Home Free by Claire McEwen

Author:Claire McEwen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2016-11-08T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

SHRIMP THE DONKEY had the world’s softest nose. Mandy was pretty sure it had healing powers. She was sitting on the porch steps, wrapped in a down parka because the weak early-morning sunlight wasn’t really warming anything. Shrimp was supposed to be trimming the grass that had gotten long by the steps, but instead he was nuzzling her cheek. Each swipe and snuffle took away another piece of the angst she’d woken up to.

Frustrating angst. Last night’s leftover heartache. She’d thought sleep would help, but Arch Hoffman was the first thing on her mind when she opened her eyes.

Lucky for her, the skittish donkey had somehow decided Mandy was his new best friend. Or maybe he just really appreciated his morning walk. Whatever the reason, he chose nuzzling her over eating, and that had to be the highest compliment a donkey could give.

At least someone had chosen her.

She ran her hand over the fluffy hair on his neck, appreciating this stolen moment of quiet in what was going to be a chaotic day of kids and Halloween. But at least one worry was off her mind. Her ranch hands were over their stomach flu. Ely had shown up this morning, thinner and lankier than ever, and taken over the chores. And he said Juan was planning on coming back tomorrow.

Things were suddenly heading back to normal. It was all she’d wanted a week ago. So why was she at such a loose end now?

“It’s my favorite donkey. And my favorite person.”

Mandy looked up to see Arch walking up the lane from the barn, not far from where just over a week ago she’d dropped the cake and he’d shown up like a miracle to rescue it.

There was new energy in his step. His arms swung a little, like he couldn’t wait to take on the world. Mandy’s heart took a dip toward the steps beneath her. She’d heard great sex made a person feel that way. He must have had a good night with Kit.

“I think Shrimp likes me best now.” She buried her face in the donkey’s soft fur to hide her blush. What would he think if he knew she was pondering the details of his sex life? Ugh. She had to get rid of this stupid crush.

Arch sat down on the step next to her and held his knuckles out for the little donkey to sniff. “I can’t fault him for that. Are you ready for chores?”

“I’m sorry.” She smacked her free palm to her forehead. “I should have called you. Ely showed up a few minutes ago and he’s taking care of everything. And apparently Juan will be back by tomorrow. So you are officially free of me.” It was a relief to say it. She needed distance between them. She didn’t want a front-row seat at his reconciliation with Kit.

Arch looked out over the dry lawn. When he spoke, his voice was quiet. “I’m not sure I’m ready to be free.”

Mandy froze. Wanting his words to mean what she hoped.

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