Free Texas Stranger by Janet Muncy Page B

should take Mary up on her offer to work for you on Monday.”
    “Well tomorrow is Sunday so I’ll think about it, I’ll see how I feel. I do appreciate your concern, but, I really can’t take time off just yet, I have a business to run, and the aerobic competition will be soon.”
    “Were you always so stubborn?” he teased.
    “Yes, I guess I was.” January smiled.
    “Did you know, your more beautiful when you smile?” he said, pulling her close.
    Not giving her a chance to answer he lowered his lips to hers, softly he kissed her. She brought her arms up around his neck unable to control the need to touch him. Holding him for just a few minutes. His kisses became more demanding as he crushed her to him.
    “Hum... you intoxicate me with your sweet smell. I better leave before I haven’t the strength,” he said, pushing her from him. He kissed her on the nose then headed for the door. Turning once to wink as he closed the door behind him.

Chapter 12
    S unday was uneventful, January just relaxed and did some house hold chores. She made some needed phone calls to her brothers and mom and dad, catching up on family news. On Monday feeling amazingly refreshed, sitting on the edge of the bed, January stretched luxuriously. It had been a long time since she’d had such a restful sleep. She went into the bathroom and turned on the hot water. Showering quickly and dressing she hurried out to the car.
    The traffic wasn’t near as bad this morning when she left as it usually was. Singing to the tunes on the radio, she wondered if the reason she was so cheerful was the fact that she would be seeing Carl again, for she was sure he felt the same about her. Mary’s car was parked at the club when she arrived. Unlocking the door she let herself into the reception area. Mary was at her desk talking to someone on the phone. A few minutes later she hung up obviously upset by something.
    “Is something wrong?” January asked, frowning at her.
    “No, not really, I guess, I’m being a little foolish.” Mary said, forcing a smile.
    “About what?”
    “BJ and I had a date tonight, and he called to cancel it. It seems Carl, BJ and Kathy are going to Dallas for a few day’s and won’t be back before Thursday.”
    “BJ has gone out of town before.” January said, moving some paper work around on her desk.
    “Yes, but never with Kathy, at least that I know of. Oh don’t get me wrong I’m not jealous of Kathy, it’s just I know Kathy and her friends. She is always trying to get BJ to take out one of her friends, she even does it in front of me. She is so irritating. Besides I kind of had plans for us on my day’s off this week, now their squashed.”
    “Do you know why they are going to Dallas?” January asked, a little annoyed at the fact that Carl would be spending time with Kathy as well.
    “They had problems with the thoroughbreds that were supposed to come in at the end of the week. Kathy went along for the ride so to speak.” Mary said rolling her eyes.
    “I’m sorry Mary, I wish there was something I could do for you.” January patted her shoulder. She had not realized how much Mary had fallen for BJ until that very moment. The hurt in her eyes told all.
    The rest of the day went slowly as her mind kept wondering back to the fact that Carl was spending the week with Kathy in Dallas. Her nerves were jumpy as she snapped at her employees for little of nothing. Mary only worked a half of the day, her depression was getting to everyone and she was finally sent home. Tonya would be here later long with Shaun thenight manager. Tonya had just walked through the door when the phone rang, and she picked it up.
    “January it’s for you, Kevin I think.” Tonya said.
    “Hello!”
    “Hi this is Kevin, I thought I’d call and ask you to have dinner with me tonight. I know it’s short notice, but if you’re not busy, I’d love your company.”
    “Sure why not,” she said. Besides why stay home when Carl was with