Read Online A Texas Chance by Jean Brashear - Free Book Online Page B

She could come back and finish oiling the furniture later. Even though sparing the time wasn’t in her schedule, he was her dog.
    No matter what Cade insisted.
    Rusty . How unimaginative for a dog whose hair was a few shades more auburn than her own.
    Skeeter was kind of cute, though. Not that she’d ever tell Cade.
    But she’d have to get better acquainted with her dog—imagine that, a dog of her own—before choosing a name.
    Her phone rang. She glanced at the display. Maura.
    Her spirits lifted for once—she had something fun to talk about this time. She wouldn’t be pretending. “Hi, Maura. Guess what? I have a dog.”
    Silence. “A…what?”
    Sophie laughed. “I know. My, how things have changed, right?” In her past life, travel had been a constant. She’d never tried to take care of so much as a goldfish. Didn’t even think herself a pet person.
    “I must have the wrong number.”
    “My life just keeps changing.”
    “But you sound…good, Sophie. Alive.”
    “A lot has been happening. I’m not sure what to do about the newest development.”
    “The dog?”
    “No, um… I mean, yes, that’s new for me, right?”
    “It certainly is. What kind of dog?”
    “An Irish setter.”
    “Oh, they’re beautiful. Is it a puppy?”
    “No, he’s probably five or six, the vet says. I found him on the road. He was hurt, but a…someone else helped me find a vet to treat him.”
    “Someone else? A male someone?”
    Sophie hesitated.
    “You said a lot had been happening. Is there a man involved, my Sophie? Come on, spill.” Sophie could easily envision Maura slipping off her shoes, settling in for a story.
    “He’s not—it’s not…it’s strictly business. Though I don’t think it’s going to work out, actually.”
    Cade had certainly seemed insistent about providing photos, however—just not new ones.
    “You’re going to throw out a teaser like that, then leave me hanging? Talk to me, doll.”
    “Um…I’ve met Cade MacAllister—you know, the photographer?”
    “Cade MacAllister? My, my. Well, good for you. It’s been too long since you and Kurt—”
    “That’s not what I mean.” The only thing Sophie wanted to discuss less than Kurt Barnstone was Cade as a man.
    “He’s an astonishing talent, no question, but I’ve seen a photo of him. You’re going to tell me he’s not one very fine specimen of man?”
    “It’s not like that, Maura.” I could have you boneless in my bed…
    “Sweetie, you’ve been working too hard, clearly.”
    Sophie shook her head, grateful her fiery cheeks couldn’t be seen through a phone. “I’m only interested in his work.”
    “Oh, dear,” Maura said. “You’re in worse shape than I thought.”
    “Would you stop it? My focus is entirely on making this hotel a success.”
    “All right, all right. I’ll behave.” The smile in her voice came through. “So what’s the deal with his work?”
    “I shouldn’t have brought it up because it’s not set in stone, but…well, there’s a possibility that I may be able to hang some of his photos in the guest rooms.”
    “Are you serious? How on earth did you manage that? That would be an absolute coup.”
    “I know.” Sophie resisted the urge to do a happy dance, reminding herself that a lot of things could go wrong. “His sister has become a very dear friend of mine, and the idea was hers. I didn’t see any way I could afford him, but…he’s here.”
    “He’s there? Then why on earth are you talking to me?”
    “Not here right now, but he’s in town and he’s…well, he spent the day working on the grounds.”
    “Excuse me?”
    “It’s crazy, right? Did you hear about his climbing accident? He was badly injured and he can’t go back on the road yet, so Jenna—that’s his sister—brought him over and, well, somehow he just started clearing out vines and…it sounds insane, I know.” She glanced at the clock. Crap. She had to leave now to make it the vet’s. “Maura, I’m sorry,