Will of Steel by Diana Palmer Read Free Book Online

much,” he murmured. “They browbeat poor old Dan Harper into marrying Daisy Kane, and he was miserable. They thought she was a sweet, kind girl who’d never want anything more than to go on living in Hollister for the rest of her life.”
    â€œThen she discovered a fascination for microscopes, got a science degree and moved to New York City to work in a research lab. Dan wouldn’t leave Hollister, so they got a divorce. Good thing they didn’t have kids, I guess.”
    â€œI guess. Especially with Dan living in a whiskey bottle these days.”
    She glanced at him. “Maybe some women mature late.”
    He glanced back. “You going to develop a fascination with microscopes and move to New York?” he asked suspiciously.
    She laughed out loud. “I hope not. I hate cities.”
    He grinned again. “Me, too. Just checking.”
    â€œBesides, how could I leave Sammy? I’m sure there isn’t an apartment in a big city that would let you keep a calf in it.”
    He laughed. “Well, they would. But only in the fridge. Or the freezer.”
    â€œYou bite your tongue!” she exclaimed. “Nobody’s eating my cow!”
    He frowned thoughtfully. “Good point. I’m not exactly sure I know how to field dress a cow. A steer, sure. But cows are, well, different.”
    She glared at him. “You are not field dressing Sammy, so forget it.”
    He sighed. “There go my dreams of a nice steak.”
    â€œYou can get one at the restaurant in town anytime you like. Sammy is for petting, not eating.”
    â€œIf you say so.”
    â€œI do!”
    He loved to wind her up and watch the explosion. She was so full of life, so enthusiastic about everything new. He enjoyed being with her. There were all sorts of places he could take her. He was thinking ahead. Far ahead.
    â€œYou’re smirking,” she accused. “What are you thinking about?”
    â€œI was just remembering how excited you get about new things,” he confessed. “I was thinking of places we could go together.”
    â€œYou were?” she asked, surprised. And flattered.
    He smiled at her. “I’ve never dated anybody regularly,” he said. “I mean, I’ve had dates. But this is different.” He searched for a way to put into words what he was thinking.
    â€œYou mean, because we’re sort of being forced into it by the wills.”
    He frowned. “No. That’s not what I mean.” He stopped at an intersection and glanced her way. “I haven’t had regular dates with a woman I’ve known well for years and years,” he said after a minute. “Somebody I like.”
    She beamed. “Oh.”
    He chuckled as he pulled out onto the long highway that led to Billings. “We’ve had our verbal cut-and-thrust encounters, but despite that sharp tongue, I enjoy being with you.”
    She laughed. “It’s not that sharp.”
    â€œNot to me. I understand there’s a former customer of the florist shop where you worked who could write a testimonial for you about your use of words in a free-for-all.”
    She flushed and fiddled with her purse. “He was obnoxious.”
    â€œActually they said he was just trying to ask you out.”
    â€œIt was the way he went about it,” she said curtly. “I don’t think I’ve ever had a man talk to me like that in my whole life.”
    â€œI don’t think he’ll ever use the same language to any other woman, if it’s a consolation.” He teased. “So much for his inflated ego.”
    â€œHe thought he was irresistible,” she muttered. “Bragging about his fast new car and his dad’s bank balance, and how he could get any woman he wanted.” Her lips set. “Well, he couldn’t get this one.”
    â€œTeenage boys have insecurities,” he said. “I can speak with confidence on that issue,