Bridleton Read Online Free Page B

occasion I don’t know ‘bout?”
    None of the ranch staff knew about Nanette’s plans. Most of them knew times were tough and money was tight. It was the same for everyone in the area. Four straight years of rotten weather had nearly devastated the local economy.
    Bridleton was no exception. It was just bigger, a major employer for the community, and a good part of that local economy. If it failed half the families in the area would be affected one way or the other; families of men who’d dedicated their lives to keeping it productive.
    He’d be damned if he’d let it happen. Too many people depended on him to save their jobs, homes and way of life. He’d do anything to keep this place from bankruptcy.
    “I don’t know of any special occasion,” he finally said, hoisting a saddle and tack over his shoulder and then heading back toward Rowdy’s stall. The big bay gelding greeted him with a toss of his head and an impatient dance.
    “Ready to go, are you?” he asked, his tone dropping to a low croon as he spoke to his horse.
    Stepping into Rowdy’s stall, he slipped the bridle bit between the horse’s teeth and tossed a blanket over his broad back. Work had been slow this past week because of heavy rain. Life-sustaining rains. He’d never thought to see the day when mud excited him but the thrill had been nearly as good as sex.
    That errant thought brought back the image of Andrea and her cool, beautiful eyes looking at him like he was white trash. Damn, she could infuriate him faster than any woman he’d ever known. The sight of her never failed to send blood coursing through his veins in a fiery rush, be it in anger or arousal. He could still feel the imprint of her breasts against his chest and it made him furious all over again.
    Rowdy snorted as Noah pulled the cinch too tight. He mumbled his apology and then waited until the big horse exhaled before tightening it again.
    “Tell Trace we’ll finalize plans for tomorrow once he’s done for the day. I might go to town after supper but I won’t be late.”
    Trace Mitchem had been the ranch foreman for more than a decade. He knew the land and the ranch operation better than anyone.
    “I’ll tell him to watch fer yer truck.”
    Sam followed as Noah led Rowdy out of the barn and into the late afternoon sunlight. Once he’d mounted he settled into the saddle and gathered the reins.
    “I’ll get the gate.” Sam ambled ahead of horse and rider, his bowed legs giving him a rocking motion.
    Noah glanced briefly toward the house, his gaze zeroing in on Andrea’s bedroom. He knew the location well enough. How many times had he climbed onto her balcony and then lost himself for hours in the seductive sweetness of her body? Memories, sharp and vivid, sent a jolt of desire arcing to his loins. The hot sting of arousal had him shifting restlessly in the saddle, trying to subdue the ache.
    He’d never forgive her for promising to love him forever then turning around and calling him a cheat. He’d never forgive her for destroying what they shared, nor for having so little faith in him. Desire sung through his veins but she’d taught him not to equate physical desire with emotional commitment.
    There were other women willing to take the edge off his desire. It was just a physical craving and didn’t have anything to do with the future. He didn’t allow emotion to cloud his judgment these days. That’s one lesson he’d learned the hard way but he’d learned it well.
    Nowadays all his emotional energy was reserved for saving Bridleton. In the long run nothing mattered as much as the land he loved and the continuation of an American legacy. It might not be his by birthright but it had become his passion. Second only to the woman who’d walked out on him five years ago.
    * * * * *
    Andrea fell to sleep within minutes of her head hitting the pillow but sleep wasn’t particularly restful. Unchecked, her subconscious began to stir up mischief. Her dreams drifted