One Night Rodeo by Lorelei James Read Free Book Online Page A

told…who the hell knows all the people he’s told. Breck. Who’s probably told everyone on the damn circuit. Your mom.” She looked at him. “Who all has your mom told?”
    “How the hell would I know?”
    Kyle’s cell phone rang and they both jumped. “Speak of the devil. Hey, Mom. We’re just starting the descent into Cheyenne.”
    “I’ve been trying to call you for the last four hours.”
    “What’s up?”
    When his mom didn’t answer right away, he knew. He closed his eyes. “When?”
    “About twelve hours ago. Right after I told him you were on your way to see him.” She sniffled. “Evidently his death came as a shock even to the staff. Marshall didn’t have anyone listed as next of kin, but one of the nurses after shift change had my number and she called me. I just got off the phone with his lawyer. He’s set up a meeting tomorrow morning at nine.”
    Kyle didn’t know what he was supposed to feel in response to this news. He’d been afraid to meet the man and now he would never have the chance. The resentment he’d tamped down earlier reared its ugly head again.
    “Are you staying with me and Rick tonight? Because I made up the guest room.”
    “No.” He wouldn’t give in to her guilt. “What’s the lawyer’s name?”
    “Bill Ruttan. His office is downtown. Do you need directions?”
    “I’ll look up the address when I get to the motel. Are you gonna be there tomorrow?”
    “No. It’s just supposed to be you.” She hesitated. “And your wife, if you want.”
    “Jesus, Mom, you told the lawyer I was married?”
    Celia groaned.
    “I assumed it was all right.”
    He bit off, “Do me a favor. Don’t assume anything. Don’t talk to anyone about any of this, okay? My marriage, whatever the hell this inheritance is supposed to be about. You think you can handle that?”
    “Kyle Dean Gilchrist. Stop being an ass.”
    “Funny, that’s what my wife says to me too. I’ll call you when we’re done at the attorney’s.” He hung up, mired in that place between regret and anger. Wondering what the fuck happened next.
    “Kyle? What’s going on?”
    “Marshall died. So there’s no need for us to rush to the VA.”
    She covered his hand with hers. “I’m sorry.”
    “Yeah, me too. Pick a hotel you wanna stay at tonight.”
    Celia didn’t speak until the truck stopped. “How’s this place?”
    Kyle squinted at the sign. Fairfield Inn. “This’ll work.”
    As they entered, the front desk clerk was nauseatingly chipper. “Good afternoon. Welcome to the Fairfield Inn. My name is Trudy. How may I assist you today?”
    “We need a couple of rooms.”
    Celia tapped his shoulder. “Why are you getting us separate rooms?”
    “Because I’m in a lousy mood and I want to be alone.”
    Her mouth grazed his ear. “Tough shit. You’re stuck with me.” She gave the clerk a cheeky smile. “Sorry. Temporary marital dispute. One room.”
    Marital dispute? Was she serious? She was going to acknowledge their marriage…now?
    “King-size bed or two queens?”
    A challenge floated between them. Kyle said, “Two queens.”
    Celia dropped her gaze.
    If Kyle hadn’t known better, he’d have said she was disappointed.
    Fuck. That was the last thing he needed to worry about: mixed signals from the woman who claimed she didn’t want to be his wife.
    After they were settled in their room, Celia said, “I need a shower. Food. And sleep. Food first?”
    “Just as long as it’s steak.”
    “Deal.”
    They opted for Golden Corral. Hitting the buffet line at different times limited their conversation, which suited Kyle fine. Although Celia kept sending him strange looks.
    He dropped her off at the hotel. “While you’re showering I’ll track down the lawyer’s office.” And a liquor store.
    When he returned, an hour later, Celia sauntered out of the bathroom in a skimpy camisole that matched the silvery color of her eyes and a pair of flannel pajama bottoms that hugged her ass.
    Her