Centaur Rivalry (Touched Series Book 3) Read Online Free Page A

woman accepted Bianca’s hand, but looked stunned.  Bianca didn’t ease back on the southern charm for even a half a second.  “I see you’ve met Cami and Brent Strayer already.”
    “Uh, yeah.”
    Bianca gestured to the snow-covered forests surrounding the little motel, “This place is just gorgeous.  Do you come here often?”
    The woman sounded skeptical, but answered.  “Lived here my whole life.  It’s only gorgeous if yer inside looking at it through a window.  So, where you guys from?”
    Bianca had been larger than life for as long as I had known her.  She had a way of quickly becoming the center of attention – which was exactly what we needed.  “Charleston.  Charleston, South Carolina, and I’m afraid none of us see snow very often.  We couldn’t help but do some exploring.  I hope we weren’t any trouble?”
    The stranger shook her head.  “No.  No trouble at all.  This place is pretty remote.  I wanted ta make sure no one was tryin’ ta break inta the motel.”
    “Oh, I’m sure the owner appreciates a conscientious caretaker like yourself.  Do you live nearby?”
    “I am the owner.  My place is jus’ through the tree line.”  She gestured over her shoulder, but I couldn’t make out anything beyond the thick evergreens.  “Now, do ya need some directions back ta town or somethin’?”
    “You’re the owner?  Well, isn’t that something !”  Charm still oozed from each of Bianca’s words.
    The red-haired woman grinned, “I won it in a card game a few years ago over in Deadwood.”
    Brent had been oblivious up until this point , but her last comment caught his attention.  He looked impressed, “A card game?  You won a motel?  What was your ante?”
    “None of yer business!”  She shot him a glare and Brent immediately looked away. 
    He mumbled more to himself than to anyone else, “Must have been a hell of a hand.”
    She had heard his mumble and responded full of pride, “It was a bluff, but it worked.”
    Bianca was still all smiles, “Well, thank you for the warning.  I’ll make sure to keep Gage away from Deadwood.  It sounds like it might be teaming with card sharks.”
    A little more at ease with the four of us, “Naw.  It’s jus’ for the locals.  Tourists don’t ever get invited inta those games.”
    Brent was quick to add.  “I’ve played poker a time or two.  Any chance my tourist status could be overlooked?”
    The woman rolled her eyes, “I’m sure yer wife wouldn’t appreciate me takin’ ya into town and takin’ all yer money.”
    “My wife?!”  Brent’s eyes grew to the size of quarters.  “She’s not my wife .” He raised an accusatory finger in my direction, “She’s my sister.  I’m not married.”
    The woman blushed then looked at me.  I confirmed my status with a short nod.  She looked Brent over in a not so subtle way.  “Maybe.  I can call int a town ta see if the regulars are getting’ together.  But it’s high stakes.  Migh’ be a little rich for yer blood.”
    Brent was beyond excited.  Bianca cut him off before he could answer, “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name?”
    “ Katherine.  Katherine Newton.”
    “ Katherine, I know your place is closed down for the season, but we absolutely adore it.  Is there any chance you’d consider renting a few rooms?  Just for a few days?  We promise not to be any trouble.”
    Katherine looked at the four of us, and I felt a big fat “no” coming on.  She shook her head, “Ya can’t get up and down the mountain pass withou’ chains, doncha know?”  Katherine looked at the two cars in her motel’s parking lot and added, “At least not mos’ days.  The only way around up here this time a year is with snowmobiles and ATVs.  There’s nothing ta eat and nowhere ta cook excep’ the office kitchen.  Sorry.”
    Gage spoke up for the first time.  “Bianca and I are newlyweds.  It would only be for a few days.  I’m sure we could run