Southern Hearts (Southern Love Series) Read Online Free Page B

Shane. He watched as Shane
observed Farrah's every move around the kitchen. "She's not your
type."
    Shane roared with laughter. "Damn, cousin, you are
funny, but that doesn't mean you should stop writing those country songs and go
jump on a comedy tour."
    "I'm serious, Shane. She is not your type. She doesn't
go for womanizers."
    "I believe you're hurting my feelings, Austin."
Shane licked his lips as he watched Farrah bend over. "I do love a pretty,
smart, sophisticated, intelligent woman."
    Austin snorted. "Save it. Stay away from Farrah."
    "Why, cousin? Is it because you're smitten by the
beauty in the kitchen?" Shane winked.
    "No," he stuttered. "I just don't want her
to be heartbroken. Farrah is catering a couple of events for me, not to mention
the wedding. It would be awkward having her cry over the food if you guys
didn't work out."
    Yeah, right, McBride, is that what you're telling
yourself? You like Farrah; face it, he thought to himself.
    "Okay, guys," Farrah said, interrupting their
conversation. She placed the plates in front of them; fried liver and onions
sautéed with bacon strips and mushrooms.
    "Can we go on a date?" Shane asked after the
first bite.
    Austin was happy that Shane's phone rang at that moment.
Shane excused himself from the table and walked to a private area. Farrah took
the liberty of grabbing a take-away box and putting Shane's food in it.
    "Darling, I have to go, but look out for my call. We
will be going out on a date." Shane thanked Farrah for the meal. He
shocked both Austin and Farrah by kissing her directly on the lips.
    "McBride," Austin warned.
    "McBride," Shane mimicked. "Tell Rebecca I
said hello."
    Austin knew that was a low blow; he ignored Shane and was
happy his cousin left so he could enjoy the rest of the evening talking to
Farrah.
    "Do you like him?" Austin asked after a few
minutes ticked by.
    "What? He has potential, but no." Farrah smiled
and touched her lips. "Shane will be in for a rude awakening when the
right one comes along."
    "How do you know he's not the right one?"
    "He's not, and I'm not the one for him."
    Austin saw hurt in Farrah's eyes just for a second.
"Who hurt you?"
    "Let's just say I had my share of heartache."
    "Farrah, I know you're hiding something inside. I'm
here for you if you need someone to talk to."
    "Tell me, Austin, what made you become a country
singer?" Farrah asked, desperately trying to change the topic.
    "My granddaddy used to play Johnny Cash. I remember
all those times as a young boy sitting on the fishing creek singing with him. I
went to Nashville when I was eighteen years old and got my first break."
    "You must be talented."
    "You've never listened to any of my songs?" He
put his hands to his heart. "I think I'm hurt and disappointed!"
    Farrah laughed at Austin's antics. "Sing something for
me, right now."
    A few minutes passed before Austin started to sing. She
loved his accent as he sang about losing love. She marveled at his soft,
crooning vocal skills.
    "Bravo!" She clapped when he finished the song.
"I might have to go get your album."
    "I could give you a copy," he said, looking at
her.
    "No, I want to buy your CD." Farrah stood up as
she was becoming uncomfortable. She took the dishes off the table and walked to
the kitchen.
    "Well, ma'am, I think it's my turn to wash dishes."
    Farrah turned around and watched as Austin rolled up his
sleeves. "Shouldn't you be heading home?"
    "My momma would be ashamed of me if she knew that the
last time you cooked, I left without helping you with the dishes." He
kindly moved her aside and opened the tap to wash the dishes.
    "Well, McBride, I thought you would have forgotten how
to do the dishes." Farrah laughed when he splashed her with water.
    "Sugar, I promise you I know how to wash dishes."
His grey eyes sparkled with mischief as he looked at her. Farrah cleared her
throat and began to wipe down the counter, trying to ignore Austin's heated
stare.
    They finished cleaning the kitchen and