Return to the Black Hills Read Online Free

crushed Shiloh to his chest a few moments later, safe and sound. “You are grounded,” he said, his voice gruff with emotion. “For life.”
    She wiggled free of his clasp. “Oh, Daddy, I wasn’t very far up. I wouldn’t have broken anything if I fell. Would I, Jessie?”
    Jessie, who was still perched above them like a lizard on a branch, suddenly launched up and out to land beside them. She picked up the boots Shiloh had kicked off. “It only takes seven pounds per square inch—that’s seven PSI—to break your collarbone. If you had landed wrong, you would have broken something, Shiloh. And if you ever do anything that stupid again, I will break something for you.”
    Her tone was part teacher, part drill sergeant and part mother. And, at that moment, Cade wanted to kiss her. She was exactly what had been missing from his life for so damn long that he felt like a blind person who suddenly acquired sight.
    Shiloh’s look of smug triumph disappeared and she flung herself back into his arms, sobbing.
    He patted her back with soft words of comfort, but his gaze never left Jessie. She looked first at the boots in her hand, then at her sister. He couldn’t read whatever silent communication passed between them, but when she looked at him, he was ready. He knew what he wanted to say.
    “So, when can you two move in?”





CHAPTER TWO
    “H OW ’ BOUT THIS AFTERNOON ? After the exhibition?”
    Jessie couldn’t say she was surprised by the offer—he probably felt her owed her something for rescuing his kid, but she knew better than to pass up a golden opportunity. And even though she’d scolded the girl, Jessie couldn’t blame Shiloh for giving the tower a try. Jessie would have been the first one on it when she was that age—safety harness or no safety harness.
    “Sounds good. Shiloh is going to go into the community center and use the computers to print you a map. Aren’t you, Shiloh?”
    Shiloh heaved a sigh and took her boots. “Sure. I can do that.” She smashed her feet into the boots then stomped across the street and straight into the building.
    “Thank you,” he said, his voice so low Jessie had to lean in to catch what he was saying. “I didn’t think she’d do something that stupid in public.”
    “Sure. No problem.”
    The show would be starting in a few minutes and she hadn’t had time to go through her usual warm-up routine. She looked at her sister. “Rem, would you do me a favor and stick around for the map? I need to meet the guys to make sure we’re all on the same page. Have you seen J.T.?”
    “Who’s that?”
    “Our camera guy.”
    “The one you used to date?”
    Jessie winced. She didn’t want to be reminded of that mistake. She never would have gone out with J.T. in the first place if not for Dar—J.T.’s mom and Jessie’s mentor. In hindsight, Jessie should have recognized the blatant manipulation for what it was—a last-ditch attempt to solidify Jessie’s loyalty against the coming firestorm.
    “We went out a couple of times.” Until his possessiveness got him in trouble. “Anyway, you know what he looks like. Have you seen him this morning?”
    Remy shook her head.
    “Damn,” she muttered under her breath. “I really need someone to film this.” She paused. “Wait a minute. I have a camera you could use if he doesn’t show up.”
    Remy put one hand to her heart dramatically. “Me?”
    “Wait here. Don’t move. I’ll be right back.”
    She raced to her car. The camera was right where she left it on the floor of the backseat. She returned inside a minute. “Here,” she said, handing Remy the compact black bag. “It should have a full battery, but just in case, don’t turn it on until the action starts.”
    Remy looked doubtful. “Are you sure about this? I’m a rank amateur at best. What if I screw up?”
    “Just do the best you can. I have to go.”
    “Good luck,” Cade said.
    Jessie paused. “Thanks. I’ll try to give you a good