Read Online Explosive Memories by Sherri Thomas - Free Book Online Page B

friends.”
    “A long time ago.”
    “He hasn’t changed much.” The youngest Matthews shrugged. “I mean, he’s more guarded nowadays, but he’s always kept to himself.”
    “Guarded how?” She tripped over a twig, and the cowboy grasped her elbow. “Thank you.”
    “Because of April. She did a real job on him. On all of us I guess.” A dark shadow fell over his features.
    Since he seemed to think she knew who this woman was and what she did to the Matthews family, Jordan refrained from asking questions. She’d save those for Darcy.
    Looking ahead, she noted two men and a small boy hunkered down over an inanimate object in the corral. From the distance, she couldn’t be sure, but it resembled the shape of a bull.
    “How’s it going?” Chris hollered to the trio.
    “They’ll be ready for the real deal in no time,” Sam announced. “This kids a natural.”
    “I’ll watch for his name in the next rodeo.” Her tour guide waved and bent his head toward her. “That’s Mr. Parker and his son. Sam’s showing them how to rope. We use a fake bull so no one gets hurt. And that,” he added as he nodded to the rounded woman and another boy standing nearby, “is his eight-months pregnant wife. She scheduled this trip last year, before she discovered her condition.” He chuckled. “When she found out about the baby, she refused to cancel. Guess this vacation was a present for her husband. He always wanted to be a cowboy.” He shrugged. “Anyway, here we are. Darcy’s in one of them.”
    “Thanks.”
    “Any time.” He hurried off in another direction.
    “Hey, what are you doing out here?”
    She pivoted as her friend exited the cabin with a bucket full of cleaning supplies. Her frayed jean shorts and gray top sported a couple of bleach stains, but a big smile lined her lips.
    Someday she wished to emit as much happiness as her best friend. To feel a sense of rightness.
    “Going crazy, but Chris was nice enough to show me where you were.”
    “Let me leave these in the other cabin for later, and we can head up to the main house for a coffee or cold drink.”
    “Coffee sounds excellent.”
    Darcy set the container inside the next bungalow and joined her with a scowl. The expression even looked out of place on her face.
    “What’s with the frown?”
    “Where are the clothes you bought? Don’t get me wrong, I love your outfits, and you always turn everyone’s head, but I’d hate to see them get ruined.” She groaned. “Now I sound like your mother, ‘listen here young lady…’” She laughed.
    “Ha. You’re too funny. Don’t worry, mother dear, I’ll be careful.” Not wanting to explore the sudden emptiness in the bottom of her stomach, she changed the subject. “You want help cleaning?”
    “A couple of hours ago I would’ve taken you up on your offer, but now, no. I’m almost done.”
    Climbing the stairs to the main house, Jordan held the door for her to enter. “I ah…went for a walk earlier.”
    “Good. I’m glad you’re getting around and checking the place out.” Her hostess crossed the kitchen to the coffee pot.
    “The exercise felt wonderful. I came across a ravine with some sort of shed at the bottom. Do you know what it’s used for?”
    “The guys used to hang out there to get away from their parents and entertain their dates from what I understand.” She quirked a lip. “Nick shared a few stories with me that I’d rather not repeat.”
    “Is there an access path or a trail leading to the base of the water?”
    Darcy nodded. “If you walk a few minutes more on the path, there’s an opening that winds down the hill.” Standing on tiptoe, she grabbed two cups from the cupboard. “Nick took me once. The place is nothing but cobwebs.” She poured the java into both mugs and handed one over. “We didn’t stick around long. He said the structure wasn’t sound. It’s kind of creepy.” Her brown gaze searched Jordan’s with open curiosity. “You thinking of