Once and Always (Women of Character) by Grace Brannigan Read Free Book Online Page A

protected."
    "Under the lease agreement,
you'll retain full rights to your property. The money you receive can be put
aside for taxes and whatever else you might need. If you need investment
advice, I can steer you in the direction of a good financial adviser. But if
you have concerns other than the ones I've addressed, now is the time to say
so."
    "No, just what we talked
about, and of course Danny."
    "I'm sure Tyler understands
your wanting to look out for Danny's welfare."
    "Yes, we talked about it. I'm
okay with the contract now. At first, it just seemed so final."
    Randal looked at Tyler.
"Tyler?"
    "I'm ready to sign."
    "Then if you're in agreement,
you can both do so."
    Tyler perused the papers, signed
them and slid his copy across the desk toward Anna. Very carefully, she read
the papers. She initialed the first sheet as Tyler had done and penned her full
name on the last page's signature line. Carefully, she placed her pen on the
polished tabletop and looked at Tyler.
    "We're in business," he
said, smiling at her.
    Anna nodded in acknowledgement,
pressing her palms into her lap under the table. As she stood, the men rose
also and she reached out to shake hands with Randal. "Thanks for your
time."
    "I'm always here, Anna, if
you need me." His glance encompassed them both. "I look forward to
hearing wonderful news about the Double B. I'll have my secretary make each of
you copies for your files."
    "Thank you, Judge,"
Tyler said. Once they each had their copies he escorted her into the outer
office, his hand burning through the material at her shoulder as he touched her
briefly. Anna kept her eyes straight ahead, dismayed by her reaction to his
closeness.
    Outside in the hallway, the quiet
of the lawyer's office was left behind. Anna rolled her papers, keeping her
gaze away from Tyler as she hid her trembling hands. How could his proximity
give rise to so much reckless wanting? Reckless, because she'd surely gotten
over him a long time ago. It had to be a fluke, a residue of the old
attraction. She had to figure out how to squash it for her own piece of mind.
    "Let's get out of here."
    The rate of Anna's heart slowed.
He sounded very matter-of-fact and she realized she was making a fuss out of
nothing. Steadying herself, clutching her copy of the lease, she looked at him.
"Yes."
    Just then someone jostled her and
she turned. A man apologized, and Anna was once more back in the real world as
she noticed the man's glance linger on her face. Feeling stiff, she
nevertheless managed a smile as he muttered an apology, and then he walked away
down the corridor.
    As if he knew about the mixed
feelings in her head, Tyler grabbed her hand and tucked it carefully in his
own, pulling her close to his side. "How about lunch before we go
back?" he asked quietly.
    She stared at him, her mind beginning to race and knew her
hand jerked in his. She said the first thing that came into her head. "Somewhere
quiet?" She swallowed with difficulty. "Maybe you'll tell me how you
know Judge France." There was no break in Tyler's stride, but Anna sensed
something different about him, and it distracted her from her own fears and
wanting to return immediately to the ranch. Apparently, she didn't know
everything there was to know about him, not if the tension she now felt was any
indication. What secrets could he be hiding?

Chapter Three
    Tyler eased the car through
the late morning traffic, his mind going over the meeting they'd just left.
He'd been thrown a curve to find himself once more in Judge France's presence.
He hadn't seen the Judge since he was a kid and in trouble with the law.
    Judge France had been one of
several people who had stepped in and helped him out. The entire town probably
knew his past history, and he'd always thought Annie was aware of it, but she'd
never mentioned it. He hadn't brought it up, not when she'd looked at him years
ago like he was ten feet tall. He hadn't wanted to do anything to hurt or
disillusion her. He'd