Free Sharp Shootin' Cowboy by Victoria Vane Page A

hurt like hell when she’d dumped him, he was over it now. Over her . Utterly and completely. He resented that his well-meaning but misguided sister had invited his ex for the Christmas Eve family gathering. Then again, he should have expected it, given that Krista had set them up to begin with. She and Tonya had been best friends forever. It was only natural that she’d want to see them reconcile, but he had no interest whatsoever in resurrecting the dead relationship.
    â€œIt was a mistake,” she insisted. “I realize that now. I was lonely and resentful, Reid. At least I was honest about it. I didn’t cheat on you.”
    â€œYou think I wasn’t lonely?” he countered.
    â€œBut it was your decision to leave. I had no part in it, and then you went and signed on for another four years.”
    â€œI did it because we’re not done over there yet,” he said. “Would you turn over a half-broke colt for use on the trails?”
    â€œOf course not. I’d finish the job.”
    â€œSame here. I’m damn well going to finish what I signed on to do.”
    â€œBut you extended your time without even discussing it with me. Of course I was angry. Did you expect me to wait forever?”
    â€œNo. That’s why I bought a ring.”
    â€œA ring?” Her brown eyes widened. She visibly swallowed. “You did? When?”
    â€œA few weeks before your text. I was going to surprise you on my next leave.” He shrugged. “Look, there’s no point in rehashing it all.”
    â€œBut I think there is. Do you have any idea what it’s like watching the news and hearing about all those guys getting blown to pieces? That’s what I was afraid of. You risk life and limb with every deployment. I wanted all of you, Reid, not some lesser, broken version.”
    â€œSo you’d just scratch that line that says ‘in sickness and in health’?”
    â€œDon’t twist my meaning, Reid. Maybe I was being selfish, but I still want you. Can’t we just start over?” She set down her glass of wine on the porch rail and turned to face him, running both hands up his thighs, before settling on his lap, arms twined around his neck. “It was really good between us once, wasn’t it?”
    â€œMaybe once, but that’s in the past now, Ton.” He lifted her back onto her feet. “You’re the one who broke it off. Not me.”
    â€œBut here we are, both still free, aren’t we?”
    He didn’t answer. Yeah, technically he was free, and she was still the same Tonya, but the attraction he’d felt was gone. Dead as dirt.
    She glanced at the phone in his hand. “Or was that more than just a friend ?”
    â€œNot yet,” he replied. “But I have hope.”
    â€œReally?” Her lips curved into the slow, sexy smile that had once dazzled him but now had little effect. “Then so do I.”

Chapter 8
    San Jacinto, California
    Haley had barely dropped her duffel and backpack before her grandma folded her in a smothering hug. “Sweetheart! We’re so glad you’re finally back!”
    â€œI’m glad to be home too, Grams, but it’s only for a couple of weeks. I’ve enrolled for the summer semester to try and make up for the nine months I spent in Alaska.”
    â€œBut weren’t you working on research while you were there?”
    â€œYes,” she said. “And I’ll get some special credit for it, but I still have another year to finish my undergrad degree. The good news is I’ve just been offered a position with the Wolf Recovery Alliance. They’re studying wolves in all the national parks.”
    â€œSo this is a paid position?” Gramps asked.
    She pursed her lips. “Well…not exactly. It’s still voluntary, but there is a stipend. What matters is how it’ll look on my CV. I’m certain it will help get me into the master’s