Read Online To Win Her Love by Mackenzie Crowne - Free Book Online Page B

waiting for her to explain the sudden change in living arrangements? She shrugged, letting him know any explanations for his presence at the farm were his deal, but if she hoped he’d falter at the awkward task, she was disappointed.
    He cleared his throat. “I thought I might stay here at the farm, if that’s okay with you girls.”
    Angel’s back went as stiff as a poker.
    Charlie squealed with delight. “Like a sleepover?”
    A strained smile pulled at his lips. “Something like that.”
    “Oh, yes!” Unable to contain her excitement, Charlie clapped her hands. “A sleepover, Angel. Jake is going to stay for a sleepover.” She stilled suddenly, wary eyes sliding his way. “We can call you Jake, right?”
    He nodded and some of the strain left his smile.
    “Are you going to stay for breakfast? We’re having pancakes.”
    He glanced at Gracie. “I heard that somewhere. Actually, I thought I’d stay longer than one night.” He turned back to the girls and surprised Gracie by repeating, “If it’s okay with you and your sister.”
    Charlie bobbed her head in a pleased nod. Angel remained stoically silent on the subject. Gracie squeezed her shoulder in a hug.
    “Okay, munchkins. It’s way past bedtime. Upstairs you go.”
    Angel turned without a word and headed for the stairs. Charlie frowned, a sure sign of imminent mutiny.
    Jake cocked his head. “I’m a little tired myself.”
    Mutiny averted, Charlie walked backward, following her twin. She offered Jake a shy smile. “I like having a big brother.”
    His Adam’s apple bobbed on a swallow as he rose from his crouch. “I….” He nodded. “I think I’m going to like having little sisters, too.”
    Then he winked, and Gracie rolled her eyes at the blush spreading across Charlie’s cheeks. Small white teeth flashed in her beaming smile before she turned to race upstairs after her sister.
    Jake puffed out his cheeks on a harsh breath. Turning his head, his narrowed gaze paused on Murphy before lifting to tangle with hers. “Is he yours?”
    “Yes.” She tugged the dog back a step and patted his shoulder. “His name is Murphy.”
    The low grumble of his voice held a distinct warning. “His name will be mud if he ever head butts me again.”
    He was threatening her dog? So much for their truce.
    She gave a defiant lift of her chin. Oblivious to her returning anger, Murphy barked happily, his wagging tail thumping her thigh. He lunged against her hold. Jake’s brows dipped as his stare slid into a warning glare.
    Oh, bullshit. If he’s going to accuse me anyway…
    She let go of the dog. He leapt forward. She had the satisfaction of seeing Jake spin to his side, lifting one leg over his crotch in protection, but then he deftly grabbed Murphy’s collar, stopping him short with an outstretched arm.
    Green eyes, as cold as sharply cut emeralds, sliced her way. A glaring Jake Malone was downright intimidating and gave her a new empathy for those opposing lines he faced every week.
    Instinct demanded she take a step back. She scoffed mentally. This wasn’t pro football and brains, not brawn, would win this particular competition. She crossed her arms, silently insisting the move wasn’t one of self-protection. “Please. He’s a dog. The head butt was an accident.”
    His fingers still gripping Murphy’s collar, Jake moved with a speed she should’ve expected, considering his exploits on the field. He stepped forward, crowding her until she quivered with the need to step back or chance their bodies touching.
    “Maybe the first time was an accident, but letting him go and hoping it happened again wasn’t.” He lowered his head until they were nose to nose. “Be careful, darlin’. Control your bloodthirsty fantasies and your dog. If you don’t, you won’t like the consequences.”
    His woodsy spice cologne must be short circuiting her brain because, instead of poking him in the chest and telling him to go to hell, here she stood, mesmerized