Read Online Somebody Like You by Lynnette Austin - Free Book Online Page A

and stared up into the glitter-strewn night sky. “Yeah, it is.”
    They stood, shoulder to shoulder, in the middle of the parking lot. The night wrapped itself around them as intimately as a lover might.
    Sighing, Annelise asked, “Are any stores still open?”
    He checked his watch. “Sadler’s stays open for about another hour.”
    “As much as I’d like to call it a night, I really need to shop for food. And I’d sure like to get some paint samples.”
    “Then let’s do it.”
    They left the top down as they drove the couple of miles back into town. After parking the boat-of-a-car, he herded her into a large barnlike structure. Two steps inside the store’s door, Annelise stopped. Cash bumped into her.
    “Whoa, Annie. What are you doing?”
    “I’ve never seen anything like this place.”
    “Not quite what you’re used to?”
    She shook her head.
    Milk, vegetables, saddles, clothing, camping gear. Everything tossed haphazardly together inside four walls. Deer and antelope heads mounted on the walls stared at her from glassy eyes. Snake skins, tacked between them, slithered down the walls. A huge stuffed buffalo stood inside the door to her right. She almost laughed, thinking of the doorman at Tiffany’s. Stuffed shirts, both of them.
    The scent of overripe bananas and leather mixed. Somewhere toward the back, a baby cried. An old-fashioned cash register rang, and a country tune blared from wall-mounted speakers.
    She didn’t doubt for an instant the place had just about everything. From the worn, gray linoleum tiles to the wagon-wheel chandeliers overhead, the place spoke of age. Sadler’s had been here a long time and was, no doubt, a Maverick Junction institution.
    And here she was. By choice. Doing exactly what she wanted. A heady, foreign sensation rushed through her. I’m free. Finally and truly free. Judged by what I do, not who I am.
    Cash ruffled her hair, then grabbed a cart and headed for the grocery section. Annelise tossed in a quart of milk, a loaf of bread, and some apples. Unsure what she needed, she walked up and down the aisles, adding random items: coffee, soap, and a couple of frozen meals.
    “I want to look at the paint.”
    “Yes, ma’am. You’re the CEO. You call the shots and run the show.” He turned the cart and headed to the paint display.
    She didn’t follow.
    He looked over his shoulder. “What?”
    “What did you say?”
    “I said…” His brow creased. “For Christ’s sake, Annie, what’s wrong? You look like somebody sucked out every drop of your blood. You’re white as a sack of flour.”
    He left the cart and started toward her.
    She put up a hand and started walking. “I’m okay. I just—I thought—” Get a grip. It was a figure of speech. She was the CEO in charge of the shopping trip. Period. Cash didn’t have a clue who she was. But he would. Her heart skipped a beat. Would he hate her for deceiving him? What a mess. And this one was hers to clean up.
    “I’m fine. Honest.” Forcing a smile, she said, “Lead on.”
    Two aisles over, they found the paint. So many colors and brands. She put her hands on her hips and gawked at them all, trying to take them in. How many shades of red and blue could there be? Sheepishly, she faced Cash.
    “I know this is going to sound, well, ungrateful, maybe even unfriendly, but I really want to pick the colors by myself—without anyone else’s input.” She shook her head. “Don’t tell me which ones you like or make comments about any of the samples I pick up. Okay?”
    “I’m good with that.” He grinned. “This is important to you, isn’t it?”
    “Yes.” She nodded. “Yes, it is.”
    He pushed his hat back, giving her a better view of those fabulous eyes. “Is this your first home, Annie? Your first time on your own?”
    “And how.”
    His smile disappeared, his eyes darkened. “Now don’t go getting your back all up in the air, but it’s pretty obvious something’s going on with you.