Read Online So Right With You by Maggie Kaye - Free Book Online Page A

much bigger concerns. Perhaps she could help.
    “Could you use any more volunteers?” she asked. “I’d like to help if I could.”
    “That would be great. One of the kids we’re working with is Kali. She’s sixteen. She’s been diagnosed with acute leukemia. Luckily, it was found in the early stages, and everyone is hopeful she will make a full recovery. But it’s hard. Her body isn’t responding well to the chemo treatments. The side effects can almost seem worse than the cancer. Her family brings her here to keep her spirits up. She likes to draw, paint, and ride horses. She reminds me a lot of Lauren. I think she could use another friend.”
    “So you think I could help her?” She took a sip of her wine.
    “Sure.” He exhaled. “It won’t be easy. She’s smart. If she thinks you feel the least bit sorry for her, she’ll play you. Knowing Kali, she’ll try to hook you into acquiring a horse for her. She’s not strong enough yet. She’s only allowed to ride if one of the ranch hands rides with her. They have to stay close to the ranch and ride at a slow trot. Naturally, she hates the restriction. She used to be an equestrian competitor, and was expected to compete in the Olympics. The news media had a field day when she was first diagnosed.”
    “That’s tough.” Chloe knew from her friend Harper’s experience just how relentless the media could be. “She sounds like quite a character, though.”
    “Yeah.” He grinned. “We’ve caught her trying to sneak in several times to steal one for herself. She can be stubborn and hardheaded, but she’s a good kid.” His eyes connected with hers. “If you’d like, I’ll arrange for you to meet her on Saturday.” Switching gears, he asked “Do you ride?”
    She was still thinking about the girl. She didn’t know how she could possibly help her, but she could try. The change in subject threw her. It took a moment before she actually answered the question. “Ah, yes, but it’s been a while.”
    “We’ll have to remedy that. That is, if you want to. It will give you a chance to see more of the place,” he offered.
    “That would be great.” She looked forward to it.
    *~*
    After dinner, they cleared the table and stuck what dishes they could in the dishwasher. They did the rest by hand. Garrett washed while Chloe dried and put them away.
    As he was scrubbing the grill, he prodded Chloe by saying, “Admit it, that was the best steak you’ve ever tried,”
    “Is someone fishing? Okay. I give. I admit it was one of the best steaks I’ve ever had,” Chloe said teasingly.
    “Liar. You know it’s the best,” Garrett responded, grinning.
    “I can see why you’re so good in business. You never give up,” she retorted, smiling. When he wasn’t looking, she tossed the towel at the back of his head. It struck dead-on.
    “Hey.” His face turned red. He advanced on her quickly. When he towered over her, she thought maybe she had pushed him too far. “You, Miss Lambert, are prickly.”
    “Prickly?” Chloe tilted her head to consider him. As she watched him fume, she became amused. The corners of her mouth began to curve.
    “Yes, prickly,” he said.
    Her smile widened. She swore she could see steam rising from his ears. It struck her as funny, his stern expression, and that the only word he could come up with was prickly. Not being able to help herself, she laughed.
    He glared at her, which only caused her to laugh more.
    Finally seeing the humor in the situation, he laughed, too.
    When they stopped laughing, he looked at her thoughtfully. She wondered what he was going to say.
    “When do you plan on telling your friends and family your wedding is off?”
    Sighing, she said, “You had to ask me that. I wasn’t done procrastinating yet. I thought I might do it tonight, but it’s getting kind of late. The thought of having to explain everything seems overwhelming.”
    “Can I make a suggestion? Do it through e-mail first. Keep it simple,