Under Pressure by Rhonda Lee Carver Read Free Book Online Page B

your truck. You’re on private property.”
    “With permission.”
    She lowered the barrel of the gun, only slightly. “Who gave you permission?”
    “Your father, Joshua Stone.” His cold eyes were on her, but surprisingly a smile played at the corner of his lips.
    “What are you talking about? My father would never give you authorization to be here, especially after I tell him what you’ve done. You’re nothing but a sack of manipulation, aren’t you?” After only a couple of hours of sleep, she didn’t have the patience to deal with the likes of a cocky cowboy. She’d never have guessed he’d be courageous enough to come here.
    “He already knows. I spoke to Stone an hour ago and explained why I’d be late getting to work on my first day.”
    “Work? Your first day?” She kept the gun steady but she was starting to feel sick to her stomach.
    “Yeah, I’m the new ranch hand. After I told Stone that I was tied up because of a mistaken identity by his daughter Jewels, he wasn’t shocked. This isn’t the first time one of his daughters has caused a ruckus at the sake of a poor innocent man. I hated to disturb him on his vacation with his female friend, but he was very courteous.”
    “I don’t believe you! Someone must have told you he was away. How easy it would be to lie.”
    “If you don’t believe me, then talk to him yourself. His contact is already up.” Spark reached into his front pocket and tossed her the phone. “You already know how it works.”
    Catching it with one hand, she looked at the screen. Her throat narrowed. Hitting talk, it rang twice and her father answered. Hitting speaker, she wanted Spark to hear her father loud and clear when he told her to shoot him. “Dad, it’s me. I have a guy here who says he’s the new hand.”
    “Spark Ryder. And honey, please don’t shoot him.” Her father’s si gh rattled the phone.
    “What makes you think I have him facing the barrel of a gun?”
    “Because I know you. Now, put the gun away, be a hospitable helper and show him the property.”
    “But Dad…he doesn’t have a very trustworthy character.”
    “Sweetheart, there’s been a misunderstanding. He explained it to me, now let him do the same for you. I’ve got to go because I’m in the community dance off.” The phone went dead. She threw it back at Spark and he juggled it from hand to hand.
    “Who are you?”
    Turning, Jewels narrowed her eyes on Em who was now standing in the doorway. “What do you mean? This is Spark Ryder. The cowboy who lied to you,” Jewels said.
    Em blinked twice and her mouth twisted. “No, Jewels, he isn’t.”
    “What ? Yes it is!” Her nerve endings blushed.
    “Do you think it’s possible to put the gun down during this conversation?” Spark asked.
    Jewels thought over his request and finally lowered the weapon, placing it against the railing. “Someone explain this to me, please!”
    Em gave Spark a flirtatious smile and shrugged. “Yes, the cowboy’s name was Spark, but this isn’t him. This cowboy’s hot, but nope, not him. He looks single. Are you single?”
    Jewels growled. “Em, cut it out.” They were in enough hot water as it was.
    Spark chuckled and his expression softened—slightly. “Yes, I’m single.” He pushed back his hat and nailed Jewels with annoyance. She squirmed and hoped her cheeks weren’t as red as she imagined they were.
    “So if the drama is over, can I go back to bed now?” Em whined.
    “Yes. Go back to bed. You and I will talk later.” Jewels waved her off. She’d definitely give her sister a good talking to later, although Em had no clue of what Jewels had done last night. If she had to face the tyrant in cowboy boots, she’d rather do it alone. After all, she’d planned payback all by herself.
    Em disappeared into the house and Jewels turned to face the cowboy standing ten feet from her. The sharpness in his jaw spoke volumes of his impatience.
    She wouldn’t weaken, even if she’d made