Read Online Thunder Canyon Homecoming by Brenda Harlen - Free Book Online Page A

you would,” he said confidently.
    There was that arrogance again—but it definitely suited him.
    â€œYou’ve probably been riding since you were little,” she guessed.
    â€œSince I was knee high to a grasshopper, to hear my mama tell the story.”
    She made a point of tilting her head way back to look up at him. “I can’t imagine you were ever knee high to a grass hopper.”
    â€œI was,” he surprised her by admitting. “In fact, I was short and scrawny almost all the way through high school. I couldn’t even get a date to my junior prom.”
    â€œAnd your senior prom?”
    He grinned. “Well, that was a different story.”
    â€œI’ll bet.”
    â€œHow about you? Did you go to your senior prom?”
    She thought back, smiled. “Yes, I did. I went with Thomas Anderson. He was president of the chess club, editor of the yearbook, valedictorian of our graduating class.”
    â€œThe first boy you ever slept with?” he prompted.
    She shook her head. “No. But he was the first boy to break my heart.”
    â€œWhere is he now? Want me to go beat him up?”
    She laughed. “That’s not necessary. I got over him a long time ago.”
    â€œGlad to hear that,” he said. “How about more recently?”
    â€œMore recently what?”
    â€œHave you been dating anyone in Thunder Canyon?”
    â€œNo. And I’m not looking to start, either.”
    â€œWhy not?”
    She shrugged. “I’ve been working a lot.”
    â€œYou know what they say about all work and no play,” he warned her.
    â€œI don’t play games.”
    â€œSome games are fun, darlin’.”
    She smiled at that, but her smile quickly faded. “I was dating someone in San Diego for a while.”
    â€œDid he break your heart, too?”
    She shook her head. “But I think I might have bruised his.”
    â€œAnd you’re still feeling guilty about it,” he guessed.
    â€œMaybe. I don’t know. I didn’t think our relationship was that serious. We hadn’t been dating very long, but he was looking to make a commitment and I wasn’t.”
    â€œBecause you’re not ready to settle down? Or because you didn’t want to settle down with him?”
    â€œI just didn’t want to settle,” she said and winced when she realized how the words sounded.
    But Corey nodded, understanding. “There was something missing.”
    â€œA lot of somethings, actually,” she admitted.
    â€œHow is that your fault?”
    â€œWell, according to my mother, I didn’t give him a chance, my expectations are too high, I need to understand that chemistry takes time—” she broke off, her cheeks burning. “Well, that’s getting a lot more personal than I meant to.”
    â€œSo, there was no chemistry with this guy, huh?”
    She ignored his question because she knew the answer would lead her down a treacherous path.
    They were at the barn now, and Corey dismounted before turning to help Erin down. She was grateful for his assistance, because as relaxed as she’d begun to feel in the saddle she wasn’t at all confident in her ability to get out of it. She put her hands on his shoulders and slid down, the front of her body brushing against the front of his.
    Like flint rubbing against rock, sparks flashed, heat flared. Her breath caught, her pulse pounded. His hands stayed on her hips, holding her close.
    And suddenly she was smack in the middle of that treacherous path she’d been so determined to avoid.
    â€œDid you guys have a good time?” Russ asked.
    Erin jumped back, her cheeks burning.
    â€œOh, yes,” she said. “It was wonderful. Thank you.”
    â€œNot a problem,” Russ said. “Melanie’s just about to put dinner on the table. There’s plenty of food, if you wanted to join us.”
    â€œOh.” She wasn’t sure