Free Montana Secrets by Kay Stockham

Seth’s and had some success. However, I don’t think I need to tell you his attitude is his worst enemy.” Shoving herself up from the chair, she walked over to a wall lined with books ranging from Montana history to art. She fingered a gold-embossed spine.
    Behind her, Jake’s chair squeaked. “Things will blow over soon enough. You and Seth were close once. You can be again.”
    Groaning, she glared at him over her shoulder. “Jake, don’t you start, too. There’s nothing left and even if there were—” she held up a hand “—it wouldn’t matter. It’s over.”
    Jake’s expression was solemn. “Sorry. Guess I’d hoped that maybe you two could work through things.”
    â€œWe can’t.”
    â€œYou guys argued, but I’ve never understood why you took things to the extreme you did.” She didn’t respond, and after a moment, Jake shrugged. “Okay, fine, new subject. The, uh, docs say they think Seth can make a full recovery.”
    â€œI agree,” she murmured, now that they were on a safer ground.
    â€œSo even though he’s been difficult, you’ll stick with him?”
    She nodded, fingering Seth’s name inscribed on one of the large belt buckles on display in front of her. Seth had won numerous competitions before his father had died, before taking over the ranch and leaving behind his carefree days for a more stable existence. But she remembered seeing him at a rodeo once, his cowboy swagger intact as he won the prize. Tall and broad-shouldered, his short dark hair covered by his cowboy hat and oh, his eyes.
    Shaking off the memories, Grace moved on down the row of bookshelves, lingering over a picture of a toothless Lexi, before finding herself in front of the window staring out at the darkened landscape.
    Maura cleared her throat from the doorway. “Lexi’s asleep and I brought coffee. Decaf. Anyone up for a cup?”
    Grace nodded as she raised a brow at Jake, silently asking if he wanted her to broach the subject of Lexi and her fears. Jake nodded imperceptibly as Maura poured them coffee and the three of them settled in for a chat.

CHAPTER FIVE
    â€œG OOD MORNING, SLEEPYHEAD . Time to rise and shine.” Grace clapped her hands and watched as Seth opened one eye but just as quickly shut it again, a foul word escaping him.
    She laughed. Of all the ways she would’ve expected Seth to act, this wasn’t what she’d imagined. Seth had always been so easygoing. Friendly and flirtatious. Tall, dark and handsome in every sense. Now, well—tall, dark and grumpy didn’t have quite the same effect.
    â€œTime for therapy.”
    â€œI told you yesterday I’m not going.”
    â€œPoor baby, not enough grouchy sleep?”
    Both eyes flickered open at her taunt. “Are you always this irritating?”
    Another laugh bubbled up before she could squelch it. He really did look fierce and she knew his expression ought to bother her more than it did. “’Fraid so. I’m an early bird.”
    He snagged his pillow and put it over his face. “I’m not. Not anymore.”
    â€œCome on,” she chided cheerfully. “Jake had to drive in and take care of some things at his office, so if you’re wanting him to help you out of bed to the bathroom you’re out of luck. I’m it.” She pulled the pillow off his head and they wound up in a tug of-war to see who’d keep possession.
    She won.
    Seth cursed long and loud.
    â€œGotta get stronger if you’re going to toss me out, you know.” He told her where to go and she wagged a finger at him. “Now, what kind of language is that for a grown man to use? What if Lexi heard you? You want that coming out of her sweet little mouth?”
    â€œGrace—”
    She smiled. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but aren’t most ranchers up before dawn?” she asked as she