Wilde Horses. Jannine Gallant

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СКАЧАТЬ without Oregon’s frigid winters. They aren’t coming for the service. Pris wanted to keep it small. Just a few local friends. She said she couldn’t deal with a big production.”

      “Pris is Josie’s sister?”

      “Yeah. Priscilla Lewis. She’s a couple years younger than Josie is…was. I know she took her death hard. Pris has spent her whole life caring for her sister.”

      “Hopefully she’ll come to terms with her loss and be able to move on soon.” Eden leaned an elbow on the open window. “Priscilla sounds like a woman who deserves some happiness.”

      “Without a doubt. She never had a chance to go to college or learn any skills other than the practical care involved in nursing Josie. I’ll do what I can for her once she decides what she wants to do with her life.”

      Eden’s gaze was sober as she regarded him. “You really are a nice man. I’m sorry I misjudged you.”

      He glanced back at the road. “I didn’t know you had.”

      “Oh, yeah. I was positive you’d be a selfish idiot, expecting all us mere mortals to jump at your every whim.”

      A grin slipped out. “Don’t I wish? Every time I want something that has to do with the film, I’m forced to battle it out with John. As the director, he has the final say unless one of the producers overrides his decision.”

      “So, you aren’t at the top of the pecking order?”

      He snorted. “Not even close.” Flipping on the blinker, he sailed around a slow-moving van. “So, have you given your dad’s suggestion any more thought?”

      “Huh?” She straightened and glanced over.

      “You know, pretending you’re crazy about me.”

      Her cheeks took on a pink hue. “I feel like a fool just for mentioning it.”

      “Why? I like the idea. We’ll come back from the concert as a newly established couple. If your ranch foreman—what did you say his name is?”

      “Zane.”

      “If Zane gives you any trouble, I’ll make it clear you’re my woman.”

      “Oh, God.” She covered her eyes and let out a sigh. “I don’t know which would be worse, Zane’s unrelenting belief that we’ll eventually get back together, or having everyone I know think I’m your latest fling.”

      “I don’t have flings. Ask anyone who knows me.”

      “That’s my point. No one here does know you. The locals will assume I’ve lost my mind and become just another groupie.”

      He shook his head. “Doubtful.”

      “Why’s that?”

      “You’re forgetting my exceptional acting skills. If I can’t make everyone we meet believe I’ve fallen madly in love with you, then I might as well pack my bags and leave Hollywood.”

      A giggle escaped before she pressed a hand over her lips. “You have an odd sense of humor, but I guess there’s some truth to that claim. What do you get out of the whole charade?”

      “I get to hang out with you. I like you, Eden. You’re the real deal.” He regarded her for a long moment. “Coming from a world of fake everything from boobs to smiles, I appreciate your candor more than you realize. I don’t need any other reason to help you out of an awkward situation.”

      “Fine, we’ll give it a try. I really would like to settle the situation with Zane, once and for all. It’s gone beyond irritating straight to disturbing.” She turned toward him with a shy smile. “Thank you.”

      “You’re welcome.”

      When Eden flipped the radio on and hunted for a country station, he was content to let her take control. She certainly wasn’t a chatterbox, apparently only feeling the need to talk when she had something relevant to say. A refreshing change after the mindless social chatter the Hollywood crowd delighted in rehashing at every party. As he drove along with only the music and her presence for company, he found some much needed peace.

      Blake finally interrupted her quiet humming. “Tell me more about your life. I know you have two brothers—both great guys, by the way. They left the ranch, but you didn’t?”

      She broke off mid-chorus of a Keith Urban song and smiled. “I heard you met my two oldest brothers on a raft trip in Utah. Griff and Sawyer are both getting married next month.”

      “Oh, yeah? That’s great. Is Griff marrying the woman he rushed back to California to rescue while we were on the river?”

      She nodded. “Ainslee’s a sweetheart. Sawyer’s marrying her best friend. They met on a different raft trip in Idaho. Devin’s great, too. They’re planning a double wedding at the ranch.”

      “Very cool. I’d like to stick around long enough to congratulate them both.”

      A grin tilted her lips. “If we’re still pretending to be involved, you can be my date for the wedding. Hannah would be thrilled.”

      “Deal.” He glanced over. “Who’s Hannah?”

      “Remember the college roommate I mentioned, the one who’s smarter than me?”

      He nodded. “That’s right.”

      “Hannah’s dating Tripp, the youngest of my three older brothers. They’ll be coming for the wedding, obviously.”

      “I didn’t know you had a third brother.”

      “Tripp’s an extreme skier. He and Hannah live up at Lake Tahoe.” She hunched down in the seat. “It’s a little weird for me, knowing my best friend and my most irritating brother are now a couple, but I’m doing my best to get used to it. Hannah is smoothing out Tripp’s rough edges, and they may be in it for the long haul.” She grimaced. “If they do get married, I’ll be maid of honor. Again. What’s that old saying about always a bridesmaid but never a bride?” She tapped her chest and made a face. “You’re looking at her.”

      He laughed out loud. “I can’t feel too sorry for you. If your only goal was matrimony, all you’d have to do is give that Zane guy a shout.”

      “True. I guess I’m not all that pathetic.” A sigh slipped out. “I turned twenty-seven last month. I may not be an irrevocable old maid quite yet.”

      “I’m thirty-one and unattached. I’ve never felt any pressure to tie the knot.”

      “That’s because you’re a man. Thank God my mom is focused on my brothers right now and won’t expect me to produce grandchildren any time soon.”

      “So, you’re happy being single and working with your wild horses?”

      “Pretty much. I also have an online leather goods business. Belts, purses, wallets, that sort of thing. Orders have picked up lately, so much so that I’m swamped with work, but I enjoy making original, quality products. I know it may seem weird that I still СКАЧАТЬ