The Rancher's Marriage Pact by Kristi Gold Read Free Book Online Page A

about you disgusts me, sweetheart.” He settled the hat on his head and smiled. “Stay in bed as long as you’d like, and I’ll see you in a bit.”
    â€œIn bed?” Now why had she said something so leading and ludicrous?
    He didn’t seem at all affected by the faux pas. “Is that an invitation?”
    She shook her aching head. “No. Just proof that I sometimes speak before I think.”
    He winked. “That’s too bad.”
    Paris fought the temptation to tell him she’d reconsidered. “Where are you going now?”
    â€œI have to check on some of the livestock.”
    â€œWell, I guess I’ll just say goodbye then. I’ll probably be on my way home before you get back.”
    â€œYou can’t leave yet. Jenny went to town this morning and bought you a dress and some underclothes and laundered them. She left them in the bathroom along with some toiletries. She’s also keeping breakfast warm for you.”
    Jenny could be nominated for Southern sainthood, in her opinion. But how embarrassing to have one of the Calloway stepmothers learn she’d spent the night in the stepson’s bed. “Although I appreciate the gesture, that’s not really necessary. I’ll just put on the clothes I wore last night and get out of your hair.”
    â€œI want you to stay a while longer so we can talk.”
    â€œAbout what?”
    â€œBusiness,” he said as he clasped the knob and opened the door. “So don’t go anywhere.”
    Paris fought the urge to salute over his demanding tone, but Dallas had already disappeared before she could deliver the gesture. Assured he had left the premises, she slipped out of bed and wandered into the bathroom. Spa bathroom.
    The beige marble tub seemed as large as her whole apartment, and so was the stone shower. She had a good mind to take a soak, but she didn’t want to prolong her stay in Dallas’s domain or delay the breakfast Jenny had prepared.
    She retrieved shampoo and shower gel from the basket on the double vanity, gathered a towel from the heated rack on the wall, then took a quick spray until she finally felt somewhat refreshed and energized.
    She dressed in the aforementioned underwear, and donned the yellow sundress hanging on a hook on the back of the door. Evidently Jenny had thought of everything, right down to the matching sandals and hair dryer.
    After completing the morning ritual, Paris strode back into the bedroom where she thankfully found her case that held her makeup bag. She didn’t have her complete beauty arsenal, but she did have mascara and lip gloss, which would have to do.
    After pulling her hair back into a low ponytail, Paris carefully folded her suit, shoved it into the bag and then headed toward the luscious scents wafting through the hallway. Once there, she found Jenny standing at the massive six-burner stainless stove, flipping pancakes, surrounded by a chef’s dream kitchen. She had finally uncovered the one place that shouted ultramodern, not macho rustic.
    â€œGood morning, Jenny,” she said as she sent her a somewhat self-conscious smile.
    The friendly stepmom favored her with a bright grin. “Good morning to you, sugar. Did you sleep well?”
    â€œLike a rock.” Like a drunken sailor. “The mint juleps saw to that.”
    Jenny pushed the spatula under one cake and slid it onto a plate. “I am so sorry, sugar. I didn’t know you were such a lightweight.”
    Paris leaned against the cabinet adjacent to the huge fridge and rested an elbow on the gray quartz countertop. “I really don’t drink too often. Just the occasional glass of wine.”
    Jenny sent her a sideways glance. “Would you like a mimosa? Or perhaps a screwdriver. Nothing relieves a hangover better than that old hair of the hound dog.”
    The thought twisted her stomach into a knot. “Heavens no. I mean, no thank you. I