Once a Cowboy by Linda Warren Read Free Book Online

from ever knowing—if it wasn’t true.”
    “How noble of you.”
    “I realize the lady has been grieving for a long time and that she’s grasping at straws, but there is something very similar about all the photos she showed me.”
    “Get off my ranch, Ms. Donovan. I don’t want to hear any more of this nonsense.”
    She stood, knowing this conversation was over. He was getting angry.
    “And I want my damn comb back.”
    She reached into her back pocket and pulled it out. “The lab couldn’t get a clear DNA. They would need your blood or saliva.” She held up a hand as he made to speak. “If you’re curious, here’s my card.” She fished it out of her front pocket. “Just call me.”
    “I’m not remotely curious. I know exactly who my parents are. My father was in Germany when I was born, but my aunt was with my mother and took care of us until we flew to Germany to be with my dad. No mystery at all. You have the wrong man.”
    She chewed on the inside of her lip. “The resemblance between you and the Braxtons is too big a coincidence to ignore.” She paused. “The Braxtons have back hair and blue eyes—just like you.”
    “You have the wrong man, Ms. Donovan,” he repeated, not even blinking.
    She held his gaze. “Prove it.”
    He sucked in a breath at her audacity. “I know who my parents are. Believe me, there were times when I wished they weren’t, as all kids do, but I’m stuck with them. My father had black hair and blue eyes. It’s not indigenous to one family.”
    “A simple little test, Mr. Hayes, could ease Mrs. Braxton’s mind. After all these years she’s still desperate to find her son. I just want to help her, and hopefully, it won’t be at your expense.”
    “I see no need for a test. I’m not her son.”
    “If you change your mind, you have my card.” Sheheaded for her car, then swung back. “I’m sorry about the comb.”
    He didn’t answer and she made her way back to the city. She didn’t call Mrs. Braxton. She decided to give Brodie some time. It was a very complicated situation and Alex knew she was being pulled more and more into it.
    She couldn’t shake that feeling growing inside her—that Brodie was wrong.
     
    B RODIE TOSSED AND TURNED , unable to get Alex Donovan out of his mind. An investigator—that was the last thing he’d expected. But he knew from the start that she wasn’t a girl out for a good time. She was out to destroy his life.
    Not her exactly, but her client. And just because he had black hair and blue eyes! He knew who he was. There were no doubts about that. He sat up in bed as something occurred to him. Alex had said the woman was desperate. What if Mrs. Braxton tried to contact his mother? She’d found him so there would be no problem in finding his mother. In Claudia’s fragile health that could be disastrous.
    He had to make sure that never happened.
    In the morning he drove into Dallas to find Alex Donovan. If a simple test would keep Mrs. Braxton away from his mother, then he’d do it. He didn’t want someone continually hounding his mother or him.
    He found the office without a problem. It was a small building that housed several businesses. Donovan Investigations was on the bottom floor and the door was open. Workmen were going in and out. He was about to leave when he saw her talking to one of the guys.
    He watched her for a moment. She talked with her hands and her face was animated. He felt a hitch in his throat. From the first moment he set eyes on her, he knew she was different. His instincts were right on target. He just wished his heart didn’t do a dog paddle when he looked at her.
    Surprise filtered across her face when she noticed him.
    “Mr. Hayes.” She walked to him, her hips moving with an easy tantalizing rhythm.
    “I’ve decided to take the test.” He came right to the point, ignoring that sparkle in her eyes.
    “Oh. Sure. I’ll set it up and I’ll get a card with the address.” She hurried into an