With the Wind | A Short Novel by Judith Cropola Read Free Book Online

the same.  Some of us are hopeless romantics, others are quite practical.”
                  “’Hopeless romantics’ means?”
                  “Someone who believes that love is more important than anything else, more than money or duty or…”  Misty stopped. 
                  She stood and moved around, this conversation was hitting way too close to home.
                  “Perhaps we should ride back to the stables,” Daniel suggested. 
                  “Yes, Daniel.  I think you’re right.  It’s getting late.”
                  They gathered up their things and packed them on Daniel’s horse. 
                  Daniel gently helped Misty into her saddle. 
                  When he touched her Misty felt his strength, his raw power. 
                  Wilson was in good shape, but he wasn’t a strong man. 
                  She liked strong men.  She liked Daniel.
                  No, she said to herself as they turned their horses and started to ride back. 
                  I don’t just like Daniel. 
                  I have to face this and be honest, at least with myself. 
                  There was no use denying it anymore.
                  I’m in love with Daniel. 
                  I’m not sure what it means or what I should do about it, but I’m love with Daniel Novikov. 
                  “Daniel, wait,” Misty shouted.  Sweet Pea responded to her command and stopped beside Daniel’s painted stallion.
                  “Are you okay?” Daniel asked.
                  “No, I mean yes.  I need to answer your question.  This American woman is a hopeless romantic.  I know you probably don’t believe me, but I really don’t care all that much about money.  I do love my family.  My father is counting on me, Daniel.  I have a hard time disappointing my father.”
                  “Does he have the right to say who you should marry?”
                  “I don’t know.  I guess I think he does.  What do you think?         
                  “I think it is time for us to return home.  We ride together, side by side?”
                  “Side by side.”
    CHAPTER ELEVEN
     
                  “I want him gone, Anthony.  Escorted off the property immediately.”
                  “Wilson, lower your voice.  Let’s discuss this, in private.”
                  The afternoon maid heard every word of Wilson’s angry diatribe.  She scampered away as soon as Anthony noticed her presence.
                  Anthony poured Wilson a scotch, neat and then fixed another for himself.                “Now, tell me what horrible thing Daniel Novikov has done that requires his immediate banishment.”
                  “I apologize for my tone, Anthony.  I’m afraid that I allowed my anger to get the best of me for a moment.”
                  Anthony sipped his scotch and nodded.
                  “Misty is clearly fond of the boy, but I think her affections for him are basically harmless.”
                  “I agree,” Anthony said.
                  “The issue is his insolence as reflected through her.  She had the gall to turn her back on me and walk away, right in front of my friends.  She dismissed my concerns as if they were nothing but hot air.”
                  “Daniel is to blame for Misty showing you disrespect?  You’ve lost me, Wilson.”
                  “She has become argumentative and stiff necked ever since the engagement party.”
                  “Again, if you have issues with Misty, how is Daniel to blame for