Texas Hot Read Free Page A

“I’m glad you’re here, Gina. We can really use the help. I’ll see you tonight at dinner.” When Mitch walked out into the sunny afternoon, Gina moved to doorway and watched him go. His boots kicked up small puffs of dust as he made his way to a row of neatly painted outbuildings. The black plaid shirt he wore hugged him across broad shoulders and worn jeans lovingly hugged his backside. His legs were sturdy and strong and for the first time she truly understood the term horseman’s thighs . This man was the epitome of what she’d always imagined a real cowboy would be, tough, strong and maybe just a little rough around the edges, the kind of man who might feel things deeply but would never let a woman see.
    Gina licked suddenly dry lips and turned away from the sight before she did something completely stupid and start running fast and far from a good paying job. She’d left New York searching for some peace of mind and to escape the threats of her violent ex. As they said in the south, she had more trouble than you could ‘shake a stick at’ and she certainly didn’t need any more.
    Mitch McBride was off limits.
    Sad.
    If her circumstances were different, she’d be begging this sexy-as-sin cowboy to take her on the ride of her life. What was it they said about rodeo bull riders? Eight seconds? Gina had no doubt her time in the saddle would take longer…a whole hell of a lot longer.
     
    Hours and hours later, Gina lay in the strange bed in this new place finding it almost impossible to turn her mind off. The day had ended on a great note following her first dinner for the McBride brothers. Satisfaction swam through her system as she thought back to the evening meal. Her herb-crusted baked chicken, mashed potatoes and crunchy steamed vegetables had been devoured in a heartbeat, seconds served, and praises heaped on her head.
    A very good start to her employment.
    The ranch kitchen had everything needed for preparing food for a small army including double ovens, a huge built-in grill, and ample counter space. Cooking was one of her great loves and she’d always hoped that one day, when her parents retired, that she would take over the family business. Considering the way her marriage had ended, it was no longer possible as long as Anthony still lived in Brooklyn.
    She could never go back.
    Shoving memories of her ex to the back of her mind, Gina struggled to get comfortable in the big bed in the room she’d been given. Restless from the stress of finding employment, settling in, and becoming acquainted with the new environment, she wanted nothing more than to finally turn her brain off and get some rest. Plantation shutters covered a big bay window and the door leading outside. They were slightly cracked allowing shafts of moonlight to cast striped designs across the fluffy comforter on her bed. New places were always a bit disconcerting, but even she had to admit this was so much better than the steady stream of cheap motels she’d encountered on her travels. Now as she lay here thinking back on the day, Gina realized that she felt truly safe for the first time in weeks. She didn’t know the McBride brothers but it was hard not to believe they’d fight heaven and Earth to protect anyone under their big roof. Of course, neither had a clue she was running and she hoped like hell these guys would never find out.
    Too restless to sleep, Gina sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed before padding to the door leading to the patio. A breath of clean air might do her good. She opened the door and stepped into the night. She eyed the padded chairs but sitting didn’t appeal so she walked to the low stone wall, leaned against it, and folded her arms on the cool ledge. A huge, white moon hung heavy in the sky. It was surrounded by a million scattered stars and so beautiful she forgot, at least for a while, that she was a stranger in a strange land.  A sense of homecoming washed over her, a feeling of