Free Loving Justice (El Camino Real Book 2) by Sable Hunter Page B

it was Abby Grace.
    Dusting his black Stetson off on his jeans, Justice led his Appaloosa into the stable and removed the saddle, taking the time to brush him down and feed him. Normally, there were hands to do this sort of thing but at the moment everyone was busy doing something else. Pouring some grain in the trough, Justice scratched his horse between the ears. “You rest, we’ll go back out a little later.”
    The sun was high in the sky now, but this morning had been beautiful. He’d enjoyed the ride, watching the colorful spectacle as it spread across the Texas sky in an array of purples, pinks, and orange. It always calmed him. El Camino was his home, and he had no desire to live anywhere else in the world. Taking the steps two at a time, he bounded onto the wide front verandah and let himself into the house. Flipping on lights as he walked into the foyer, his thoughts returned to Charlee. He’d been back by Parker’s Medical Clinic twice more, checking for any sign of her. Once, he’d even parked and gazed up at the window where her room used to be.
    How could she have left him, her best friend, so easily? Hell, Justice knew he was kidding himself. He’d taken Charlee for granted. If he had to do it all over again…frustrated, he threw a coffee cup across the kitchen, watching it splinter into a million pieces. Sometimes you don’t appreciate something or someone until they’re gone. Honestly, he didn’t understand what was going on. Their relationship had never been romantic or intimate. He’d been aware Charlee had feelings for him, but Justice had never encouraged her. Hell, he’d been young and stupid, more attracted to girls who flaunted their sexuality rather than Charlee, who was a perfect flower not yet in full bloom. But then something happened, something he didn’t quite understand. Because for eight years he had dreamed about her, dreams so scorching hot, Justice would wake up pumping his own dick like a teenager, moaning her name.
    What would happen next, he had no way of knowing. But she was coming home, and Justice intended to get to the bottom of all of this. She might be married. Hell, she might be married with children. And if so, he would greet his old friend and wish her well. But, if she was single—all bets were off. He wanted a chance for a do-over. Going to the kitchen closet, he took out a broom and a dust pan. In a few minutes, he had the mess cleaned up. Gazing around the kitchen, Justice wondered how many times had Charlee sat at this dining table? Too many to count. She’d been a part of the family since the day they’d met at the Madison County Founder’s Day Celebration.
    “Give me a kiss, Wild Bill.”
    Justice grimaced. He did not sign up for this crap. His mother must have it in for him. “Over my dead body, Zelda.”
    Zelda Hines was dressed up like a dance hall girl with a big pink feather in her hair. She had her hands on her hips and her mouth was pooched out in fish lips like a big bass.
    “I don’t want to kiss no girl.” Justice looked over Zelda’s shoulder to see who might be witnessing his humiliation. People were milling around the Exhibition Hall, looking at the animals and craft booths. The Founder’s Day Pageant was over, but they’d asked the cast to linger for photographs. Closing his eyes, he hoped Zelda would just leave him alone. All he wanted to do was to get out of this mess and go home. Tomorrow was his birthday and he had things to do. Turning nine was a big deal. His dad had promised him his own horse.
    “I’m not just any girl, Justice King. I’m a cowgirl and if you don’t kiss me, I’ll tell everyone Charlee Parker’s your girlfriend.” Zelda sing-songed her threat.
    Justice opened one eye. “Who?”
    “The doctor’s daughter, that ugly little Indian girl.”
    “I have no idea who you’re talking about. I don’t want a girlfriend. And I don’t want a kiss.” Justice started to leave, but Zelda snatched his hat right