Once a Rebel Read Free Page B

two stoneware cups, a small variety of tea bags, a bowl of sugar and a cow-shaped creamer.
    He chose an herbal blend that came in an orange packet, but he didn’t add anything to it. Susan picked the same flavor, doctoring hers with sugar and milk.
    The drink was warm against his throat, more soothing than he expected. And he was glad she’d provided sturdy cups. His hands were too big for delicate china.
    â€œGo ahead and finish what you were going to say,” she told him. “Tell me why you’re really here.”
    He opted for honesty. But not complete honesty. He was keeping his hunger to himself. “It bugged me that you didn’t stop by today.”
    â€œI considered it. But I didn’t want you to think I was starting that old cycle again. Throwing myself at you.”
    Her admission gave him a boost of confidence. “Maybe we could do something together. Go on a date or something.”
    â€œA date?” She sounded intrigued yet wary, still unsure of his intentions.
    He backed off a bit, lifting one shoulder in an easy shrug. “Just something casual.”
    She sucked in a breath. “Like what?”
    â€œWe could go for a ride tomorrow afternoon. It’s supposed to warm up.” And he was willing to rearrange his schedule to spend some time with her. “Around noon?”
    â€œDo you have a horse that would suit me? I never was a skilled rider.”
    â€œI’ve got a gentle old mare. I inherited her from one of my clients. I got roped into some dogs, too. And there’s a wild squirrel that pesters me for attention.”
    She gave him a sweet smile. “You were always good with strays. With the wild ones, too.”
    Grateful, he returned her smile. He’d always considered her a stray. And she’d been as wild as they come. “We can have a picnic. I can pick up some deli food.”
    â€œWhy don’t you let me pack our lunch? It will be my contribution to the date.”
    â€œThanks. That sounds great. I’ll trailer the horses tothe hunting cabin ahead of time. You can meet me there instead of the barn.”
    She agreed, and he finished his tea and left before it got too late. But as they said goodbye, they parted without any physical contact. No hug, no kiss on the cheek.
    Nothing that indicated what tomorrow would bring.
    Â 
    The following morning a puffy blue sky presided over leafy plants and flowering perennials. Susan shared the inner courtyard with Lily and Ryan, who sat across from her at a glass-topped table. This was Susan’s favorite place on the Double Crown. An old-fashioned swing was positioned beneath a vine-draped arbor, and a fountain bubbled in the morning air.
    Breakfast consisted of a Spanish omelet, buttered toast, orange juice and coffee. Ryan added more salsa to his omelet, and Susan was glad to see him up and about, enjoying quality time with his wife.
    â€œYou look pretty this morning,” Lily said to Susan.
    â€œThank you.” Susan was dressed in a red T-shirt and Wrangler jeans. Her boots, a sorrel shade of brown, sported a heart design on the toes. She’d fussed over her appearance, taking extra care with her hair and makeup. She’d tried to create a natural look, something that suited her outdoor date with Ethan.
    Ryan squinted at Susan, the lines around his eyes crinkling his tanned skin. “You don’t seem very hungry.”
    She glanced up from her plate. “I usually eat a light breakfast. Besides, I’m going on a picnic with Ethan, and I’m trying to save room.”
    The older man smiled. “Well, that didn’t take long,did it? You’ve only been here for one day and you two made plans already.”
    â€œDon’t tease me. I’m already nervous.” She checked her watch. “I’ve been up since the crack of dawn.” And now she still had two hours to go. But she’d already fried a batch of chicken and filled a plastic