Read Online Once a Father by Kathleen Eagle - Free Book Online Page A

challenged him with a come-on look. “I do the cutting and the pinning.” She dodged his reach. “And the sewing. Which means I get to wear the—”
    He faked left, trapped right and hauled her against him with her arms locked firmly behind her back, her wrists manacled. “Pants?” he taunted. “Who says I’d want your pants?”
    â€œI…”
    He dipped his head. She lifted her chin, expecting a kiss but he faked her out again. He slid his smooth cheek against hers and nuzzled her ear while he shifted his thighs and pressed her tighter to him. “They wouldn’t fit me, would they,” he said softly.
    â€œNo.”
    â€œNo, what?”
    â€œYou’re too big for my britches.”
    â€œMm-hmm.” He nipped her earlobe. “I’ll wear mine. You wear yours.” He scooped the lobe into hismouth with his tongue and sucked noisily. “Mmm, this is better. A little salty, but that’s the way I like them.”
    â€œI still have…both…”
    â€œI know.” He moved his head up and down slowly, abrading her cheek as he kept the pressure between them steady. She moved her hips, mimicking his movements. “Mmm, yeah, this is the way this game is played. Your court. My…” He turned his lips to her temple. “If we don’t take a time out, I’m gonna score.”
    â€œYou think so, huh?”
    â€œSlam dunk or kiss off the glass?” He leaned back smiling. “What’s your pleasure?”
    â€œNot telling.” She wasn’t smiling. “Not on my court. You have to work for it.”
    â€œOf course I do.” He claimed his property back—actually, she let the hat and the bag slide, and he caught them—and stepped back. He winked at her. “Wouldn’t have it any other way. Ready to eat?”
    â€œBring it on,” she said. He put his hat on, opened the bag, and she took a look. Fry bread on top of Styrofoam boxes. “Where’s the beef?”
    â€œYou wanna start with the main course?” He took a peek, sniffed, closed the bag and shrugged. “It’s what’s for dinner.” He looked at her thoughtfully. “You’re not hungry, are you?”
    She shook her head. He held her gaze for a long moment, telling her it was her move. She glanced upat his hat. “That belongs on you. I’ll bring a cap next time.”
    â€œYou’re on leave.” He put the cowboy hat back on her, adjusted the brim. “Looks good on you.” He grinned. “You’ve got a big head.”
    â€œThe better to outthink you with, Mr. Wolf Track.”
    â€œSo, tell me, what have you learned about this boy?” He laid a hand on her back and guided her toward the round pen, setting dinner aside on the hood of his pickup as he passed. “Has he told you his name?”
    â€œNo, not yet. But I told him mine. I told him…” She rested her forearms on the top rail. The mustang eyed her from the far side of the circle. “I don’t like keeping him in this pen.”
    â€œMaybe we should let him go.”
    â€œNo, that’s not what I was thinking when I said that. I was thinking that this is the hard part for both of us. We’re strangers. I’m the only thing standing between him and his freedom.”
    â€œIt’s the pen.” Logan gripped the rail and gave it a little shake. “If it was just you, he’d be long gone.”
    â€œIt feels different with a wild animal. It almost feels…”
    â€œYou’re taking it too personal. He’s been penned up before.” He turned his back to the fence and leaned against it. “Anyway, I’m the one who put him in there.”
    â€œHe’s not really scared anymore, but he doesn’t feel safe, either. He’s watching. Waiting.” He wasn’t the only one. She couldn’t look the mustang in the eye, but she didn’t have to.