Lady Outlaw

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Book: Lady Outlaw by Stacy Henrie Read Free Book Online
Authors: Stacy Henrie
Tags: Romance, Historical Romance
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at him. “You were the woman in the store?”
    “I didn’t want to feel beholden to you.”
    “I guess that’s one way to look at it. But I’d say we’re just about even, since you gave me a job. That was definitely worth the money to pay for the candy. And to see you smile.”
    She tucked her chin back down, but not before Caleb caught that same soft smile he’d seen in the store lifting her mouth for a moment.
    “What were you doing up in Fillmore?” he asked.
    “Meeting with the bank president about our loan.” Her next question came quickly as if she couldn’t change the subject fast enough. “When was the last time you saw your parents?”
    “Three years ago, but I try to write every few weeks.”
    “It isn’t the same, though, is it?”
    “No.” A feeling of loneliness swept over him. He hadn’t realized until he had entered the close-knit circle of Jennie’s family how much he missed his parents and siblings.
    “I hope you get that freight business.”
    He cleared his throat to rid it of emotion. “Thanks. It’s a lot more exciting than farming. You get to travel, meet new people.”
    “Sometimes a life like that isn’t so adventurous.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Nothing.” Jennie released her hold around her knees. “I think I’m ready to sleep now. Good night, Caleb.”
    She stuck out her hand and Caleb shook it. He liked Jennie’s firm but feminine grip. “Good night, Miss Jones. It was a pleasure talking with you.”
    Her cheeks colored, but he guessed it was from facing the fire. “You can call me Jennie.”
    “Jennie,” he repeated. He banked the fire and moved back to his own bedroll. Tucking his arms behind his head, he shut his eyes and exhaled a long breath. His nightmare didn’t come again. This time he dreamed of a girl in a green dress with a pretty smile and a pile of candy around her knees.
    * * *
    After a morning of doctoring the cattle that needed it, Jennie couldn’t stand the smell of smoke and sweat in her hair any longer. She left Caleb and Will napping and walked to the creek to wash her hair, armed with soap, a cup, a blanket and her gun.
    She removed her dusty boots and socks and dipped her feet into the water. The cool wetness on her bare toes brought a quick intake of breath, then a sigh of contentment.
    When was the last time she’d taken a break in the middle of the week? She had Caleb to thank for that. For a farmer-freighter, he handled the cattle rather well, and she had to admit she was glad to have him around.
    She had enjoyed talking with him the night before. Maybe too much. She didn’t need him distracting her from her goal to save the ranch. Which meant she needed to keep their friendship professional—like Nathan’s. But Nathan didn’t cause butterflies in her stomach when he teased her or when he smiled, and she didn’t care one whit what Nathan thought of her appearance.
    “Is that why I’m doing this?” she murmured, glancing down at her washing things. To impress Caleb? She shook her head. “I just want to feel clean.” Though she couldn’t help recalling the few times he’d called her pretty.
    Picking up the cup and soap, she hurried to wash her hair so the three of them could ride back to the ranch.
    She shivered as she doused her head with the cold water and began scrubbing the dripping locks. If only she could wash away her silly romantic thoughts as easily.
    * * *
    Caleb yawned and sat up to stretch his arms. His muscles felt less sore today, evidence he was growing more used to his job as a cowboy.
    “Where’s your sister?” he called over to Will.
    The boy jumped as though he’d been prodded with a pitchfork. “I...uh...don’t know.” He stuck the book he’d been reading behind his back. “Maybe she went to the creek.”
    “You reading somethin’ interesting?”
    Without answering, Will picked up his hat and rolled it between his hands.
    “Care if I have a look?” Caleb asked, as he stood and approached

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