Free Her Perfect Match by Kate Welsh Page B

voice.
    “Since when do we put you in a category different from the one Hope and CJ belong in? Just because you have an unearned reputation doesn’t make it a real one.”
    It was an old debate, and they’d never agree. It wasn’t about what anyone said or thought, it wasabout what she felt. “We aren’t talking about me. We’re trying to safeguard CJ’s heart until you’re able to risk your own. So have a good time. Have lots of laughs. Just don’t get too serious too fast.”
    Elizabeth finished with her makeup brush and huffed out a deep breath. What had gone wrong on his simple dinner date?
     
    Fifteen minutes later Cole sat glowering at her. “Okay, let me get this straight,” he said. “You want me to ask CJ to attend the charity dance the night before the Graystone Cross-country.” He shook his head. “Elizabeth, I just got through telling you I’ve decided not to pursue CJ further till I’m more sure of me.”
    “And I told you you’re an idiot!” She shot the words back.
    Cole crossed his arms stubbornly. “As for that race or whatever Graystone and your father want to call it, you know how I feel about that event—”
    Elizabeth tuned him out. She was so tired of having to defend her father. “Well, not everyone at Laurel Glen seems to agree with you. Your father entered this year with Ross’s Prize.”
    Cole went pale. “That isn’t funny, Lizzie,” he snapped.
    Elizabeth bristled. It was true that a pain inflicted by a loved one hurt more than one from a stranger. Frizzy Lizzie, they used to taunt before her mother’s miracle workers conditioned her flyaway hair. She could see the instant apology in Cole’s eyes but shewasn’t in the mood to hear it. She smacked the fashion magazines she’d been looking through onto the coffee table. About to storm away, she found herself held in place when Cole grabbed her hand.
    “I’m sorry.”
    “That was uncalled for, Cole.”
    “I know and I’m really sorry. I guess I forgot you’re not supposed to shoot the messenger. Look, I’ve got to go talk my father out of this.”
    She saw his panic and knew he was really afraid for his father. Maybe it was too dangerous. She’d never gotten involved in anything to do with the Graystone. But Cole was on a fool’s mission. Why didn’t he see it? “When was the last time you talked your father out of anything? Why waste your time? Better to spend your time remembering that Jeff and Hope will be going to that charity dance because Graystone’s daughter is one of their students. And obviously Amelia and Ross will be going since he’s a participant. That’s going to leave CJ sitting at home, as usual, while all her friends are off dancing the night away. Either that or Jack Alton will take her. I understand Ross bought enough tickets for his professionals and his whole family.”
    Cole gritted his teeth, clearly trying to hide how much the idea of Jack and CJ upset him. He stood. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going home to tell my father that this is one family member who isn’t going to fall in line with his plans and condone Graystone’s suicide race.”
    She adopted her bored-socialite act. He was clearlynot going to take her advice, and she wasn’t going to let him see how upset the idea of Jack seeing CJ made her. She sat down and picked up her magazines again. “Fine,” she said. “Just remember it’s your fault if CJ goes with Jack.”

Chapter Seven
    J ackson called to Cole when he saw him stomping across the compound toward the barn. He looked like a man on a mission, but Jackson was on a mission, as well. There was a big shindig, and he wanted to take Elizabeth. It was insane, completely insane. But after their talk at church last week she was all he could think about. Oh, who was he trying to kid? She’d been on his mind since the day he’d met her.
    His problem was even though Elizabeth said she and Cole were only friends, Jackson worried that she’d go with Cole out of