Rodeo Queen by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

Author:Shannon Taylor Vannatter
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2013-06-28T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

“Whoa!” Cody’s surprise sounded in his tone.

She and Mitch sprang apart.

“Uh, sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt.” Cody backed out of the room.

Turning her back on him, Caitlyn pressed her hand to her quivering lips.

“I—”

“We’re both upset.” Her voice quivered, too. “We’re not thinking rationally. Go on. Your family needs you.”

He took a few steps, then stopped. “I may not be able to take you home tomorrow. You might need to call Natalie or your dad.”

“Don’t worry about me.”

He left her alone and Caitlyn gripped the countertop so hard her fingers went numb.

Ten years of trying to get over Mitch, and one kiss froze her brain. She couldn’t do this again. He still had a dangerous job.

And Caitlyn had to let him go.

What kind of person was she? Thinking about Mitch and their future when Tara’s life hung in the balance.

* * *

Mitch drummed his fingers on the kitchen counter. It was still early, but he wanted to get to the airport.

Doubtful anyone in the house had slept, he tried to remain quiet. He certainly hadn’t slept a wink, but he welcomed the distraction of the kiss. Anything to stop worrying about his sister. The kiss would make Tara happy. She’d wanted him to get back with Caitlyn for ten years.

Maybe at the airport they’d learn Tara and Jared weren’t on that plane. And maybe that kiss could help him win Caitlyn back. And give his sister a happy ending when she came home. If she came home.

No, he couldn’t think that way.

The shrill ring of the phone cut through the silence.

The airport? This early? Was it good news? Please, Lord, let it be.

He grabbed the handset. “Hello?”

“Mitch, it’s Tara.”

Spasms exploded through his chest. “Where are you?”

“We’re at the Hilton in San Antonio. We were tired last night and changed our flight. We weren’t on that plane.”

Tears rained down his cheeks, and his throat clogged. “We tried to call you.”

“I know. I’m sorry. It was our wedding night, so we turned our phones off. We didn’t know about the crash until this morning.”

“You’re okay? Both of you?”

“We’re fine. And I think we’re questioning getting on a plane. We may drive to Florida. Take our time, stop when we want and sightsee.”

“That sounds like an awesome plan.”

Mom and Dad careened into the kitchen, followed by Cody and Grandpa. Mitch gave them a thumbs-up. “It’s Tara. They’re fine. They weren’t on the flight.”

Tears of relief swept over the family. Caitlyn stopped in the doorway, looking as if she felt out of place.

“They’re okay.” Cody wrapped her up in a bear hug.

“Let me talk to her.” Dad reached for the phone.

“Put her on speakerphone.” Mom’s voice quivered.

Mitch gave the handset to his father, walked over to Caitlyn and stole her from his brother’s arms. A whirlpool of emotions swept through him and the only person he wanted to share it with was Caitlyn. She clung to him.

“We should pray for the families who did have loved ones on that plane.” Cody massaged Mom’s shoulders.

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