Trusting Sydney: The Temptation Saga: Book Six by Helen Hardt Read Free Book Online

hat’s a good boy .” Sam smoothed the jet-black horse’s mane.
    “He’s a beauty, ain’t he?”
    Sam turned to see Zach. “Yeah, he is. What’s his name?”
    “Midnight.”
    “It fits.”
    Zach nodded. “Want to take him out?”
    “I was hoping to, thanks. I need to get out of here for a while.”
    “Something wrong?”
    Sam wasn’t one to talk about his problems. He wasn’t a woman, for God’s sake. But Zach was his brother-in-law and a good friend. “Sydney Buchanan.”
    “I figured as much, the way you hightailed it out of there this mornin’. What’s going on?”
    “I suppose it’s no secret that she and I hooked up in Denver. You know, back when you and Dusty hooked up.”
    “Yeah. Did Chad ever tell you about the problems he had with the woman he hooked up with that night? Linda?”
    “Yeah. I’m glad that all worked out for the best.”
    “Me too. Though it came at a rotten time. Right after our ma died.”
    “I know. I’m sorry.” He gave Zach a pat on the back.
    “Water under the bridge. Chad’s happy as a clam now with Catie.”
    “I know.” Sam chuckled. “I wasn’t sure I’d ever see him settle down. He did love the ladies.”
    “Now he loves one lady. He’s as smitten as can be with his wife and baby daughter.”
    “They’re both beauties, that’s for sure.”
    “So what’s going on with Miss Buchanan?”
    Sam cleared his throat. “Thing is, I’m no Chad McCray, but I’ve had my share. But that night with Sydney stands out as the best.”
    “Yeah?”
    “I thought maybe I was just having fond memories of my one and only one-night stand. But she and I got together last night, and it was just as good. Better, even.”
    “And that’s bad because…?”
    “You don’t know the half of it.”
    “Tell me.”
    “She’s engaged. A little fact she neglected to tell me.”
    Zach raised his eyebrows. “I don’t recall seeing a ring on her finger.”
    “That’s because she wasn’t wearing one. But she’s engaged to some pretty-boy businessman. He showed up at her hotel room this morning while I was still there.”
    “How did she explain your presence?”
    “I haven’t the foggiest. Didn’t stick around to find out.”
    “Well, if you want to know what’s going on, go on up to the house. She’s having coffee with Dust.”
    Sam shook his head. “Can’t. She flat out lied to me. Who has sex with another man when she’s engaged? That’s crazy shit.”
    “Maybe there’s an explanation.”
    “What kind of explanation can there possibly be?” Sam shoved his hands in his pockets. “We had great sex. Twice. But great sex doesn’t make up for a lack of trust.”
    “Are you looking for something with this girl?”
    “I thought I might be. Hell, I don’t know. Life’s gotten kind of boring, Zach. Which is why”—he took a few steps forward and held out his hand—“I’ve decided to take you up on your offer. Coming here to Colorado, being near my sister and nephew, might be just what the doctor ordered.”
    Zach shook his hand. “Good. We’re all thrilled to have you on board here at McCray Landing. When can you start?”
    “After the rodeo, I’ll head back to Montana to make sure the Double D is taken care of. I think I can persuade my foreman to take over. Once things are settled, I’ll get down here as soon as I can.”
    “Would you like to see the house for the foreman?” Zach asked. “It’s vacant. You can move in anytime.”
    “I’d love to.”
    “Good. You saddle up Midnight there, and I’ll get Attila ready. We can ride on over and take a look at it.”
    Yes, this would be just what he needed. Once the rodeo was over and Sydney Buchanan went back to Nevada, he could concentrate on starting his new life.
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    D usty’s mouth dropped open . “What do you mean you can’t see Sam again?”
    Sydney’s heart ached. Sam was amazing, and such a nice man. And she adored Dusty and her little boy.
    God, her little boy.
    Some hurts never