Free Cowboy from the Future by Cassandra Gannon Page A

 “In fact, it’s a bad idea for me to be near you, at all. 
Someone will notice that I…”  Cade tore his eyes away from hers and shook his
head.  “Just stay away from me.”  He stepped back from her.  “It’s the only way
we’ll survive this crazy plan of yours.”
    Addy
bit her lower lip as he headed for the exit, again.  “Cade?”
    “Jake’s
harmless.  You’ll be safe with him showing you the sonic bathhouse.  I promise.”
    “It’s
not that.  Really.  I just…”
    He
looked back at her when she trailed off.  “Just what?”
    Damn. 
What could she say to him, that wasn’t a proposition?  “Um…”  Addy searched for
another topic and her gaze fell on a squashed looking, half piano/half violin
instrument shoved against the wall.  Her eyes lit up.  “Is it okay if I try
playing that thing?  I took lessons as a kid.”  Granted, it had been on a
Steinway, but how different could it be?
    Cade
gave sigh.  “Do whatever you want.  Just do it quietly .  The last thing
I need is you causing any more disruptions.  I like it when things are peaceful
around here.”

Chapter Four
     
    Every
guest of Brown’s Glamping Tours receives a free Glamp-pack™ full of camping
essentials.
     
    Perfumed
cleansing wipes, so you’ll stay sweet smelling even after a day of hiking.
    Granola
bars and snacks, in case you need some energy between our five star catered
meals.
    Imported
bottled water.
    A state-of-the-art
bear whistle.
    And, of
course, this helpful guidebook, filled with all the tips you’ll need to have an
unforgettable experience!
     
    Let us
know if you have anything else on your glamping wish list and we’re happy to
supply it for an additional charge.
     
     
    Brown’s
Glampling Tours Official Pocket Guide
     
    “Shit!” 
Deke bellowed as Cade slammed him against the wall of the kitchen.  “What’s
your problem, man?”
    “My
problem is you threatening Adeline.”  Cade retorted, leaning in closer.  “If
you’re pissed about her staying here, you come to me , not her.  I swear
to the gods, if you bother her again, I will take off your head.  Got it?”
    “I
didn’t threaten the girl.  I just warned her not to fuck with you.”  Deke
shoved him away.  “And I’m not pissed about her staying here, either.  I just
wanted to be sure Addy and I understood each other.  Which we do.  Since you
aren’t protecting yourself, I figured I had to do it for you.”
    “What
kind of protection do I need against a girl who’s half my fvreing size? ”
    “It
doesn’t matter how big she is.  I see the way you look her, Cade.  Like she’s
the godsdamn sun.  She could break you into pieces without even trying.”
    Deke
was right about that.  Addy Mulhaney already had so much power over him, it was
frightening.  She could get him to do anything, just by saying please.
    Fuck.
    Cade
closed his eyes and stepped back.  “Leave her alone.”  He said, wearily
pinching the bridge of his nose.  “I know what I’m doing.”
    “The
hell you do.  I don’t think she does, either.  The girl says things that
no one would ever say.  Not even me, and I’ve been half-crazy since the Wilderness
War.”  Deke frowned.  “How did she react to you being a Voltyn, anyway?”
    “She
doesn’t even know what a Voltyn is .”
    “You’re
shitting me.”
    “I’m
not.  I had to tell her.  She now believes Voltyn are unfairly
subjugated and that I should fight against the humans’ tyranny.  If asked, she
will no doubt begin making me placards to protest on the streets for equality.”
    Deke’s
mouth slowly curved.
    “It’s
not funny.”  Cade insisted, refusing to be moved by Addy’s naive defense of his
heritage.  “You’re right about her saying crazy, crazy things.  Half of
her words are ridiculous and the other half are magic.  If she starts saying
them to anyone but us …”  Cade trailed off and his jaw ticked.  “That
son-of-a-bitch sheriff’s already