Read Online Rustler's Heart (A Kinnison Legacy Novel) by Amanda McIntyre - Free Book Online Page A

broke through the wall he’d slapped up to defend the pain of his past, would have to possess strength to match his will. Sensing Sally’s concern, however, he offered to speak to Dalton. “You want me to say something to him?”
    “Nah, but I do like that two-by-four idea.” She pushed up on her toes and kissed his cheek. “We’re a couple of fine examples to talk about relationships, aren’t we?” He saw a flash of melancholy in her smile.
    “Sally, I….”
    She furrowed her brow and touched her finger to his lips. “Stop. You drove me crazy, you still do, but that’s another story. The real story is that there is this incredible woman standing over by the cake table that hasn’t stopped looking at you since we started dancing. Do you know her?”
    Rein followed Sally’s gaze and met Caroline’s happy expression. She gave him a jaunty wave. “That would be, Caroline Richardson.”
    “Really? Is she related to Hank?”
    “His sister.” Rein waited for Sally’s reaction.
    “Oh, that Caroline.”
    “Yep.” He tossed Sally a side-look. “And I’d appreciate you not saying anything more. She asked to come with Hank. No one invited her.”
    “Interesting though, you have to admit.” She offered an ornery grin.
    Rein sighed and leaned forward to press a soft kiss on her forehead. “See you later.” He watched her walk away, grateful for her friendship. He cleared his throat, and prepared to speak to Caroline, deciding he couldn’t avoid her all night. Her smile welcomed him. She opened her arms and drew him close, kissing him European fashion on both cheeks. Despite the fact of standing in a horse-barn, she smelled exotic, still wearing that sweet French perfume she always wore.
    “Darling, How are you? I’m so sorry we’re late. There was a problem with a flap or some wing gadget, and it caused a delay. We snuck in just in time to see you lift the bride up behind Wyatt on his horse and ride off into the sunset.” She clasped her hands under her chin. “So, utterly romantic in a small town, sort of way.” She took a step back in approving assessment, stepping forward to brush invisible lint from his shirt. “And you look particularly handsome tonight, Mr. Mackenzie.”
    Rein’s cheeks warmed. That damn well didn’t happen often. He’d hoped she’d forgotten how easily she could push his buttons, but it appeared she still had her touch.
    “You’re looking well, Caroline.” He hadn’t expected that seeing her again would prove to be so awkward. He hadn’t really been sure what to expect. He eyed the refreshment table with its country-themed motif. “Have you tried this lemonade? Betty, she owns the diner in town and has,” he stepped around her as he spoke, “pretty much catered this whole affair tonight.” He surveyed the number of mixer choices and spotting the Jack Daniels, filled a blue mason jar with equal parts of both. He offered the same to Caroline. Her face puckered and she shook her head.
    “Plain for me, thanks. Unless it’s good champagne. You know me and flying.”
    “Oh, so you guys have to take off tonight?” Rein kept his eyes on his task, trying not to sound too anxious for her to leave, even though it was true. He caught the sight of Liberty a few feet away, offering to take a tray of dirty dishes from Betty. Despite the fact that he found her choices on some things to be odd, if not downright strange, it appeared she could hold her own and had an impressive work ethic. She didn’t mind stepping in to help, and she seemed to be fitting in well with her new-found family. Regardless of how busy he’d been this week, he’d taken notice of how well she’d adapted and concluded intellectually that it was the influence of his uncle’s vision that had given him such clarity.
    “That one certainly isn’t from around here, is she?”
    Rein hadn’t realized he’d been staring. He pulled from his reverie and handed Caroline her drink. “That’s Wyatt and