Free Do You Take This Enemy? by Sara Orwig Page A

remembered Ashley telling him that the girls thought he and Wyatt were the best-looking guys in Stallion Pass High. Gabe smiled. And all that time, Ashley Ryder had had a crush on him. How he wished she stillhad that crush. She might feel something when he was close, but he suspected that was nature and hormones and the fact that the beautiful lady had been stuck out alone on her ranch with her father for months now.
    Those blue eyes of hers sent him off into erotic daydreams. Her kisses all but melted him. For long periods with Ashley, he didn’t hurt as much or grieve over his losses. He knew he could never love anyone except Ella, but at least his pain and grief were diminishing.
    He would just have to wait now to see what she decided. He had given it his best pitch. How much would this latest flare-up of her father’s heart condition influence her?
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    The following day Quinn was back on his feet, but he stayed around the house and didn’t go out to work. Ashley had sat in the family room with him while Karl Bradley had checked him over and heard the physician tell her dad that if he wanted to live, he’d have to cut back on his work. And she had heard her father’s noncommittal grunt of annoyance which meant he wasn’t going to pay any attention to what his doctor was telling him.
    As soon as breakfast was over, she called Gabe and left a message.
    Within thirty minutes he returned her call. “You called?”
    â€œYes,” she said, “I want to talk to you.”
    â€œI can come over right now,” he offered.
    â€œThanks, that would be nice.”
    She replaced the receiver, took a deep breath and went to her room to comb her hair. She wore a green cotton jumper and a white cotton shirt. As she pulled her hair into a ponytail, her thoughts churned over her situation, her dad, their future.
    Finally she went downstairs and thrust her head into the family room. “I’ll be outside if you want me. I have a pager if I go to the barn.”
    Quinn waved his hand. “I’m fine. You don’t need to hover.”
    Ashley smiled and left, going outside to sit on the porch in the shade and wait for Gabe.
    It was thirty minutes later when she heard his pickup. He parked in the shade by the gate and climbed out. She hurried to meet him and walked around the pickup. Facing her, Gabe stood with his hands on his hips. He wore a T-shirt with the sleeves ripped out, and he looked fit and handsome and strong. He tossed his wide-brimmed black hat into his pickup and raked his fingers through his hair.
    â€œHow’s your dad?”
    â€œHe’s better today. His coloring is back to normal. The doctor told him to take it easy.”
    â€œI’m sorry.”
    She shrugged. “I spent all last night thinking. We can’t go on like we are, and Dad won’t let Gus take charge.”
    Gabe’s pulse jumped as he talked to her. She looked worried, her blue eyes were filled with concern, and his hope grew.
    â€œMarry me, Ashley,” he said. “That would solve some of your problems.”
    â€œIt would make new ones.”
    â€œMight at that, but we can work through them. Do you want to marry me?”
    The question hung in the air; suddenly he couldn’t breathe. He wanted her to say yes, and it wasn’t just to acquire her ranch.
    She bit her lip and looked past him as if deep in thought, yet he had a feeling she had already made a decision.

Five
    S quaring her shoulders, Ashley raised her chin.
    â€œDon’t look as if I asked you to throw yourself into a cage of lions.” He stepped closer and touched her cheek.
    â€œIt’s scary to go into marriage when there isn’t love.”
    â€œWe’re doing pretty well together, I’d say,” he said softly.
    â€œMaybe, but it’s too soon to tell.”
    â€œJust take it a day at a time.” His hand rested on her shoulder, and his pulse still raced. Gabe knew