Desert Dancer Read Online Free

Desert Dancer
Book: Desert Dancer Read Online Free
Author: Terri Farley
Pages:
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truck.
    Okay, if Jake wanted to yell, she could match him.
    â€œThe last time that what?” Sam shouted back.
    Ace sidled away, eyes rolling all over again, as if he’d known she’d turn into a beast, some time.
    The best defense was a good offense, Sam thought. She had no time to explain it to Ace, but she knew Jake had no respect for people who just rolled over and played dead when they were challenged. Her number-one rule in dealing with Jake was to stand firm, even if she was wrong.
    Jake’s glare turned into something dangerous. Sam swallowed hard and wondered if today might be an exception to her rule.
    Just how late am I? Sam wondered.
    Jake drew a deep breath, shouldered past her, and began stripping the tack from Ace.
    â€œGet in the truck,” he ordered, without turning around.
    â€œI’m just going to run inside and take a quick shower,” Sam began. “I have to wash my hair.”
    â€œNo,” Jake said. He slung Ace’s saddle over a fence rail. “I’m not letting you out of my sight.”
    Because she’d heard him make that sort of silly vow a dozen times before, Sam relaxed a little.
    Jake was nervous about the wedding, not mad at her. Although today might not be a good day to stand toe-to-toe arguing, she could still get what she wanted. She made her voice quiet and reasonable.
    â€œMy hair is dirty,” Sam explained. “I can’t get in the truck until I’ve taken a shower. I’m sure you understand.”
    â€œThere’s no time,” he said. He removed Ace’s bridle and pumped some fresh water into the trough so the horse could drink.
    â€œOf course there’s time,” Sam told him, calmly. “While you put Ace up I can run upstairs, wash my hair, and be ready to go in ten minutes.”
    â€œAce can put himself up.” Jake slapped the bay’s rump and he trotted toward the barn. “And your hair’s fine.”
    Jake walked toward the truck as if he expected her to march along behind him. Even then, Sam tried to sound tranquil.
    â€œNow, Jake…”
    He wheeled around, pointing his index finger her way.
    â€œI don’t know what you think you’re doing, Samantha, but you can stop talking to me that way. I’m not a bull pawing the ground, about to charge.”
    â€œCoulda fooled me,” Sam muttered.
    Jake closed his eyes for a minute. When he opened them, he didn’t look any more peaceful, but he spoke slowly and clearly. “You need to get in the truck and let me drive to the church. Now.”
    Sam sighed. He was the one wasting time. “Jake, have you looked at my hair?”
    â€œIf I hear one more word about your hair…” Jake began, but he didn’t finish the threat. Instead, he began lecturing her. “They arranged it so you didn’t have to remember anything. Your dress, shoes,all your makeup and fancy gear are at the church. That’s what Brynna told me. Your Aunt Sue’s even bringing a beautician or something, isn’t that what you said?”
    Sam nodded.
    â€œAll you had to do was show up. And I was going to help you with that. You coulda just sat on the porch until I got here, but you couldn’t even manage that.”
    â€œWhy are you so mad?” Sam asked. She grabbed Jake’s wrist and turned it so she could see his watch. “We’ve got time. I’m only ten minutes late.”
    Sam could hear the amazement in her own voice. Maybe that was what pushed Jake over the edge.
    â€œWhy am I so mad? Let’s see. Could it be ’cause you’re making both of us seem like careless kids?” Jake squared his shoulders and drew up to his full height. “I’m sixteen. I drive. I earn money for training horses. I don’t need you making me look bad…and speaking of looking bad,” Jake said, really focusing on her for the first time. “What happened to you?”
    Sam wanted to scream.
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