Read Online Like Lightning by Charlene Sands - Free Book Online Page B

Monty lifted his fork and pointed it his way. “Yeah, monkey business. Looked like you two were having a wet T-shirt contest when I walked in this morning.”
    Trey ground his teeth. “That wouldn’t have happened if you had turned the water off. ”
    Monty scratched behind his ear. “She sure is cute.”
    Jack nodded. “Is she seeing anyone in particular?”
    Trey shook his head. “I don’t know. We don’t discuss things like that.” But he had to admit he was dying to know where she was tonight and with whom.
    â€œMaybe I should give her a call,” Jack said, his expression thoughtful.
    â€œYou don’t own any animals,” Trey reminded.
    Jack smiled. “Maybe it’s time I get one.”
    Trey glared at his cousin, but wouldn’t give an inch. He and Jack had had a friendly competition going ever since they were young boys. Trey hated to admit the sensations washing over him. He wouldn’t put a name to them and he wouldn’t get caught up in his cousin’s game. He shrugged. “Fine by me.”
    â€œIt really cost you to say that, didn’t it?” Jack asked with a big grin. But before Trey could make a denial, Jack added, all manner of jesting aside, “Look, I’m not going to call her, but if you’re interested, I wouldn’t hesitate. Maddie’s got a lot going for her and some lucky guy is bound to discover that soon.”
    â€œShe deserves to be happy,” Trey said truthfully.
    â€œDang it, Trey. You’re holding on to that ‘Walker Curse’ thing, aren’t you?”
    Trey stared at his cousin. Jack had no idea how many women had been hurt by the Walker men in his family. His cousin had no idea how bad Trey was at commitment. He had no idea how strongly he felt about this subject. Trey’s mind was made up. He spoke with slow deliberation. “You come from a family who uphold the law. Your heritage is different than mine, cousin. I come from a long line of men who break hearts. True, we have the same grandfather, but his traits didn’t seem to rub off on you.”
    â€œWe don’t know that yet.”
    Jack was true blue. Jack wouldn’t ever let down anyone he loved. Trey was sure of his cousin. “I know you. You’re as loyal as they come. And besides, you bothhave it all wrong. Yes, I’m in a sour mood tonight, but not because of anything having to do with Maddie.”
    â€œThen why?” Jack asked.
    Trey frowned. “Because your father told me this afternoon that eventually, sooner more than later, I’m going to have to replace all the old galvanized pipes at the house with copper. Seems my plumbing is somewhat out of date.”
    Monty grinned, his gray-blue eyes twinkling. “Hell boy, that’s what we’ve been trying to tell you.”
    Â 
    Maddie stood by Storm’s corral, eyeing the stallion in the moonlight. She’d noticed once again that Trey wasn’t home, giving her the perfect chance to work with the feisty horse. She’d been sneaking out here for the past four nights, ever since her dinner date with Caroline and little Annabelle last Saturday night. And during those nights, Storm had been guarded but every so often Maddie would see a spark of change, a subtle softening in Storm’s demeanor that had encouraged Maddie to continue to gain the horse’s trust.
    Maddie had used treats, but she also depended on her innate ability to read an animal and she sensed that Storm was getting ready to accept her. Each night, Maddie approached with caution. Storm, too, approached warily. Last night, Storm had actually taken the sugar cubes from her hand.
    Tonight, she merely stood by the fence and watched as Storm pranced, snorted and then raced around the perimeter of the corral, all the while communicating with Maddie in a language she truly did understand.
    When he’d finished his exercise, he stopped and stared.