Free The Texan's Bride by Linda Warren Page A

said before she could open the door. “You sit or you’re going to fall asleep on your feet.”
    “Rosa…”
    “Go.” Rosa gave her a slight push. She sat at the breakfast table and while Rosa’s head was in the fridge she ran her fingers through her hair, hoping that would help.
    Cadde came back with his hat in his hand.
    “Oh, Mr. Cadde,” Rosa said. “You found it.”
    “Yeah.” He placed the Stetson on the bar, grabbed a cup of coffee and took a seat across from her.
    “What do you want for breakfast?” Rosa asked, placing yogurt and fruit in front of Jessie.
    “Bacon and eggs and some of those good biscuits you make.”
    “Oh. That will take a while, but if you have time.”
    Cadde glanced at his watch. “Actually, I don’t. I need to run. How about toast instead of biscuits?”
    “Coming right up.”
    Cadde sipped his coffee, and she could feel his eyes on her. “Rosa, why were the lights on last night?”
    Jessie paused with the spoon halfway to her mouth. Rosa rattled the dishes more than necessary. “Ah…I don’t like Miss Jessie coming into a dark house. And just a few were on.”
    Cadde didn’t say anything else for a moment, and then he glanced directly at Jessie. “You left the bathroom light on last night.”
    “Really?” She licked her spoon just to do something to avoid that keen gaze. “I hadn’t noticed.”
    Rosa placed his food in front of him and dropped the fork and knife on the floor. “I’m sorry.” She quickly scooped them up. “I’ll get more.”
    Cadde continued to gaze at Jessie. “Aren’t you up awfully early? You’re never up when I leave for work.”
    Jessie shrugged as Rosa laid another fork and knife on the table with a napkin. Cadde dug into his food and Jessie let out a long breath. She couldn’t figure out why he wasn’t holding his head with both hands. Instead, he looked spry and ready to face the day.
    The buzz of his cell interrupted the silence. He reached for it on his belt. “Yes, Kid, I’m leaving in a few minutes.” No sooner than he clicked off, it buzzed again. With a sigh, he answered, “I’m on my way, Chance.”
    He pushed back his chair and moved to get his hat from the bar. “Thanks, Rosa.” His eyes caught hers.“I’ll see you tonight.” The way he said tonight made her think of him in nothing but his Jockey shorts, and a wave of heat warmed her skin.
    “What time?” she asked to maintain some of her dignity.
    “Seven, eight.” He leaned over and whispered, “Tonight we play by my rules.”
    She coughed as a piece of strawberry went down like a jalapeño pepper—hot and startling.
    He grinned and walked out.
    How dare he? Her temper simmered just below the surface and nudged her wide-awake. If he thought…
    “Miss Jessie, what’s Mr. Cadde doing in your room?” The scolding tone hit Jessie the wrong way.
    “He’s my husband.”
    “He didn’t…”
    Rosa had a hard time finishing the sentence so Jessie finished it for her. “Force himself on me?”
    Rosa gasped.
    “You’ve known Cadde for years and you know he’s not that type of man. It was my decision to take our marriage further. Mine, Rosa. And I can handle the consequences.” She threw her napkin on the table and stood. How many times did she have to say that? “So please, please stop smothering me and let me have a life, a life of my choosing.” She strolled toward the door and stopped. Jessie knew Rosa meant well, just like Myra, and Jessie couldn’t hurt her this way.
    She turned. “That was harsh. I’m sorry.” Cadde’s parting words had her nervous and snappy.
    Rosa pointed a finger at her. “You talk to Myra toomuch. You’re getting her attitude.” The relationship between Rosa and Myra wasn’t good. They argued all the time, mostly about Myra’s career and her single status. Rosa wanted grandbabies.
    She walked back and hugged Rosa. “Myra has to make her own decisions and so do I. Please let me be an adult. Let me get hurt and feel