Coming Home Read Free

feeling
instantly lighter now that she knew her father was dealing with the
fire. After seeing the house, it became clear how much work needed
doing, and how long that work could take. It meant she would be
seeing an awful lot more of the cowboy in front of her. Along with
his friend.
    "How did you know I'd come here first?"
    Pax chuckled, a low rumble that had her
nipples puckering. "I didn't. I was here checkin' everythin' out
and heard your car drive up. Total coincidence."
    "You don't believe in them," she shot back,
needing to see his smirk again. "I know you, Paxton Dane."
    He licked his lips, his tone dropping to wet your panties level. "And I know you."
    Heat burned her cheeks from the memories of
what he hinted at. She chose to ignore his comment, changing the
subject as quickly as she could. "I didn't ask, but you do have
internet, right?"
    "Sure do. It's ready and waitin' for you to
abuse."
    Sydney spluttered, far too many images
flitting through her head and causing it to spin. The man proved
toxic to her sanity.
    "Um, does Caleb know I'm coming?" she finally
asked, unable to avoid it any longer.
    Pax rubbed the back of his neck, taking a
step closer to her. "He was the one who told me to call you. He
said you should be here no matter what Jack crowed about." He
exhaled. "He's doin' okay, Syd, but you cut the guy to shreds. I
know it's been a while, but it still smarts. All I'm goin' to say
is go easy on him."
    She stiffened. "I'm not here to open any
wounds. I'm here because my father needs me. Not a single person
knows what happened between Caleb and me, so you have no right to
judge."
    "Whoa! I'm not judgin', sweetheart. I'm bein'
a friend to Caleb and askin' for you to be gentle. I care about you
both, and I'd hate for this to be awkward."
    Moving around him, Sydney stalked to her car.
His comments had ruffled her feathers because Pax knew she wouldn't
hurt Caleb intentionally.
    But that's exactly what you did.
    Ignoring the voice in her head, she climbed
into her car and started the engine. Pax stared at her, watching
her as she pulled away.
    She knew exactly what he thought. Sydney
Jamieson would always run away, rather than deal with the
truth.

Chapter 3
    "Dad, you still should have called me."
    Jack Jamieson huffed, dismissing her concern.
"Don't need you gettin' all heated about this. Those damn boys
should never have bothered you. The house will be back to normal
soon."
    Frustration rose, Sydney had been having this
conversation for the last hour. Her father appeared not to care he
now lived in a neighbor's cottage with very few possessions to his
name. In fact, he looked rather comfortable on the threadbare couch
with Pax's dog on his lap. The German Shepherd eyed her, ready to
pounce if she raised her voice. That her father didn't appear upset
over the fire annoyed her. "I'm not leaving, Dad. I can work from
here."
    "Silly girl. You can't just stop livin' your
life to help me. I have two strappin' boys more than willing to
help. And I ain't in no grave yet."
    Exhaling, Sydney fought to remain calm.
"Those boys have a ranch to run. You really can't go expecting them
to rebuild your house, along with caring for our horses."
    "I'll be lookin' after my own damn horses,"
Jack snapped. "Don't need you bein' my mama, Sydney."
    Rolling her eyes, she stood. She'd hit a
brick wall with him, and the only way forward now would be to start
to rebuild everything he'd lost. Her father might buckle eventually
and she would make sure she wasn't living in a different state when
he did. She'd just stay right here.
    "Since I can't get you to see sense, you
stubborn mule, I'm goin' up to the house. I'll be unpackin'."
    "Sydney."
    He'd used the very same tone on her when she
was younger. On those occasions he hadn't needed to shout or raise
his voice at all. His dissatisfaction instantly came through.
Nevertheless, at this moment in time she honestly didn't care. He
needed her, whether he could admit it or not.
    Turning,