Read Online Wrangling the Cowboy's Heart by Carolyne Aarsen - Free Book Online Page B

so many levels, but she wouldn’t talk to him about it and had avoided him at all costs the last few weeks she was here.
    He’d gotten over it, of course, and thanks to Keith, found the perfect girl in Denise. Uncomplicated and a strong Christian.
    But more and more Finn realized he’d never quite gotten over their high school romance.
    The sound of the outside door shutting echoed through the building. He heard hurried footsteps down the hallway, then Jodie appeared at the entrance of the sanctuary. She paused there, looking around as if getting her bearings.
    Finn caught a fleeting expression of sorrow on her features, but it was chased away by a strained smile as her eyes fell on the two of them.
    â€œI’m so glad you could finally make it, Jodie,” Amy said, her tone coolly polite. “We need to get started right away. I have to be home soon.”
    â€œSorry,” Jodie replied, breathless as she hurried down the aisle, pulling down the sleeves of her thin sweater. It floated around her like the wings of a butterfly. He caught glimpses of little ribbon roses embroidered on it matching the bright red of her capri pants. Fun and funky. Only Jodie could pull off an outfit like that.
    â€œI was out riding Roany and I forgot to take my watch or my phone,” she continued.
    â€œWhat happened to you?” He frowned, seeing the small cut on her temple.
    Jodie’s hand flew to her head. “Oh. Nothing. I just... Clumsy, you know.”
    As she raised her arm, he noticed a large purple bruise on her forearm through the fine fabric of her sweater. “So what actually happened?”
    â€œIt’s nothing. I told you.” She hurriedly lowered her arm, her cheeks flushing. Her anger puzzled him, but finally he put everything together.
    â€œDid Roany throw you?”
    She lifted her chin, her eyes flashing. “I thought she would be okay. After how good she was when you were trimming her hooves. Thought I could do some training myself.”
    Finn was about to make another comment when Amy noisily cleared her throat, a not-so-subtle hint that time was ticking away.
    â€œI have the music here,” the woman said, picking up the envelope she had laid on the piano bench. She gave Jodie a warm smile. “It’s good to see you again, sweetie.”
    â€œGood to see you, too.” But Jodie didn’t meet her eyes as she pulled the sheet music from the envelope.
    Finn was surprised at Jodie’s reserved response to the friendly overture. Amy seemed to be as well, her brows meeting in a brief frown quickly replaced by a gentle smile.
    â€œI hope this isn’t too much for you,” she said, touching Jodie lightly, as if trying to make a connection.
    â€œI can manage,” Jodie stated, looking over the papers, all business now, but still ignoring Amy’s overture.
    Something was off, Finn thought, trying to figure out why Jodie was so cool to Amy, who seemed willing to help.
    He glanced over Jodie’s shoulder at the music. “Doesn’t look too complicated,” he said.
    â€œI don’t think so, either. The key on this one seems high, though.” She frowned as she flipped through the sheets of music. “What do you think?”
    But she addressed her question to Finn, not Amy.
    â€œWhy do you say that?” he wondered.
    â€œMandie has a deeper voice that might be straining on these high notes. I’m surprised she would want to do it in this key.”
    â€œYou’ve listened to her sing?” Finn was surprised but yet thankful that Jodie had done some homework.
    â€œI downloaded most of her songs onto my phone to prepare myself,” she said. “I’d like to talk to her about this.”
    â€œIf you have anything to say to Mandie, I prefer that you go through me,” Amy interjected, her tone unyielding.
    â€œIf I’m playing for Mandie, wouldn’t it be easier if I spoke to her