Read Online Wed to the Witness by Karen Hughes - Free Book Online Page A

she and Jackson would share a civilized meal. Eventually she would know why the vision had sent her to him. She could then act accordingly, do what was in her power to help him.
    After that, she would settle back into her calm world with her secrets safe and her heart intact.
    â€œHow’s that?” Johnny asked.
    Feeling a tug of guilt, Cheyenne forced her thoughts back to her pupil. Taking a step forward, she focused her gaze on one of the straw-filled targets positioned on an easel in the distance.
    â€œI’d say three arrows a quarter inch from a target’s bull’s-eye is a great way to end today’s session,” she said, her mouth curving. “I’d like you to compete on my team at the Memorial Day competitions,” she said, referring to the county-wide event Hopechest Ranch sponsored each year. “If that’s what you’d like to do.”
    Wariness slid into Johnny’s eyes as he laid the bow on the stone table beside her. Even now he didn’t quite believe in his ability.
    â€œMaybe I could do that. No big deal.” Lowering his gaze, he began unhooking the elastic straps of the leather guard that covered the inside of his right arm.
    â€œIt is a big deal, Johnny.” While she spoke, Cheyenne pointed a finger toward the target. “See those three arrows a hair away from the bull’s-eye?”
    After a moment, the teenager’s gaze followed hers. “What about ’em?”
    â€œ You put them there. And if you think I ask all my students to be on my team, think again. You’ve got a real talent for this sport. You can be as good an archer as you make up your mind to be.”
    â€œThe audience thinks that, too.”
    At the sound of Jackson’s voice so close behind her, Cheyenne nearly gasped. The rush of the nearby stream had prevented her from hearing his approach. Taking a deep breath that did nothing to settle her pulse, she turned to face him.
    One glimpse of the grin on his tanned, rugged face—and those incredible gray eyes—made her knees weak.
    â€œI…didn’t know you were here.” He wore crisply starched jeans and a blue polo shirt opened at the neck to expose dark curling hair. The thought of swirling a fingertip through that hair had her shoving her sunglasses higher up the bridge of her nose. “You didn’t need to come all the way out here to find me. I’d have met you at the dining hall.”
    â€œI ran into Blake Fallon out repairing fence. He told me I could find you here.”
    â€œThe boss is working on the fence line?” she asked.
    â€œNot just the fence. One of the regular ranch hands is down with a stomach virus, another has a broken arm. With Memorial Day less than a week away, repairs can’t wait.” Jackson angled his chin while his gaze did a slow slide down her body. “I let Blake coerce me into helping him and his dad repair hail damage to the horse barn’s roof after you and I finish breakfast. You look great,” he added quietly.
    She felt her flesh heat beneath her khaki shorts andred T-shirt monogrammed with the Hopechest Ranch brand.
    Clearing her throat, she nodded toward her student. “Jackson Colton, this is Johnny Collins.”
    â€œGreat shooting,” Jackson said, extending his hand.
    â€œThanks,” the teenager muttered, returning the handshake.
    Cheyenne looked back at Jackson. “While your cousin, Drake, was home on leave, he taught Johnny to ride.”
    â€œIs that so?” Jackson asked. “Can the tough Navy SEAL ride a horse these days without getting tossed off onto his butt?”
    â€œYeah. He gave me some good tips.”
    Nodding, Jackson narrowed his eyes. “Are you the Johnny who Teddy and Joe, Jr. keep harping about? The one they say can rope almost anything?”
    Johnny raised a shoulder. “Drake gave the three of us some lessons. I can sometimes get a rope around