Read Online The Rancher and the Runaway Bride Part 1 by Susan Mallery - Free Book Online Page B

what to do with her life. She thought he was wonderful; he probably didn’t think about her at all. They had nothing in common.
    He spent his life helping out strays and others in need—she waited to be rescued, first by her father, then by Noah. Sure, this time she’d decided to take care of the problem herself. She might be making progress and growing up, but it wasn’t enough for a man like Brady.
    A cool breeze blew into the bedroom, calling her, tempting her. Finally she gave in. As there was no way she was going to sleep for the next couple of hours, she might as well enjoy the night.
    After slipping off her boots and socks so she could walk quietly and not wake Brady, she tiptoed down the hall and the stairs before crossing the hardwood floor and moving to the front door. She pulled it open slowly, wincing at a faint creak. She stepped onto the porch and pulled it shut behind her.
    “Great night.”
    The unexpected voice made her jump. She peered toward the sound and saw Brady sitting on the front steps.
    “I, ah—” She didn’t know what to say. Obviously she hadn’t been the only one tempted by the night. “Sorry. I don’t mean to intrude.” She turned to go back inside.
    “If you came out to enjoy the night air, there’s plenty for both of us.”
    She glanced at him. He slid over on the step and patted the wood beside him.
    “I don’t bite,” he encouraged.
    She relaxed. “But as a former rodeo cowboy, you can probably hog-tie me in less than four seconds, right?”

    He grinned and raised his hands. “Yup, but I don’t have my trusty rope, so you’re safe.”
    She crossed the porch and sank down on the top step, taking care to sit as far from him as possible. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust him. Quite the opposite. After comparing the goodness of their respective souls, she was feeling a little lacking and out of her league.
    “You work hard enough to be asleep,” he said. “So it must be a guilty conscience keeping you up.”
    She jumped at his words and stared at him. Dear Lord, how did he know?
    Brady shook his head. “It was a joke, Rita. Relax.”
    “Okay. Sorry. I don’t feel guilty. Just sort of restless. Mentally, not physically,” she added quickly. “I like it here at the ranch and I really appreciate the raise.”
    “I’m glad you’re staying.”
    “Yeah?”
    The porch light allowed her to see his features. His eyes were dark and beckoning. She let her gaze lock with his, feeling drawn toward something she couldn’t quite define. Maybe it was supposed to frighten her, but it didn’t. Quite the opposite—it made her feel safe.
    “My daddy always taught me to pay good help well and they’ll be loyal in return,” he said.
    “Your father sounds a lot like mine.” She brought her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around her legs. “A good man, right?”
    Brady nodded.
    “Mine was, too. He died when I was pretty young. I miss him. I’m sure you won’t be surprised to hear he spoiled me. Some days I miss being his little princess.”
    “You still are, in your memories.”
    “I know, but I’d prefer it in real life.” Not that she would want him to rescue her this time, Randi reminded herself. She was supposed to be getting herself out of this mess alone.
    She shook off her thoughts. “Where are your folks? Somebody said something about them traveling?”
    “They bought an RV and are using it to see the world. Or at least this part of it. They’re strange, but I love them.” He reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a folded postcard. After smoothing it, he handed it to her.
    She held the picture up to the light. “Rio?” she asked disbelievingly. “Your parents are in South America?”
    “I know it’s crazy, but that’s where they are. They wanted to explore as much of the world as they could, so they drove to the tip of South America and are working their way north. They wanted to hold off on the States and Canada until they were