward conversation with her new “trail boss”.
    Perhaps if she knew him better, knew
something about him, it might be easier to get along. Despite the
fact that she didn't like him personally, he was the trail
boss.
    She fixed the beans and bacon and added some
potatoes. She spiced it with hot chili peppers. She hadn't learned
to cook as well as her ma, but she could do many things with a pot
of beans.
    Concho had taken her point when she left the
herd to start the next meal. As they bedded the cattle down for the
night, Hunt appointed Concho and Josh and Dutch to watch the herd
while the others ate. Then, they'd relieve Sam, Brady, and
Jose.
    The other drovers rode into camp tired,
dusty, and hungry. They all washed in the bowl Jodi set up for
them, after which they lined up for their meal. Each cowboy ate at
least two helpings of her food and Jodi felt proud that she had
pleased them. They didn't talk much, but Jodi knew they were all
eyeing the new boss with curiosity. It would take a few days for
everyone to loosen up in camp, especially since Hunt had joined the
drive.
    Hunt sat alone against a Willow eating and
watching the herd in the distance. His eyes seemed to scan the
horizon and beyond. Although his mind seemed constantly on the
cattle, he did notice nature too. A mockingbird sang his lonely
song at the top of a Cottonwood along the riverbanks where they
managed some shade and comfort. Frogs croaked in the distance,
creating a music all their own. Hunt seemed quite content with
nature itself, and yet instantly alert to anything out of
kilter.
    His quiet, open charm seemed to mask the
private man he was. Liking him was an intriguing and unsettling
thought. Thank God day dreams were always attacked by common sense.
She had to remember who he was…
    Jodi couldn't help but notice him, though. He
was, by far, the best-looking man around, and uncommonly
interesting to talk to. He instinctively knew what to do about most
anything. Herding cattle was second nature to him. She hated
admitting that she was attracted to her new boss. Hated it because
she knew what he was—a coward. If she didn't keep reminding
herself, she might forget.
    Yet, he'd fought Josh and won, also winning
the respect of the men in one afternoon. How could that be? Her men
had thought the same of him when they started. What had changed
their minds? The fight alone, or was there something about this
trail boss that seemed a little different? She couldn't put her
finger on it. His mystery weaved a strange web.
    As