Read Online Not My 1st Rodeo by Donna Alward - Free Book Online Page B

embarrassment flooded through her. She wanted to ask how dare Manda suggest such a thing but couldn’t, because it was exactly what she’d accused Brett of. Her cheeks flamed hot and she looked away for a moment.
    â€œYou’re right. I never thought of it that way. It’s just…it seemed like too much of a coincidence.”
    â€œHey, I don’t know you, so I’m going to go out on a limb here and say I’m guessing that someone, at some point, gave you a reason to be cynical. I know my brother, Melissa. He’s a standup guy who would never do anything sly or underhanded. He honestly didn’t know.”
    Melly looked back at Manda and sighed. “I want to believe you. I do. That’s why I’m here.”
    â€œGive him a chance.” Manda looked like she was going to say something else, but at that moment Melly’s attention was diverted over Manda’s shoulder as Brett stepped out of the barn. Her heart gave a solid thump in response to his appearance. He looked good. Better than good even in a work shirt and jeans and boots. And when he saw her, he halted. The same current that had run between them that first day at the café zinged to life.
    Manda followed Melly’s gaze and sighed.
    â€œSo that’s how it is. The two of you are idiots, you know.” But there was warmth in the words that had been absent before.
    â€œSorry?” Melly asked, dragging her gaze away.
    â€œNothing.” Manda started back toward the house. “See you around, Melly.”
    Brett started walking in her direction, each step strong and deliberate. There was no denying the physical attraction, and between that and Manda’s claim of innocence about the situation, Melly was a mess of emotion. She wanted to believe him. And she was terrified it made her weak—and a fool.
    â€œYou came,” he said, stopping several feet away. “I wasn’t sure you would.”
    â€œI wasn’t either. Not until I actually turned up the lane.” She tried a smile. “I met your sister.”
    â€œAnd survived.” He grinned at her and a little of the awkwardness dissipated.
    â€œShe came to your defense in no uncertain terms,” Melly admitted. “And said something that made me think. It’s hard for me to believe in coincidences, Brett. It makes me feel naïve and gullible.”
    â€œAnd after your ex, you don’t want to feel that way again.”
    â€œYes.” She let out a huge breath. He got it. He understood without her having to explain in depth. This was why things had clicked so easily before. And yet there was a little part of her that simply didn’t trust it. Or him.
    â€œBut you believe me now? That I honestly didn’t know of the connection?”
    She nodded. “Yes.” Their eyes met. “Brett, I think I knew deep down the moment you went out the door. It was just easier than admitting the real truth to myself.”
    â€œThe real truth?”
    â€œIt was easier to blame you than to admit that I reacted as I did because I’m probably not ready to be seeing anyone. I wanted to think I’d moved on. Moved past my anger and my…well, disillusionment is probably as good a word as any.”
    Brett’s smile softened. “Looking in the mirror isn’t easy on the best of days. You’re here now. That’s what matters.”
    There was a quiet pause as they let everything settle. Then Brett smiled at her and said, “So what do you say? Would you like the nickel tour? We could saddle up a couple of the horses and go for a ride.”
    It sounded lovely. A warm breeze was ruffling the leaves on the trees and she had a couple of hours to spare. “I haven’t gone riding in a while. That sounds fun.”
    â€œPerfect. Come with me. I have the perfect horse for you. His name is Charley and he has a soft spot for pretty girls.”

Chapter Six
    She’d really