Read Online Twins for the Bull Rider by April Arrington - Free Book Online Page A

fields were wide enough to roll in for days. The soft sounds of the horses mingled with the distant laughter of guests enjoying the grounds. A warm breeze swept over his skin and ruffled his hair.
    â€œYeah,” he returned. “It is.”
    Jayden smiled then darted back to join Kayden and the horses.
    Dominic made his way back to Cissy, finding her deep in conversation with Logan by the fence. A spark of jealousy lit in his gut. It was unwelcome and unjustified. But it was there, all the same.
    Whatever admiration Cissy held for him would pale in comparison to Logan’s wealth of redeeming qualities. Logan was always the dependable, honorable son. Dominic had always been the reckless, carefree one. And Logan seemed determined to never let him forget it.
    Dominic tightened his fists and his steps became purposeful. He’d forgotten why it wasn’t always so nice here after all. Matter of fact, it was about time to hit the road again.
    Cissy turned away from Logan and stilled when she noticed Dominic. He slowed at her fierce expression. Her blue eyes were large and determined.
    Tipping up her chin, she jerked her gaze away to focus over Dominic’s left shoulder, studying the boys’ antics in the field behind him. Not wanting to give her extra time to build a greater distance between them, he chose not to exit the paddock but walked up and faced her over the fence instead.
    â€œSo what’s all this about?” Dominic asked.
    She didn’t respond at first. The skin of her hands paling even more and gleaming in the sunlight as she gripped the fence rail. Her knuckles began to whiten from the tight grip she had on the wood.
    â€œMy sister, Crystal, passed away a few months ago.” Her throat moved on a hard swallow. “She had cancer. It was a really rough time for the boys.”
    Logan shifted at her side, ducking his head, his features firm. “We’re sorry to hear that.”
    Cissy nodded and a muscle twitched beside her mouth. “Crystal left the boys to me. She asked me before...” She paused, squinting hard against the sun. “I promised her I’d take care of them. I’ve waitressed, cashiered and had just about every menial job you can think of so I’m no stranger to work. It’s just—I’ve had a rough run of luck lately. The restaurant where I worked nights closed down and I had to quit my day job to take care of Crystal toward the en—” Her voice broke. “Anyway, I ended up losing my apartment. So I don’t have a place for the boys at the moment. And I can’t afford to get my car fixed.”
    Dominic felt a surge of admiration when she opened her eyes and looked at them both head-on.
    â€œI promised Crystal I’d take care of them. And I will,” she said. “I just need a chance to get back on my feet.”
    â€œWell, we can always use another hand on the ranch,” Logan said.
    Cissy brightened. “That’s what I was hoping—”
    â€œIt’s hard work, though,” Logan interrupted. He frowned, surveying her small frame. “Long hours. It can be rough.”
    She released the fence rail and turned to peer up at Logan. “I can do it. Whatever it takes. I’ve got to start somewhere soon. I have to. If I leave here now, the way things are, I know I won’t have a chance. And if I lose those boys—” she inhaled deeply “—I’ll lose everything.”
    Dominic’s stomach dropped. If there was one thing Logan would understand, it would definitely be the loss of a child. Logan’s features remained blank. Whatever emotion Logan felt, he kept it buried deep.
    Dominic turned away. Why the hell had he waited so long to come home this time out?
    â€œPlease give me a shot,” Cissy continued. “If I don’t deliver, you can cut me loose.”
    Logan studied her for a moment, then sighed. “All right. First thing tomorrow, I’ll