Taking Chances: A Donnelley Brother's Novel Read Online Free Page A

up to you eventually. He always does.” She waved it off, but I had a feeling she was going to chew into the man later. Damn, I almost felt bad for the sucker. “When I first met Logan, the man made me question what I was doing here.”
    “He has that effect on people.” I replied smartly, again, before I’d thought the words through.
    Thankfully, Reese laughed. It was a real and full laugh and I felt the defenses I desperately wanted to remain in place weaken in their stand. Oh, I didn’t want to like it here. I wanted to get these six months done and over with so I could return to the live I’d always planned on living.
    “You’re funny!” She laughed again. “I like you.”
    “Hmm.” I didn’t know what to say to that. As I said, I didn’t want to like her. “Can I um, get my key? I had a long trip and I’m pretty tired.”
    “Oh crap!” She palmed her forehead. “I swear, pregnancy brain is killing me.”
    “You’re pregnant?” I felt my brows rise as my eyes dropped to her belly. Her sweater was a bit baggy, so I couldn’t see a belly, but the woman was tiny.
    “Yeah, almost four months.” She smiled softly as she rubbed her belly, flattening the sweater over what I could see was a perfectly round stomach. “I’m so excited!”
    This time, my smile was real and when I spoke, my voice croaked. “Congratulations.”
    Reese’s honey colored eyes settled on me and her smile waned. “Thank you, Hadley. A year ago, in May, I was a ruin. Finally, because of this Ranch, I’m in a good place.”
    I don’t know what possessed me to ask her, but before I could stop myself, I’d spoken. That seemed to be happening a lot lately - my mouth running before my brain had a chance to play catch-up. “Why were you a ruin?”
    “Two days from now, on May twentieth, two years ago, my first husband passed away in an accident on his way to work.” Her eyes misted, but she smiled through her emotion. “I contacted the Ranch last year in May, desperate to find somewhere to heal my broken heart. I felt so impossibly hopeless...” her eyes pleaded with me to understand - little did she know, I did. Michael had passed away on May ninth. That was nine days ago. Nine days ago, when my brother stole my sandwich, was the last time I would ever see him.
    My eyes misted and my throat felt tight. Reese noticed and something that resembled familiarity flashed in her eyes and her fingers pressed against her lips.
    “Oh!” she gasped. “Oh, Hadley...”
    I shook my head, mainly because I couldn’t speak.
    Reese continued. “I’ve been here since August last year. As uncomfortable as you must be right now, please know that the people here are friendly. I won’t ask you any questions, because I know how painful they can be - but I want you to know I’m here for anything you need. All you have to do is call.” She slid a card with her number on it over the counter and with shaking fingers I pushed it into my pocket.
    “Thanks.” I whispered and I meant it.

Chapter 3
    After Reese had given me my key, I’d made my way through the winding roads lined in tall trees to the cabin I’d seen on the map she’d also given to me. After debating on whether she wanted to place me beside the river or the horse stables, I’d spoken up and asked that she place me next to the water. It was apparent that there was a choice between the two and I’d always been a lover of water. Never in my life had I ridden a horse and I didn’t know if the stables would smell bad. It was a no brainer choice - water was best.
    Reese had assured me that I had the cabin that was closest to the river and also most private - which I appreciated. Apparently, my cabin was the one they tried not to rent if they didn’t have too as it was closest to one of the Donnelley brother’s house. I had no idea where the house was, but I assumed if I took a walk down the road that passed by my cabin, deeper into the woods, I would find this house.
    The cabin