All I Have Read Online Free Page A

interrupted, "Maybe we should go. We don't want to be late for dinner."
    Shane laughed and pocketed a flashlight, heading outside to the trail.
     

Chapter Four
    Carla's voice rose in volume. "What's taking them so long? Don't they know supper is getting cold and it's rude to make people wait?"
    "I'm sure it's taking longer because of the one bathroom. They'll be here," said Ellie.
    Carla rested her hands on her hips. "Doesn't it bug you that the money your dad spends on their labor is money you'll never see?"
    "No.” Ellie turned to walk away. “I think I'll wait on the porch."
    "No, I need your help here. Cover those dishes." Carla lifted a lacquered fingernail and pointed at the table.
    Releasing a pent up breath, Ellie went to the kitchen, grabbed some foil, and returned to cover the bowls. When the task was finished she looked up to see her father's smiling face. He hugged her and gave her a quick peck on the cheek.
    "How was your day, sweetie?"
    "Very nice."
    "So what are you doing?"
    Carla interrupted. "Jake, she offered to cover the dishes since our guests aren’t here yet. She's very considerate." While she spoke, she sidled up to Jake, placed an arm around his waist, and sent Ellie a warning look.
    Jake smiled. "What have you been doing today, darling?"
    "Oh, this and that."
    Ellie bit her tongue and walked to the front porch when her dad pulled Carla into a tight embrace. Anger made her heart pump faster. She paced the length of the porch and sweat beaded on her upper lip from the heat.
    Without warning, a light bobbed through the trees and out came Shane and Nicholas. They laughed and Ellie felt guilty at her envy of their companionship. Stepping off the porch, she said, "Hello."
    "Hello, Ellie. Sorry if we kept you waiting," Shane apologized.
    "No problem."
    Shane walked past her, going inside and leaving her alone with Nicholas. They walked up the porch steps and Ellie waited for Nicholas to speak. He said softly, "Thanks for the food."
    She shrugged.
    "No, I mean it. You went way beyond just buying a few items."
    "Well, I hope you like what I picked out."
    "I'm sure we will. We're easy to please."
    Nicholas quirked a smile and Ellie's face flushed. A voice behind them caused her to jump.
    "Hmm, that's nice to know. Guess I was right about figuring you're the type who knows exactly what he wants."
    Nicholas frowned at Carla's flirty tone. Ellie ignored her and invited him inside. He followed without comment and she led him to the dining room where Shane and Jake were uncovering dishes. Carla entered and took over. "Oh, that's not work for you two, allow me."
    To tamp her irritation, Ellie kept her body moving by filling glasses with sweet tea. When she came to Nicholas, he flashed a smile that made her heart flutter.
    Jake and Shane sat at each end of the table while Carla and Nicholas sat on one side and Ellie sat alone on the other. The meal was shared without much conversation. At the end, Ellie brought out coffee and peach cobbler.
    Shane finished first, leaning backwards and massaging his belly. "I'm full to bursting. That was mighty fine eating. You'll have to give my compliments to Charlotte."
    "Oh, Charlotte couldn't come in today," said Carla absentmindedly, while sucking on her dessert spoon.
    "Then who cooked?" Jake asked, his eyebrows drawn together.
    "I did," Ellie answered, feeling the rush of heat flooding her cheeks.
    "Ellie? I didn't realize you could cook so well. But I guess I should have. Four years away at college, you should be able to cook something," said her father, with pride.
    Ellie shrugged and studied her hands.
    Pushing away from the table, Jake said, "Shane, do you mind coming to the study? I want to share my plans for the farm; see what you think. Ellie, why don't you and Nicholas go visit on the swing? He probably has lots of questions."
    Ellie's heart skipped a beat. When she stood, Nicholas placed his hand on the small of her back, sending shivers up her spine. She led the