Summer's Desire Read Free Page B

happen?”
    Holden gave her a sad smile. “Unfortunately it’s not
an isolated case. Happening a lot more these days. Do you know Colt O’Malley?”
    “Sure, and his brother Caleb. Nice guys.”
    Holden nodded without taking his gaze off her. “Met
him today, good man. I’m supposed to meet Stone McCoy and Jonas Barnes
tomorrow. They handle rescues too.”
    “I went to school with Jonas. He’s a great guy.
Stone moved here a few years ago. I don’t know too much about him except he’s a
decent person and a good rancher. He asked me out on a date once.”
    “I take it you didn’t go?”
    “No, I’m leaving all the eligible bachelors for the
rest of the women in town. I’m fine on my own.”
    His gaze grew piercing. “That explains it.”
    Her hands became sweaty and a lump formed in her
throat. “Explains what?”
    “I was wondering why you’re single. You are, aren’t
you?”
    Summer frowned. She didn’t like personal questions
and she didn’t want him in the kitchen. “You do know that a woman doesn’t need
to get married don’t you? We can support ourselves. Now I have to finish
getting dinner ready.”
    Holden nodded and started to walk to the door. He
stopped and stared at her. “Well?”
    “Oh for heaven’s sake. I’m
single. No one would have me.” She instantly wished she could take her outburst
back. His eyes widened as he looked her up and down, and his assessing
embarrassed her. Of course she’d had boyfriends but she somehow always found
the jerks. It wasn’t as though she was a raving beauty who attracted tons of
guys.
    Holden started to march back toward her.
    “Get your brothers and tell them it’s time to eat.”
She didn’t want any false compliments.
    He hesitated as though puzzled, but shrugged his
shoulders and headed out the door.

 
    *
* * *

 
    Holden tried not to laugh at his brothers. They’d
never acted so polite and well-mannered before. All through dinner they said
please and thank you and they complimented Summer’s cooking constantly. It was
damn good he had to admit.
    He felt bad leaving to get the boys for dinner. Why
would she say something as ridiculous as no one would have her? She was pretty
enough and her figure was nice. If he was being honest it was better than nice.
She seemed sane enough too. His face grew warm as he realized he’d been staring
at her like some moon-eyed youngster. He glanced down at his plate instead. He
didn’t need anyone getting ideas of becoming involved with him.
    “Right, Holden?” Luke kicked him under the table.
    “ Ow . What is wrong with
you?” He was immediately sorry for his outburst when he saw Luke’s frown. “Luke,
what did you want?”
    Luke’s face turned red. He quickly glanced at Summer
and just as quickly looked away. “I was just sayin ’
that she’d be hard put to find a place to sleep tonight.”
    Holden leaned over and ruffled Luke’s hair. “You
giving up your bed, bud?”
    An impish grin crossed Luke’s face. “Nah, I’m a boy,
remember? I need my sleep. Now you being an old man and all…” Luke chuckled.
    Luke’s laugh was infectious and soon they were all
laughing. Holden locked eyes with Summer. Her blue eyes were filled with mirth
and it was nice to see her smile. “Guess I hadn’t thought this whole thing out.
Summer, you can have my bed.”
    “No, no that’s okay,” she protested. “The couch is
fine.”
    “No, the couch isn’t a good idea. I get calls all
night to help animals. I don’t want to worry about disturbing your sleep.”
    “If you’re sure?”
    Holden pushed back from the table and stood. “Guys,
help me get this couch cleared off. Been so long I’ve forgotten what color it
is.”
    The boys each left the table and grabbed things off
the couch. Everything from socks to harnesses was cluttering it. Holden laughed
and held up a pocket watch. “I’ve been looking all over for this.”
    Matt stopped and nudged him. “How about your room?
Is it decent for a