Read Online The Cowboy Soldier by Roz Denny Fox - Free Book Online Page A

around, she was surprised to see Rafe, dressed and striding down the hall with Compadre. That dog was such a traitor.
    “You’re up early.” Alexa set down the egg brush, and went to fill Compadre’s food dish and water bowl.
    “Is it early?” Rafe rubbed a hand over his chin, and Alexa noticed he hadn’t shaved. “I forgot to set the alarm,” he said. “The clock you put in my room has a glass face. I need to touch the hands to be able to tell what time it is.”
    “Of course. I’ll remove the glass right after breakfast.”
    “No need. I’ve developed a kind of internal clock. Or maybe it’s my stomach reminding me it’s time to eat. Something smells good, by the way.”
    Alexa laughed. “I mixed up some oat bread and popped it in the bread machine before I went out to gather eggs. How does scrambled eggs, applesauce with a hint of rosemary, and hot oat bread sound?”
    “Real good as a matter of fact. Sierra won’t believe how much I’ve been eating. She complained I only picked at meals.” He sounded surprised himself.
    “Those pills you were on suppressed your appetite. Cutting back on them should get it back to normal. Also, you’ve been outside and moving around more. Exercise is a natural appetite stimulant. Do you want to work with Esperanza again today?”
    “Sure. And you promised me another trail ride.”
    A bell dinged. Alexa opened the lid to the bread machine. She set a skillet on a hot burner and dumped in eggs she’d whisked while talking to Rafe.
    “I did some thinking last night,” Rafe said, leaning a hip against the counter, close to Alexa. He tucked his fingers under his belt in a casual move that drew Alexa’s attention to his long legs and flat belly. She did her best not to drool.
    “Thinking? About what?” she asked. Was it possible he’d come to the same conclusion she had—that he needed to give up his treatment with her and make an appointment with the VA? If so, she shouldn’t have this sinking sensation in her stomach. She’d been a recluse for the better part of five years and it had suited her.
    Rafe seemed to consider his words a minute. “I’ve been a real grinch about your suggestion of a soak in your mineral spring. I think I’d like to try it after today’s ride. Mind you, I’m still leery of acupuncture, or massage therapy. Guys I knew who visited massage parlors went there for other…uh…services.” Rafe’s face scrunched and he fidgeted.
    “Good grief! I’m a legitimate, licensed masseuse. In Houston where I practiced before moving here, women and men with stressful, high-powered careers came to me for my spa treatments. I had an eclectic clientele. I mix my own warm oils, and often combined massage with aromatherapy. You’d be surprised how those treatments can help ease tension and allow the body to relax and unwind.”
    Alexa had a fanciful vision of her hands spreading warm oil over Rafe’s body and she shifted uneasily. She wondered if Rafe sensed her response because he suddenly turned and took a seat at the table.
    “Before you gripe about the herbs in these scrambled eggs,” she said, setting a steaming plate in front of Rafe, “let me tell you they’re ordinary. Bits of fresh parsley and a hint of basil. Always good for whatever ails you.”
    Rafe merely grunted.
    Alexa buttered thick slices of still warm bread. “I have a special treat for you today.”
    “Yeah?” He sounded dubious.
    “Coffee.” Happily, she set a steaming mug in its usual spot near Rafe’s right hand. “Instant, not brewed, and it’s cut with chicory,” she admitted, hovering over him.
    “Will you sit down,” he growled, sounding so grumpy that Compadre pawed at his leg and barked sharply several times.
    “Well,” Alexa huffed. Forcefully she yanked out her chair and plopped down. Had she actually been thinking it was nice to have him around? Moody jerk!
    He picked up the mug. “I appreciate you going to all this extra effort.”
    Alexa knew