Unforgettable: A Loveswept Classic Romance by Linda Cajio Read Free Book Online

fight.”
    “You’ve said nothing about this … War Yell horse.”
    “Battle Cry.”
    “Whatever. You’ve said nothing about it, Anne. Now, why is that if it’s no big deal?”
    She clenched her teeth in an effort to hold her patience. Lettice was sniffing around like Tibbs on a rabbit hunt, and she was not about to be the rabbit. She had to convince Lettice there was nothing between her and James. “It wasn’t my place to share this, Grandmother, it was James’s. He owns the horse, not me. My business depends on
my
discretion. I hope you can understand that.”
    The dead silence on the other end of the line made Anne wonder if she’d gone too far. She loved her grandmother, but this truly wasn’t Lettice’s business. She was sorry if her grandmother didn’t like it.
    “I see. I see very well.…”
    The speculative tone in her grandmother’s voice was hardly the explosion of anger she’d been expecting. A shiver of apprehension ran down her spine.
    “I find it very interesting that you preferred not to tell me about this.”
    “Grandmother, it’s just a business arrangement,” Anne said, as the prickles grew.
    “Of course, child, of course. Maida just surprised me by having the news first. You know how I hate that. But that isn’t why I called.”
    “It isn’t?” Anne asked blankly.
    “No, it isn’t. I’ve arranged to have some work done on the house. It’s absolutely necessary, and it must begin immediately. Unfortunately, I cannot stay here for the duration. The only suitable hotel used to be the Warwick, but now that’s offices.I certainly can’t intrude on Ellen and Joe. They’re just married. I love my friends but I prefer to live with family. Since you’re the only family close to the city, I’ve decided to stay with you. I’m sure you’ll agree that’s the only solution.”
    Darkness closed in on Anne. The thought of Lettice here was not to be thought. She took a deep breath, trying desperately to come up with a valid protest. “But, Grandmother—”
    “Surely I’m welcome in my own granddaughter’s house.”
    “Of course—”
    “Fine, then that’s settled. I’ll make the final arrangements and move my things over. It will be for only six weeks.”
    “Six weeks!”
    “Quite short for all the work being done here. Thank you so much, my dear, for putting me up. I feel so much better knowing I’ll be with you. Oh! And when I get there, you can tell me all about this … business arrangement with James.”
    The line disconnected before Anne could say anything more. She took the now-dead receiver away from her ear and stared at it, deciding Godzilla would be a more welcome guest. She knew she’d been outmaneuvered. Lettice could outmaneuver the slickest con man. She had a feeling that even if she’d managed to get out a firm no, it would have been completely ignored.
    “Great,” she muttered. “Just what I need.”
    She pulled herself upright. She could handle having her grandmother here for a time. She had to. Anyway, it wouldn’t be too bad. Lettice’s charity work was literally a full-time job. And she herself put in ten- to twelve-hour days at least, runningher farm. They’d probably pass each other only going to and from their bedrooms. She hoped.
    Anne turned her mind to a bigger problem. James. She knew she must work with him. She would just have to remember his mercenary attitude toward Battle Cry. She had no doubt he’d help the situation by talking about his newfound equine profits every chance he got. From now on she would just keep the conversation away from breeding practices. A little horse sense about horse sex, she decided, and she’d be fine.
    With a little luck.

Four
    “He’s here! He’s here!”
    Anne grinned in amusement as her son sped out of the house, Tibbs on his heels. One had to be listening very closely to hear the faint sound of a heavy-duty motor in the distance. Philip, excited from the moment he’d been told Battle Cry was