Owned for Christmas Read Free Page A

seemed to close in on her, the air too thin. She couldn’t seem to fill her lungs. She had to get out of there. She had to escape Gale’s friendly presence and happy small talk. It was all too much.
    “I’m sorry, I’m suddenly feeling a little tired.” Kate rubbed her temples, an abrupt sting of pain beginning there. “I think I’m going to lie down for a little bit, if that’s okay?”
    “Sure, dear.” Gale gazed over at her with concern.
    Kate couldn’t worry about Gale’s reaction. Not right now. Not with the vision of Grant standing next to the sink still fresh in her mind.
    “Go rest for a bit. I’ll come get you and Danny once dinner is ready.”
    “Okay. Thank you.” Kate nodded, turning from the kitchen.
    Half an hour didn’t seem long enough to gather her muddled senses together. But it would have to do.
     

Chapter Two
     
     
     
    “I can’t believe your parents were willing to let you go for the holiday.” Gale placed a spoonful of mashed potatoes in her mouth.
    So far, the family dinner had gone well. However, Kate had spent more time studying her plate than the people around her. As long as she didn’t look at Grant, sitting across the table from her, she was fine.
    It was only when she regarded Grant, saw his intense eyes, watched his hands holding his fork or cupping his glass, that her body heated and her heart pounded irregularly. Stupid hormones.
    Her gut clenched. The roast and potatoes sat like rocks in her stomach. She might be attracted to him, but her heart knew better. Her still-fragile heart remembered just how deeply Grant had shredded it when he’d left.
    “I can’t imagine not having my boys here for Christmas,” Gale mused.
    Kate tried to smile, though it wasn’t heartfelt. “My parents got a great deal on a cruise. They’re sailing around the Gulf of Mexico until New Year’s.” No doubt her mother was sat out on the deck right now, showing off the emerald her father had bought her for Christmas to any and all who would listen.
    “Doesn’t seem right.” She took a sip of her water, shaking her head a little. “Oh, well. Their loss will be our gain.”
    Maybe she’s right? Kate had always wanted a more affectionate family. She loved her parents, but family holidays and warm, fuzzy moments were not her parents’ specialty. But Gale seemed to pull it off easily. Her entire home overflowed with care and love.
    Except for the ominous force across the table from Kate.
    Without thinking, she cast a glance over at Grant. She sucked in a deep breath. His dark eyes were fixed on her. Every time she looked up, his gaze was on her, staring down to the places deep inside her that he’d found a way to tap into—the parts of her she never wanted to share again.
    “You have a lovely home.” Kate dipped her gaze back to her food, focusing on the part of the dinner that didn’t have her wanting to jump out of her own skin.
    “Thank you, dear. It’s not a lot but we do what we can.”
    Unlike her mother, Kate didn’t see any regret on Gale’s face when she spoke of living without what others had. Instead, she seemed almost proud of what she’d done, how she’d managed to make do with what she had and be happy with it. Kate liked Gale more and more each minute.
    “No one ever became a rancher for the money.” Gale laughed.
    Her sons chuckled along with her, sharing in an old joke.
    “What do you grow on this ranch?” Kate popped a stewed carrot into her mouth, the homey taste comforting, although nothing like the meals she ate at home. The love and kindness this chef put into the food couldn’t be bought.
    “Cattle mostly. Cattle ranching is our bread and butter. We breed horses too. Not enough to build a reputation to impress the Richie Riches looking for racing animals. But it helps us make ends meet. And we raise a little corn. Mostly to feed our own animals, and a few neighbors.”
    “Wow.” Kate couldn’t help but be impressed.
    Gale beamed with pride.