Song of the West by Nora Roberts Read Free Book Online Page B

ma’am.” His answer was complacent, as though the kiss had been no more than that, a traditional touching of lips.
    â€œTesting?” she repeated, running an agitated hand through her hair. “Testing what?”
    â€œI’ve always wanted to kiss a teacher.” Grinning, he gave her a friendly pat on the cheek. “I think there’re some holes in your education.”
    â€œI’ll show you holes, you conceited, high-handed—” her mind searched for something appropriately derogatory and settled on a generality “—
man.
If I didn’t consider that kiss so insignificant, you’d be lying on your back checking out the sky.”
    He surveyed her as she trembled with a mixture of fury and wounded pride. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “You know, Sam, I almost believe you could do it.”
    â€œYou can bank on it,” she confirmed with an arrogant toss of her head. “And the next time you . . .” Feeling her arm sharply pulled, she glanced down to see the sleeve of her jacket captured in the awesome jaws of the Saint Bernard. “What’d you do, teach him to eat unwilling females?”
    â€œHe just wants to make your acquaintance,” Jake laughed, as he led the horses to the stable to turn them over to one of his men.
    Samantha was not normally timid, and her pride refused to allow her to call Jake to untangle her from the teeth of his puppy. She swallowed and spoke to her canine captor.
    â€œHello . . . Wolfgang, wasn’t it?” she muttered. “I’m Sam. You, ah, wouldn’t consider letting go of my jacket, would you?” The dog continued to stare with droopy, innocent eyes. “Well, that’s all right,” she said, trying out magnanimity. “It’s just an old one, anyway. I’m very fond of dogs, you know.” Tentatively, she brought her free hand up to touch the fur on his huge head. “Well, actually, I have a cat,” she admitted in apology, “but I have absolutely no prejudices.”
    Though his expression did not alter, she decided it was prudent to give him time for consideration. Her patience was rewarded when he released her sleeve and bathed her hand with his enormous tongue.
    â€œWell, I see you two have made friends,” Jake drawled, coming up behind her.
    â€œNo thanks to you,” she said. “He might have eaten me alive.”
    â€œNot you, Sam,” Jake disagreed, taking her hand and striding toward the house. “Too tough for Wolfgang’s taste.”
    Jake led her to the back entrance through a paneled, tiled-floor mudroom and into the kitchen. A large square room, it was bright and cheery with tangerine curtains framing the wide windows. The pleasant-looking woman who stood by the sink smiled at Samantha. “Jake, you scoundrel, have you had this poor little lady out in the cold all this time?” Samantha met the warm brown eyes with a returning smile.
    Jake grinned, unabashed. “Samantha Evans, meet Annie Holloway, my cook, housekeeper and best girl.”
    â€œDon’t you try soft soaping me, you young devil.” She brushed off his words with indulgent affection, but pleased color rose to her pudgy cheeks. “Thinks he can get around me with sweet talk. Pleased to meet you, Miss Evans.” Samantha found her hand enclosed in a firm grip.
    â€œHello, Miss Holloway, I hope I’m not putting you out.”
    â€œPutting me out?” Annie let out a rich, full laugh, her ample bust heaving with the sound. “Isn’t she the sweet one? Don’t you be silly, now, and you just call me Annie like everyone else.”
    â€œThank you, Annie.” Samantha’s smile warmed. “Everyone calls me Sam.”
    â€œNow that’s a pretty thing,” Annie commented, peering candidly into Samantha’s face. “Yes, sir, a right pretty thing. You two run along,” she commanded with an