Explosive Memories Read Free Page A

glad you’re back. I hated that you quit your job and moved away. It was like you were at his mercy.”
    She waved in a dismissive gesture. “I’m over it. Over him. There was something missing.”
    “Don’t ever settle for anything less. Real love does exist. Take me for example. Never in a million years did I think when I applied for a job on this ranch I’d find my soul mate.”
    But when your heart isn’t yours to give, when the past absorbs every cell of your being, and you have to fight each second of the day to stay in charge of the emotions…
    “I think I’ll concentrate on me for a while. Anyway, I couldn’t run right back here. Dr. Sheffield helped me get the job in Nashville, and I owed it to him to stick it out. But Tennessee wasn’t for me. I missed home.” What part she couldn’t be sure. Amarillo offered her nothing, except Darcy and the doctor. Yet, a feeling of belonging enveloped her.
    The back door creaked, and a stocky man with an easy smile entered.
    “Morning, Sam,” Darcy addressed the cowboy.
    “Mornin’.” He hung his tan hat on the rack and strode over to the coffee pot.
    Dark hair, dark eyes, the same shaped face. Jordan’s heart rate sped up. Why did every male she came across today resemble him . This man was broader, thicker in the chest, and also lacked the scar, but the resemblance to her cowboy of years ago was uncanny.
    “Sam, this is Jordan.” She turned to her. “This is one of Nick’s brothers.”
    Chocolate eyes crinkled at the corners as he stepped closer and extended a beefy hand. “The oh so famous Jordan.” He bowed, smiling. “You’ll certainly improve the scenery around here.”
    “Sam, behave.”
    “I mean besides you, Ms. Smarty Pants.”
    His large fingers engulfed her own. “Hello.”
    Having seen the two brothers, edginess filled her. Was it possible for a person to have more than one look-a-like out in the world?
    “Nice grip.” He chuckled, released her hand, and crossed to the counter. “She could give some of the guys around here a lesson in proper handshakes.”
    “How many brothers did you say Nick has?” Jordan whispered, fearing the answer to come.
    “Three.”
    “What are their names?” Telling herself it didn’t matter, she lifted the coffee cup to her lips. Even if the cowboy turned out to be a Matthews, it wouldn’t change her course of action. She had no time for the past.
    “I can’t believe I never told you.”
    “You’ve talked about them, but always referred to them as Nick’s brothers.”
    “Well.” Darcy frowned. “There’s Sam, here.”
    The cowboy turned around at the mention of his name and grinned.
    “Chris and Trent.”
    Trent. Oh, God. Jordan set the mug down heavier than intended, and the contents sloshed onto her hand. What were the chances? And if it was him, would he even recognize her? Perhaps he forgot about her, about that night.
    Lucky him. For her, those twelve hours started a spiraling downhill fall. The beginning of many punishments for bad behavior.
    From her peripheral vision, she glimpsed the bride-to-be’s lips turn into a smug smile.
    “They’re all very, very handsome and very single. Aren’t you Sam?” She winked in his direction.
    “Don’t go trying to pair us off Darc.”
    “Me?” She laughed.
    If she only knew. But few people did. Jordan stole a glance in the cowboy’s direction, then back at her friend. “And you know I’m coming out of a terrible relationship.”
    The brunette sipped her coffee, and with a wink, faced her future brother-in-law. “What are you up to today?”
    “Trent and I are headed to town for roofing supplies, then we need to stop by the vet’s office. He thinks Sierra might give birth soon and wants to be prepared.”
    Jordan’s stomach somersaulted at the use of her cowboy’s name. As much as she longed for the man in her dreams at night, the daytime was another story. She did not need another confrontation from her past. Not