Texas Stranger by Janet Muncy Read Free Book Online

temporarily blinded them all as Carl took both boys by the arms and led them toward the sofa. The larger of the two tried to get past Carl and nearly knocked him over in the process. But Carl was way to quick for either of them as he shoved the larger of the two on the floor.
    “You make a false move and I’ll see you never walk again.” Carl threatened. It seemed to scare the boys into obedience, for they both made their way to the sofa and sat quietly.
    Everything was happening so fast January hardly had time to think. The police lead the two boys off to jail, and Carl was taking care of everything else. The police gave her belongings to her that the boys had left in the car.
    “I think you’ll be alright now,” Carl said, walking toward her where she had sat on the sofa.
    “Yes, I suppose so.” January, looked up at him.
    “You look tired, why don’t you go ahead to bed and I’ll just make myself comfortable here on the sofa if you don’t mind. I have some things to take care of tomorrow morning in town, and I would hate to drive back to the country tonight.”
    “No, of course I don’t mind, your more than welcome to sleep in the guest bedroom if you wish, there’s clean sheets on the bed. I’m sure you’ll be more comfortable.” January, moved toward the guest bedroom leading the way.
    “I appreciate your hospitality,” Carl followed her, grinning slightly at her apparent nervousness.
    “I feel I owe you more than just a place to sleep tonight, for all you’ve done for me lately.” She said pulling the covers down on the bed.

Chapter 9
    J anuary hadn’t even remembered falling asleep until the smell of coffee perking caused her sensitive nose to respond to the pleasant aroma. She sat up quickly on the side of the bed, remembering she had left Carl standing in the guest bedroom last night. She hurriedly put on her robe and made her way to the living room.
    Carl was sitting at the dinning room table with the newspaper and a steaming cup of coffee.
    “Good morning sunshine, would you like me to fix you something to eat?” Carl offered in a cheerful tone, standing up and reaching for the coffee pot.
    “No, coffee will be fine,” January smiled back, thinking he sure was making himself comfortable in her apartment.
    “Just coffee? That’s not enough to start the day, you need a balanced breakfast, besides you didn’t eat supper last night did you?” He frowned at her.
    “No, I didn’t, but it’s hard for me to eat breakfast, it’s been hard ever since college.”
    “I hope you didn’t mind me making the coffee this morning? BJ had a load of cattle and wasn’t able to get in town this morning, so I’m going to have the morning free.”
    “No, I don’t mind, could I fix you some breakfast?” January started toward the kitchen.
    “No, thank you, I’ve had too much coffee I think and I’m not hungry.”
    January was at a lost for words. The night before seemed so long ago. She had strange dreams about Carl and felt a little embarrassed looking him in the eyes.
    “Well, I guess I better call Mary to pick me up. I need to get some things taken care of, like a broken window.”
    “No need to bother, the window is being fixed at this moment, so you should take the day off and enjoy it while you can.”
    “I wish it were that easy sometimes, unfortunately I have a business to run and sitting at home enjoying myself won’t make me a living.” January sighed, picking up the hot coffee cup and taking a large sip.
    “Surely one day isn’t going to make that much difference?” Carl grinned at her.
    “I’m sorry Carl, but if I’m not there to get things in order today, I may not have a business tomorrow.”
    “Well why don’t I drive you to the club? Mary won’t have to go out of her way to get you and I can see that the window has been taken care of?”
    “Well if you really want to, I would appreciate the ride.” January smiled, hoping she wasn’t being a burden.
    The ride to