The Golden Rules of Love: Western Romance by Tammy Andresen Page B

cry.
    “Oh Annie. No wonder you’re so angry. You’ve every right. That selfish bastard.” He sat on the other side of her and his hand coming to the small of her back as he rubbed small circles.
    She wanted to tell them that she didn’t need their pity. It was a reflex to push people away. She was strong enough to handle it on her own but the truth was, it felt nice to be comforted by people who cared about her. She unwrapped one arm from Mary Beth and put it around Mack. Finally, she got her emotions under control enough to speak. “Thank you.”
    “I want you to know, there are plenty of men who wouldn’t leave you like that.”
    She shook her head. “I know that, Mack. My father never left my mother but he also never left room for her to make decisions. I can’t have that either.”
    “Amen to that, sister.” Mary Beth sat straighter. “I put food on the table, and I crossed the country by myself. What did Albert ever do for me? Why does he get to be in charge?”
    Tom eyed Mary Beth from across the fire. “So even if you find him, you ain’t gonna take him back?”
    “Nope. I want my money and I want him to grant me a divorce.” Mary Beth turned away from Tom’s stare, but Annie quirked an eyebrow. Did Tom have feelings for her friend?
    Finnigan entered the camp. He didn’t even bother to sit; he went straight to Mack’s side. “That thing you asked me to look into. I did and the news is good. First thing tomorrow, we gotta check it out.”
    Mack nodded. He turned to the women. “Sorry ladies, but we are going to have to take the day off tomorrow from people hunting. I am trying to procure our ride back East.”
    Both of Annie’s eyebrows went up. “What ride is that?”
    “Come with me tomorrow and see.” He gave her a boyish grin that made her heartbeat quicken. A single curl of chocolate brown hair had fallen across his forehead and Annie itched to push it back. Her hand seemed to move towards him and she grabbed the offending limb with her other hand holding them in her lap.
    Memories of his lips on hers, of his hands on her body, rushed to the forefront of her mind. Heat filled her cheeks and she pursed her lips to keep them from parting in invitation.
    His grin widened, “What do you say? Are you coming?”
    “What?” She blinked, trying to remember what they were talking about. “Oh…” she uttered, suddenly remembering. She huffed at her own silliness, then bit her lip. Should she go with him tomorrow? She was curious. What were they up to? Although, Annie didn’t really want to go into the camps without Mack, she didn’t want to take a day away from the search.
    When had she become so dependent on Mack? She straightened away from him and swallowed her curiosity. “I’ll search for Jasper.”
    His smile vanished in an instant. “Hell fire, Annie. Can’t you be reasonable for one minute? It isn’t safe for you…”
    “It’s my choice. Mary Beth will come with me.” Annie crossed her arms over her chest.
    “Oh honey, I love ya and all but I don’t think it’s a smart idea. A smart woman can be independent but she’s got to keep her wits and know when she’s at her limits.” Mary Beth’s eyes pleaded with Annie to understand.
    Annie huffed a loud breath and stood. “I’ll go by myself then.” She stormed off before anyone could say another word.
    She heard Tom exclaim before she was out of earshot. “That one’s got a temper as fiery red as her hair.”
    “I heard that, Tom Caufflin,” Annie retorted. “I’ll tell you what, you are not getting any biscuits the next time I make them.”
    “Damn!” he replied, but there was a laugh in his voice.
    “I don’t think it’s funny. She can’t go by herself.” Mack sounded mad as hell but she didn’t stay to listen to the rest of the conversation.
    Annie climbed up on a hill that overlooked the bay. She sat and watched the ocean from afar until it was too dark to see anymore and then she sat for a while