Love All Out - Part 4 (A Stepbrother Romance) Read Online Free

office. Whatever it takes to keep Bradley in jail.”
    Matt wrinkled his nose and shifted in his seat.
    “What is it?” I asked, sensing something else was wrong.
    “Bradley’s already out on bail.”
    “What?” Renee gasped. “Why in the world would the judge agree to that?”
    “Because he was only charged with misdemeanors,” I answered. “I don’t know what I was thinking. Of course he’s already been let out on bail.”
    “Pumpkin, why don’t you and Matt go home?” Daddy suggested.
    “I can’t leave you here!” I insisted. I was shocked that he’d even suggested it.
    “There’s no reason not to,” he replied. “You’ve done all you can do for me here, pumpkin. You made sure I got the care I needed, and I appreciate that. But honestly, now that I’m on the mend, I’d feel better if you were at home keeping an eye on things. Especially if Bradley’s running loose again.”
    I chewed on my lower lip, considering his words. Deep down, I knew Daddy was right. There was nothing I could do at the hospital, but plenty I could take care of at the ranch.
    “Okay,” I finally agreed. “I’ll ride home with Matt. I just need to go back to the hotel and grab my things.”
    “James is already taking care of that,” Matt announced. “He’s packing your stuff and checking out of our room. He wants to leave his truck here for Renee, so I thought we’d all ride home together.”
    As if on cue, the door opened and James stepped into the room. “Hey there Cole,” he said with a smile. “You’re looking much better this morning.”
    “Thanks, James,” Daddy said. “And thank you for keeping your wits when I collapsed. Every doctor I’ve spoken to has mentioned how fortunate I am that you remembered to give me aspirin.”
    Renee beamed up at her son. “You are incredibly calm in crisis. I don’t want to think about how things might have turned out if you hadn’t been there.”
    James looked embarrassed by their gratitude. “I just did what had to be done,” he said with a modest shrug. He looked back and forth between me and Matt. “So… do we have a plan?” he asked, nervously shuffling his feet.
    “Yes,” Daddy replied. “The three of you are going to go home today and make sure Bradley Miller gets charged with the right crime. I trust you’ll also keep an eye on Willow for me? I hate the idea of her being alone in the house with everything that’s going on.”
    James’s shoulders relaxed as he realized Daddy knew everything that was happening. “I won’t let anything happen to Willow,” he promised. “And I’ll make sure the ranch runs smoothly while you’re gone.”
    “Thank you, James,” Daddy said. “Knowing that you’re holding down the fort makes it much easier for me to relax. Now, the three of you get on the road. I don’t want you to get stuck in lunch traffic trying to get out of the city.”
    “You’re kicking us out?” I teased as I rose to my feet.
    “Yes, I am,” he replied firmly, trying to look stern. “Call us when you get home so we know you’re safe. And keep me posted on your meeting with the DA.”
    I gave Daddy a gentle hug, careful not to put any pressure on his chest. I kissed him on the cheek and then shared a tense embrace with Renee while James and Matt shook Daddy’s hand.
    “Love you, Daddy,” I called over my shoulder as we left the room.
    “Love you too, pumpkin. Drive safe.”
    The door swung shut behind us and I reluctantly followed James and Matt down the hallway.

CHAPTER 2
    The next evening, I was waiting on James’s couch when he stepped in to his cabin. A roast was cooking in the oven and I was halfway through a bottle of red wine.
    “Willow, what are you doing here?” he asked as he brushed the bottoms of his boots against the doormat. “I’ve been by the barns and the main house, looking for you.” He took off his straw Stetson and hung it on the wall.
    “I couldn’t stay in the house,” I explained. “It feels