Read Online Cutter Mountain Rendezvous by Barbara Weitz - Free Book Online Page A

He called me. Seems you’re not returning phone calls to anyone.”
    “I deserved that, but my cell’s open now.”
    “Glad to hear it.”
    They hung up. Prima donna. Why this bothered him was unclear other than Kate had been throwing his ego in his face ever since he arrived. As far as Colton was concerned, he bent over backward to keep everyone from the Bullets’ management to the press happy. Didn’t anyone remember the endless charity events he attended pro gratis or the time he gave the press for in-studio interviews?
    Next, Colton dialed his agent, Anthony Pirana. Although Tony’s nickname was a play on the spelling of his last name, his personality fit the sharp-toothed, flesh-eating fish. Colton left a voice mail. “Piranha. Next time you talk to Seth behind my back, you’re done. I don’t care how many voice mails you’ve left me. I’m trying to get some rest here. Do your job, and I’ll do mine.”
    There was an empty threat. Under the circumstances, he doubted the Piranha gave a shit.
    The sight of the barn drew him back to window like a lost love. His brother would love fixing it up. Come morning, he would call Mason about Kate, while Seth and the Piranha guided his career through choppy waters.
    A small notebook found in Bessie’s glove box was opened. A new list emerged. He struck a line through Seth and Piranha’s names, adding Mason’s with a note to find Kate a carpenter and call his trainer. He also added rocking chairs for the front porch. What proper country home had a sprawling front porch and no rockers?
    With satisfaction, he slipped the book and pen under his bed. Maybe lists did have merit. It made him feel in control.
    Once he settled down enough to attempt sleep, a clatter outside made his eyes fly open. Just as fast, he was on his feet with his back to the wall. The front window provided a clear line of sight to the construction pile had Kate’s truck not blocked the view.
    He eased out onto the front porch and saw a lanky figure pulling a large piece of drywall from the pile. Colton quietly stepped off the porch with every intention of full surprise, but the youth saw him and bolted.
    Colton shouted and took chase. “Hey, stop !”
    A stutter step and hop was followed by a curse when he came to a sudden halt. He yanked a twig from the ball of his foot. Tossing the stick aside, he glanced up in time to see the kid disappear over the ridge.
    Cold air pebbled the skin across his bare torso and left no option other than limping back to his room. The foot was cleaned and wrapped in his Bullets T-shirt before settling back down on his bed. The foot throbbed with each beat of his heart.
    It had been one hell of a day.
    ****
    Kate cradled a cup of hot coffee between her hands while sitting on the top step of the front porch. The temptation to peek in the front windows of Colton’s bedroom was almost unbearable. Was he still sleeping? Had he left on foot? It was already ten. How could he sleep in such a bright room? If he didn’t get his butt out of bed soon, she’d be making him lunch not breakfast.
    She was about to go inside when the front door swung open. In last night’s shorts and unbuttoned jean shirt, he limped across the porch, sitting close enough to warm her with his body heat. White socks covered his feet. He grunted out a yawn. She slanted a look his direction. “Somehow I thought a ballplayer would be a morning person.”
    “I am.”
    “It’s ten. The day’s half gone.”
    “I’m on vacation.”
    She didn’t pry when he clammed up, startling her when he said without preamble, “You’re right.”
    “About what?”
    “Someone’s lifting junk off your construction pile. I heard him last night. Stepped on a twig so couldn’t catch him.” He lifted a foot. Dried blood blotted the bottom of his white sock. “Don’t worry. My tetanus shots are up to date.”
    “Do I look worried? It’s nothing. I’ve cut my foot on twigs more than once. I’ll get you an