Jackson Brenda Taming client westmoreland

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night he had an affair with my mother. She was working as a waitress at the bar. She told him she
had gotten pregnant and he provided for my care. When she sent me to live with him, a decision was
made to let everyone think I was Todd s illegitimate daughter. The only person who knew the truth
other than Grandpa was Aunt Claudine.
Clint nodded. What was the reason that your mother gave you up?
Alyssa sighed again before answering. Because she found out that her new boyfriend was trying to
come on to me.
She saw Clint s face harden at that statement. And you haven t seen or heard from her since? he
asked.
No. And according to Aunt Claudine, she never wrote or asked how I was doing. She no longer
cared, Alyssa said sadly.
The pain she felt whenever she remembered her mother s denial came back, and she didn t realize
tears were in her eyes until Clint reached out and took his fingertip and wiped one away. This has
been one heck of a night for you, he said softly. Go on and get some rest.
She nodded, still unable to decipher his mood or feelings on what she had told him. Without
removing his clothes he stretched out on the bed beside her and held her in his arms. And he stayed
there with her until she went to sleep.
Alyssa woke the next morning in bed alone. She couldn t help wondering what the Westmorelands
thought of her. Nor could she help wondering what Clint thought of her, as well. This was the first
morning, since they d begun sleeping together, that he hadn t woken her with lovemaking.
That thought remained on her mind while she showered and got dressed. When she opened the
door to the hall, Clint was standing against the wall waiting for her. He was dressed in a pair of jeans
and a chambray shirt. As usual, he looked great.
Good morning, he said, smiling at her.
It was a smile that made her insides feel somewhat jittery.
Good morning, Clint, she said, searching his expression in an attempt to decipher his mood.
I know you haven t eaten breakfast yet, but I was wondering if you would go riding with me this
morning. I promise not to keep you out long.
Sure, she said and shrugged.
They walked together through the house. The place seemed rather quiet, especially for a house full
of guests. It was after eight in the morning. She had discovered over the past few days that the
Westmorelands were early risers.
Where s everyone?
Sleeping in late, I guess, Clint said.
Oh.
When they walked outside she saw two horses were saddled and ready for them. Clint helped her
mount Sunshine, the docile mare he had given her to ride, and then he mounted Royal. She glanced
over at him.
Where are we going?
To the south ridge, he said mysteriously.
She nodded. They hadn t ridden on that part of his property in a while. Thanks to Clint she felt
comfortable riding and appreciated the slow pace he set for them. They rode in silence, enjoying the
beautiful morning.
They had been riding for a while when Clint finally brought the horses to a stop. This is a nice place
to stop, he said, glancing over at her.
For what? she couldn t help wondering. Was he going to ask her to leave the ranch? Had he figured
out that the best way to end their farce of a marriage and quickly was to forget the annulment and
file for a quick divorce instead?
She watched as Clint dismounted from Royal and tied him to a tree before coming back to help her
off of Sunshine. He tied Sunshine to a tree, as well.
Come on, Clint said, reaching for her hand. Let s take a walk so we can talk.
She pulled her hand back. Talking isn t necessary. I know what you want.
His brows drew together. Do you?
Yes, I do, she said.
And what do you think I want? he asked, leaning against an oak tree.
She glanced around instead of looking at him and then she brought her gaze back to his.
You want to skip the annulment and go straight to a divorce, Alyssa said.
Clint could only stare at her. What she had said was so far from the truth it was pitiful. What had
happened last night at the ball had been an eye-opener for him. When Kim had said those insulting
remarks his protective instincts had kicked in. He had immediately wanted to shield her from any
kind of hurt, harm or danger. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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