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

into town and find some supplies today while the road is clear.”
    Katherine shook her head, “You’re not listening.  Today is a nice day.  I’m gonna make a trip inta town for groceries, but the weather changes aroun’ here quick.  If I let you stay, I’d have ta feed ya, too.  There’s a good chance ya wouldn’t even be able to make it down the mountain a few days from now.”
    Gage gave her a winning smile.  “I think we can make it worth your while.”  He pulled a wad of cash out of his pocket.  “Bianca loves it here.  Is there a place nearby where we could rent snowmobiles or ATVs?”
    Katherine looked at the wad of cash in Gage’s hand.  “Did ya guys rob a bank or somethin’?  Who carries that kind of cash aroun’ with ‘em?”
    We all laughed.  Thinking we were felons on the run was preferable to the truth.  Bianca cut in, “I promise, we won’t be any trouble at all.  I’m a great cook .  Point me to the kitchen.”
    Katherine shook her head as if she intended to say “no,” but kept her eyes trained on Gage, “How long would ja want ta stay?”
    Bianca answered, “A week, tops.  Please say yes.”   Her blue eyes sparkled and her blonde curls bounced around her face.  It was impossible to tell her no.
    “All right.  I guess it wouldn’t be bad t a have some company for a few days.”  She looked at Brent when she added, “It gets pretty lonely aroun’ here.” 
    From all my conversations with Brent , I don’t know what I expected, but seeing his complexion blush a deep red was not anything I anticipated.  Katherine didn’t let up, as her eyes remained trained on Brent’s, “So, does one of ya want to ride along ta town and help me pick up supplies?”
    Gage recognized the invitation for Brent.  Bianca attempted to take a step forward, but Gage held her in place and answered, “Brent, why don’t you accompany Katherine?  Bianca and I will go into town and see if we can trade our rental car for something with four-wheel drive.”
    Katherine ’s eyes darted to me.  “You can come along, too, if ya want.”  Although it was a gracious offer, I liked the idea of Brent blushing.
    “If it’s okay with you, I’ll just stay here.  Maybe catch a nap or something.”
    Katherine looked skeptical but not enough to press it.  “All righ’.  Come on.”  Katherine walked toward the office and motioned for me to follow.  She unlocked the front door, walked behind the counter and pulled the keys out for rooms one, two and three.  “Clean sheets are in the top drawers of the dressers.  We should be back in a couple hours.”  She paused for a minute before returning to the others.  Her eyes were bright green.  She asked, “Ya said he’s yer brother?”
    “Yes.  Brent ’s a year older than I am.”
    Katherine cocked her head to the side, “What’s his story?”
    I knew little about her, but I liked that she w as blunt.  Just what Brent needed in his life:  a human who spoke her mind.  My smile grew.  She had no idea that he might be the toughest nut to crack on the planet.  “Twenty-four, college degree in finance, no girlfriend, a little on the arrogant side – overall a nice guy.”
    She looked at the floor.  I waited for a question that apparently she decided not to ask.  Instead she answered, “All right.  We’ll see.”
    I wasn’t sure what to make of her comment , but she handed me the key to room one and I followed her out of the office.  Bianca and Gage waved excitedly as they drove away.  Brent stood next to me on the curb as Katherine pulled up in a huge Ford pickup.  I gestured to Katherine’s passenger side door as Brent looked almost panicked.  His voice was low and his words fast, “You have to come, Cami.  I can’t be alone with a woman.  What if a Centauride saw us?”
    “Relax, Brent.  Centaurides are the least of your worries right now.  Besides, it would be good for you to be around humans for a while.