Texas Pride by Bárbara McCauley Read Free Book Online Page B

conversation. The room went silent, and all heads turned in the direction of the front door.
    Dylan watched as an attractive woman of about fifty moved into the room. The red in her plaid jacket nearly matched the red of her swept-up hair, and her black velvet skirt matched her shoes. An older man in an expensive blue suit followed the woman into the room. Dylan noticed the man’s pallor was as gray as his hair.
    â€œSo sorry we’re late,” the woman said, though Dylan had the feeling that no one in the room had been particularly lamenting that fact. “It was a battle to drag Daddy away from one of his business calls. I swear, he’s been locked up in the study half the day.”
    The woman brushed a kiss first on Jake’s cheek, then Jared’s. It was tolerated more than welcomed, Dylan noticed.
    The woman hugged Jessica, then settled her gaze on Dylan. “Oh, Jessica, dear, is this the young man who’s staying with you in that town of yours?”
    Jessica flinched, then forced a smile. “He’s not staying with me, Myrna. He’s the foreman I’ve hired to renovate Makeshift. Dylan Grant, this is Myrna Stone, my stepmother, and her father, Carlton Hewitt.”
    Carlton’s grip was firm, Dylan noted, though his palm was cold. Myrna’s grip was as weak as it was brief.
    â€œI’ve tried everything to dissuade Jessica from this ridiculous undertaking, but she simply won’t listen,” Myrna said with exasperation. “She could have built three centers somewhere else with the money I’ve offered her for that land. I’m sure you agree, Mr. Grant, that on a financial level, the entire project is preposterous.”
    Though it was subtle, Dylan noticed that Jake and Jared had moved closer to Jessica in a protective gesture. Strange, he thought, but the minute Myrna had walked into the room, Dylan had instinctively moved closer himself.
    â€œOn a financial level, I don’t agree at all,” Dylan said dryly. “I wouldn’t have a job if it wasn’t for Makeshift, would I?” He smiled and raised his bottle to her.
    Myrna frowned at him and sniffed piously. “It’s a common fact that all these problem children are from lower-class families who expect everything to be handed to them on a silver platter.”
    Dylan was prepared to respond to the woman’s stupid remark, but Jessica didn’t give him time. Eyes narrowed, she faced her stepmother.
    â€œMyrna,” she said, her patience barely controlled, “there are no ‘common facts’ when it comes to problems in a home, nor are problems particular to any one class. The kids who come to me aren’t asking for any favors, just a break. And from my experience, the only people who expect anything handed to them on a silver platter are those who already own one.”
    Carlton laid a hand on his daughter’s arm. “Jessica’s right, Myrna. I’m sure her center will help a great many young men and women.”
    Myrna, oblivious to Jessica’s sarcasm and her father’s attempt to smooth over the conversation, kept right on. “And the community here is none too happy about encouraging these juvenile delinquents, Jessica.”
    â€œThe community, ” Jessica said tightly, “consists of more people than a few close-minded ignorant individuals. The people of Cactus Flat and all the neighboring ranches have more than proved their support.”
    Myrna’s chin lifted at Jessica’s affront. Jessica’s eyes glinted with purpose, and Dylan struggled to hold back a smile. Myrna was the one who needed protection here, he realized, not Jessica.
    â€œMyrna—” Carlton stepped beside his daughter and smiled “—why don’t you go find me a drink, dear? My throat’s a little dry.”
    â€œIt’s all that medication you take,” Myrna said sternly, shifting easily from one lecture to another.