On a Gamble Read Online Free Page A

workout pants, tank top, and heather gray sweater. Lacing her sneakers, she made her way outside. The crisp, early morning air caressed her face, and already her body relaxed. She took a brief stretch, and when she got past the fence, began her run.
    The minute her feet hit the pavement, calmness overtook her. No music, just the early morning sounds of the farm, the silence of the country like a balm to her frayed nerves. Honestly, she didn’t know what got into her yesterday other than her unnerving and fast growing attraction to Alex.
    He’d been doing a great job from day one, and she was grateful.
    Why did I overreact?
    But she already knew the answer. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure it out. Charlie paused, taking a deep breath as she stretched on the side of the road.
    Yesterday had been interesting to say the least. She had to be honest. One, she found him exceedingly attractive. Two, she’d blown things out of proportion. She’d felt bad for her outburst, and would apologize first thing this morning.
    He’d stood too close. She knew it had been on purpose, and was mostly angry with herself. Because she’d enjoyed the, albeit brief, moment, recalling those magnetic, sexy brown eyes, and swore she could see straight down into his soul, knowing he had a kind one.
    Bitter memories of the past stopped her thoughts. Remembering her first husband, Langdon. College sweethearts, she’d been instantly swept away by his smooth charm, charisma, and good looks. The attraction had been instantaneous. Being young, naïve, foolish, and hasty in her decisions landed her with a broken heart. Unless she wanted a repeat of the past, she had to better control her daydreams.
    Charlie checked her watch, realizing she’d already been running for a little more than a half hour, and made her way back home.
    Later that morning, Charlie took Alex out to the barn, and started her preparations to begin the day.
    Today would be awkward to say the least, especially after yesterday’s disaster. She knew why she’d lashed out at him, but wasn’t about to admit it. Just picturing it, Charlie bit the inside of her cheek to stifle a laugh. Gee, Alex, I’m sorry I snapped at you. I’m just really attracted to you .
    Yeah, not going to happen.
    She stopped short of the gate surrounding the barn, turning toward him. But for a moment, he said nothing, just studied her with that incredible brown gaze. More aware of him now that they were alone again, she gulped, thinking she could easily step into his personal space and—
    And nothing! Goodness gracious, enough already.
    “Look, I’m sorry about yesterday,” he said.
    Surprised by his apology, she nodded. “I’m sorry for overreacting.”
    Squaring her shoulders, she made her way into the barn.
    With more effort than usual, Charlie picked up her tools, and dove into her work. Doing her best to block him out of her thoughts, her line of vision. It proved impossible, considering they worked side-by-side feeding animals, weeding the garden, and various other tasks.
    By lunchtime, Charlie trapped herself in the upstairs bathroom for at least twenty minutes. She splashed cold water on her face, closing her eyes for a moment. Resting her hands on the sink, she lowered her head.
    Alex had worn down her nerves, and in such a short time. She wasn’t sure how much longer she’d last working with him. Whenever he came within ten yards of her, every millimeter of her was acutely aware of him. It had been a long time since anyone affected her in such a strong way, if ever.
    And, she realized, the root of her problem lay right there.
    Blindly, Charlie grabbed the towel resting on the sink, and dried her face. She dragged a comb through her hair, fixed her ponytail, and took a cleansing breath before making her way downstairs.
    The sight of her grandma, doing dishes, and cleaning up the kitchen, greeted her.
    Grandma Pearl assessed her, and frowned. “Charlie, honey. You okay?”
    She