Relentless by Bobbi Smith Read Free Book Online Page B

you say his name was?”
    “His name is Rick Washburn and he is so handsome.”
    “Have you gotten to know him very well?”
    “We’ve only had the chance to talk a few times, but tonight may just be the night.”
    Francie’s mother appeared in the doorway then. “Ladies, it’s time to leave. Your fathers are waiting for you in the parlor.” She smiled warmly at Dusty. “You both look absolutely beautiful, and, Dusty, I love how you fixed your hair.”
    Coming from Mrs. Randolph, the compliment was high praise. “Thank you, but I didn’t do it. Francie did.”
    “Well, it looks very pretty.” Marlene Randolph gave them each a quick kiss on the cheek and ushered them from the room to meet their fathers. “Now, remember. You’re to behave like perfect ladies tonight.”
    Both girls agreed demurely as she led them into the parlor.
    “Well, gentlemen, we’re ready to go,” Mrs. Randolph announced.
    Charley and Fred Randolph had been deep in conversation, and they looked up as the women came into the room.
    The sight of Dusty all dressed up, and looking so much like her mother, stunned Charley. He hurt deep inside as he realized how much he still missed his wife. He knew he always would. Somehow, he managed to keep his pain hidden from his daughter as he gave her an approving smile. “You look lovely.”
    “Do you really think so?” Dusty asked, smoothing her skirt a bit self-consciously.
    “Absolutely,” he assured her.
    “We’ve got us some fine-looking women,” Fred remarked, going to kiss his wife.
    “Yes, we do.”
    “I think we’re going to have our hands full making sure the boys behave themselves around our girls tonight,” Fred said as he escorted his wife and daughter from the house.
    Charley and Dusty followed them as they headed for the town hall where the dance was being held.
    The hall was crowded and the musicians were just starting up a new tune as they went in.
    “I’m claiming you for your first dance, otherwise I may not get the chance,” Charley told Dusty as he guided her directly out onto the dance floor.
    She was laughing as he squired her about.
    Francie stood with her parents at the side of the room, watching them.
    “Well, who wants to dance with me first?” Fred asked, looking between his two lovely ladies.
    “I do, Papa,” Francie quickly answered. “I can’t let Dusty have all the fun.”
    They joined the others on the dance floor, leaving Marlene smiling in delight at their father/ daughter dance.
    When the tune ended, the girls started off to visit with some of their friends, while Fred claimed his wife for the next dance.
    Dusty and Francie hadn’t gone far when two hands from a local ranch, Jack Bryan and Steve Wilson, caught up with them.
    “Would you ladies like to dance?” they invited.
    “We’d love to!” Francie answered for them both.
    Never known for her shyness, she took Jack’s arm without hesitation and went with him to join the other couples on the dance floor while Steve claimed Dusty.
    “Well, look who’s all dressed up tonight,” Madeline Jones, the blonde and beautiful daughter of the local doctor, said cattily to Caroline O’Hara, one of the other girls from town.
    “How did you even recognize her?” Caroline giggled, being equally hateful about Dusty’s appearance. She was Madeline’s closest friend and always agreed with everything she said.
    “I know. Why, she almost looks like a girl tonight—instead of a boy. I wonder how long it took her to fix herself up this way?”
    “It must have taken hours—or maybe days—”
    They shared a sneering look as they watchedDusty dancing. They were both jealous that Jack and Steve had chosen to dance with other girls.
    Charley stood at the side of the room for a while, watching Dusty. He kept his expression carefully guarded, but deep within, his pain grew. He’d hardly attended any social functions since his wife’s death, and he found himself regretting now that he’d come