Read Online Wild Fire by Linda I. Shands - Free Book Online Page B

Colin. By midnight she was exhausted but too excited to sleep .
    Dad had hustled Ryan off to bed hours ago. When the guests had all gone back to their cabins, Colin yawned and stretched. “Guess I’d better turn in too. Got some folks who want to ride early tomorrow, and your dad’s going to have a church service at seven o’clock.”
    Kara groaned. “Sunday’s supposed to be my day off. You’d think I’d be able to sleep in.”
    â€œYou can.” Colin’s grin was back. “You can sleep ’til six o’clock instead of five.” He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. “You’re a great dancer, Wakara. Thanks.”
    She caught her breath. By the time she thought to say, “Good night, Colin, I had fun too,” he was already out the door.
    Back in her room, she picked up her letter to Tia.
    What a night. Colin is an awesome dancer. Sometimes I think he really likes me. I wish I could figure out how I feel about him .
    All night long, in her dreams, the music played while she and Colin danced. When the alarm went off at six, she wondered if anything about last night had been real.
    At breakfast Colin gobbled his food, then grabbed his jacket and headed out the door. “Gotta get the horses saddled. A few of the men are going fishing upriver, butthe rest of the group want to ride.” He was gone before Kara could say good morning.
    Greg tossed his napkin on the table. “I’m outta here. Mark, you ready?”
    The pilot nodded. “Sure, but why the hurry? The ranch isn’t going anywhere.”
    Greg just glared at him and stalked off. He came back with his bulging sports bag and dropped it with a thud at the front door.
    Mark shrugged and downed the last of his coffee. “Great meal, Ms. Lightfoot. You’re the best cook in the state.” He kissed her cheek, and her face darkened in a blush.
    Dad laughed. “Watch out, Mark, she’ll have you fat as a summer hog in no time.”
    â€œWhat’s a summer hog? Hey, save some bacon for me!” Ryan scrambled into his chair and snatched the last two pieces off the plate.
    â€œYou’re the summer hog, Ryan Sheridan. Use some manners.”
    Dad interrupted. “It’s all right, Wakara. Everyone else is done.” He watched her with a puzzled look on his face.
    Ryan ignored her as Anne spooned eggs and fried potatoes onto his plate.
    Kara fumed silently. He doesn’t say a word when Greg’s acting like a jerk, but I say one little thing and it’s lecture time .
    After the guests had finished eating, Kara helped with the dishes. She felt uncomfortable. Dad hadn’t really lectured her. Get over it, Wako. It’s no big deal .
    â€œI will go to Otter Lake this morning.” Anne handed her another plate.
    Uh-oh. Now she’ll ask to borrow Lily . Kara cringed. She had wanted to ride Lily herself this morning.
    But the cook went on, “Do you like to fish?”
    â€œWhat? Oh, sure. There’s some pretty nice trout up there.”
    â€œI would like company.”
    Kara didn’t know what to say. Was Anne inviting her along? If so, who would ride Lily?
    It was almost like the woman could read her thoughts. “Colin will leave the buckskin for me.”
    â€œThe buckskin? You mean Dakota? What’s Colin riding?”
    Anne grinned. “The Appaloosa. She will learn some manners today, I think.”
    â€œBut Dakota’s huge. And spirited. No one but Colin ever rides him.”
    â€œHe has a kind eye.”
    Kara blinked. Anne was teasing her. Suddenly they both laughed, and the older woman tugged on one of Kara’s slender braids.
    â€œYou are pretty when you smile, Little Moon. Last night you looked beautiful. Many people noticed.”
    Kara shrugged. A lot of good it did. Colin hadn’t even looked at her this morning.
    By ten o’clock the chores were done. The men staying in cabin four had