Read Online Lone Star Millionaire by Susan Mallery - Free Book Online Page A

Foolishly, I’ll bet he even wants to care about you.”
    The girl’s mouth twisted as if there was no way she was going to believe that.
    â€œIt’s up to you. You coming or not?”
    Anastasia drew in a deep breath, then rose to her feet. “I guess.”
    They were standing pretty close. Sabrina noted the dull cast of her skin and the unwashed smell of her body. This kid needed someone to care about her, and she was willing to betCal was the man for the job. It wasn’t going to be easy, but it would be worth it in the end.
    She motioned to the room. “Do you have a suitcase?”
    Anastasia stared at her as if she’d grown another head. “I’m not going to bring anything from here. I want to forget I ever saw this place.” She headed for the door, then changed her mind. “Wait.” She bent down, drew a tattered shoe box out from under the bed, then clutched it to her chest. “I’m ready.”
    Sabrina stared at her dirty face and thought her heart was going to break. She knew better than to ask about a doll or other toy. Anastasia wouldn’t have any. Obviously taking clothes would be a waste of time. They would all have to be thrown out, anyway. She swallowed the lump forming at the back of her throat and led the way to the door.
    They entered the living room. Mrs. Sellis stood holding a check and looking stunned.
    â€œLet’s go,” Cal said, and motioned for them to leave.
    Sabrina touched Anastasia’s thin arm. “Do you want a minute to say goodbye?”
    Anastasia didn’t even glance at the woman who had taken care of her for the past year. Instead she marched outside without once looking back. “Is that it?” she asked, pointing to the rental car.
    â€œYes.”
    She walked toward it, then climbed into the back seat and slammed the door shut. She sat still, staring straight ahead.
    â€œMy lawyer will be in touch,” Cal told Mrs. Sellis.
    â€œYou tell him to call me and I’ll sign whatever you say.” The woman smiled. “She’s a fine girl. You’re going to be happy you took her.”
    Cal let the screen door slam into place. He put his hand on the small of Sabrina’s back and ushered her toward the car.
    â€œA fine girl?” she questioned. “So how big was the check?”
    â€œTen.”
    â€œThousand?” She went on without waiting for a response. “She doesn’t deserve anything but a trip from social services. No wonder she suddenly thinks Anastasia is a prize.”
    â€œAnastasia is my daughter, and the old woman has custody of her. It would have taken time to get custody if she didn’t hand it over. And I wasn’t going to leave Anastasia there another minute.”
    They paused by the car door. Cal glanced at her. “She called me a bastard.”
    â€œShe was upset.”
    â€œShe’s only twelve. How does she know language like that?”
    â€œCal, they say words like that on television.”
    â€œI guess. It’s just…”
    â€œShe’s not what you were expecting.”
    â€œThere’s an understatement,” he muttered.
    â€œYou’re the one who said she’d been through a lot,” Sabrina said, reminding him of his words.
    He grunted in response, indicating he wanted to change the subject. She wasn’t going to let him get away with that.
    â€œEither you understand or you don’t,” she said. “You had to know this was going to be difficult. If you’re not up to taking responsibility for her, decide now. She’s not a puppy you can return to the breeder if it doesn’t work out. She’s a human being, with feelings and hopes and dreams. Right now she’s an ill-tempered bratty girl who has not only lost her parents but lived with that woman for the past year. It’s going to take a lot of time and love to help her heal. It may never happen. Are you prepared to take