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قديم 04-03-11, 01:53 AM   #1

Dalyia

إدارية ومشرفة سابقة وكاتبة بمكتبة روايتي وعضوة بفريق التصميم والترجمة و الافلام والسينما ومعطاء التسالي ونجمة الحصريات الفنية ومميز بالقسم الطبى

 
الصورة الرمزية Dalyia

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Icon26 Clayborne Brides Series - book 2 - One Pink Rose by Julie Garwood





Clayborne Brides Series

book 2

One Pink Rose

by

Julie Garwood




Product Description: THE CLAYBORNES ARE BACK? AND LOVE IS IN BLOOM!

First introduced in Julie Garwood's magnificent New York Times bestseller For the Rcses* which inspired the Hallmark Hall of Fame television film Rose Hill* the Clayborne brothers of Blue Belle* Montana* have been embraced by millions worldwide. Now Julie Garwood spins the individual stories of these three spirited brothers -- once a mismatched gang of street urchins -- in a trio of special novels that begins with One Pink Rose.

Travis Clayborne may be the youngest of the Clayborne brothers* but he's most definitely his own man. Unless it means saying no to his beloved Mama Rose. And that's why Travis is escorting young Bostonian Emily Finnegan to Golden Crest* Montana -- where she'll discover what awaits her as a mail-order bride. Emily has made it perfectly clear that she's taken charge of her destiny and nothing is going to interfere. Falling in love with the perfect stranger isn't part of her plan* but the journey with Travis across this beautiful* rugged land opens her eyes...and her heart. Perhaps her destiny isn't exactly as she imagined.
:qatarw_com_52228917


محتوى مخفي يجب عليك الرد لرؤية النص المخفي






التعديل الأخير تم بواسطة silvertulip21 ; 16-10-12 الساعة 11:14 PM
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قديم 04-03-11, 01:54 AM   #2

Dalyia

إدارية ومشرفة سابقة وكاتبة بمكتبة روايتي وعضوة بفريق التصميم والترجمة و الافلام والسينما ومعطاء التسالي ونجمة الحصريات الفنية ومميز بالقسم الطبى

 
الصورة الرمزية Dalyia

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? الًجنِس »
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?  نُقآطِيْ » Dalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond repute
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افتراضي

Contents


Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve






Dalyia غير متواجد حالياً  
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قديم 04-03-11, 01:55 AM   #3

Dalyia

إدارية ومشرفة سابقة وكاتبة بمكتبة روايتي وعضوة بفريق التصميم والترجمة و الافلام والسينما ومعطاء التسالي ونجمة الحصريات الفنية ومميز بالقسم الطبى

 
الصورة الرمزية Dalyia

? العضوٌ??? » 130321
?  التسِجيلٌ » Jul 2010
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? الًجنِس »
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?  نُقآطِيْ » Dalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond repute
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افتراضي

Prologue


Contents - Next


Long ago there lived a remarkable family. They were the Claybornes* and they were held together by bonds far stronger than blood.
They met when they were boys living on the streets in New York City. Runaway slave Adam* pickpocket Douglas* gunslinger Cole* and con man Travis survived by protecting one another from the older gangs roaming the city. When they found an abandoned baby girl in their alley* they vowed to make a better life for her and headed west.
They eventually settled on a piece of land they named Rosehill* deep in the heart of Montana Territory.
The only guidance they received as they were growing up came from the letters of Adam's mother*
Rose. Rose learned about her son's companions from their heartfelt letters to her* for they confided their fears* their hopes and their dreams* and in return she gave them what they had never had before* a mother's unconditional love and acceptance.
In time* each came to know her as his own Mama Rose.
After twenty long years* Rose joined them. Her sons and daughter were finally content. Her arrival was* indeed* a cause for both celebration and consternation. Her daughter was married to a fine man and expecting her first child* and her sons had grown to be honorable* strong men* each successful in his own right. But Mama Rose wasn't quite satisfied just yet. They had become too settled in their bachelor ways to suit her. Since she believed God helps those who help themselves* there was only one thing left for her to do.
She was going to meddle.





Time of Roses
It was not in the Winter
Our loving lot was cast;
It was the time of roses—
We pluck'd them as we pass'd!
—Thomas Hood (1798-1845)





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قديم 04-03-11, 01:55 AM   #4

Dalyia

إدارية ومشرفة سابقة وكاتبة بمكتبة روايتي وعضوة بفريق التصميم والترجمة و الافلام والسينما ومعطاء التسالي ونجمة الحصريات الفنية ومميز بالقسم الطبى

 
الصورة الرمزية Dalyia

? العضوٌ??? » 130321
?  التسِجيلٌ » Jul 2010
? مشَارَ?اتْي » 49,796
? الًجنِس »
? دولتي » دولتي Egypt
? مزاجي » مزاجي
?  نُقآطِيْ » Dalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond repute
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افتراضي

Chapter One


Contents - Prev | Next


Rosehill Ranch* Montana* Valley*
Travis Clayborne was thinking hard about killing a man.
The youngest brother had only just returned home from the southern tip of the territory and planned to stay one night before he resumed his hunt. Thus far* his prey had managed to stay a step ahead of him. He had thought he had him good and trapped near the gorge* but then the elusive devil had vanished into thin air. Travis grudgingly admitted he would have to tip his hat to this stranger who had outwitted him. He might also have to compliment him on his survival skills. Then he'd shoot him.
He'd taken to the notion of doing in the culprit right away. The enemy's name was Daniel Ryan* and the sin he'd committed wasn't forgivable by a son's measure. Ryan had dared to take advantage of a sweet* innocent* genteel old lady with a heart of gold—Travis's own Mama Rose to be exact—and in Travis's heart and mind* killing him was almost too good for him. Now Travis was trying to convince himself that justice would be on his side.
That evening he waited until their mother had gone to bed to discuss the atrocity with his brothers. They sat side by side on the porch with their booted feet propped up on the railing* their heads tilted back* and their eyes closed.
Harrison* their brother-in-law* joined them a moment after Rose went upstairs. He thought the brothers looked content and was about to tell them so when Travis declared his intentions. Harrison sat down hard in the chair next to Douglas* stretched his long legs out* and then begged to differ with Travis. He said that the law should take care of the thief* and that this person* like every other man and woman in this fair country* was entitled to a trial. If he was proven guilty* he would be sent to prison for his punishment. He shouldn't be murdered in cold blood.
None of the Claybornes paid any attention to Harrison's pontificating. He was an attorney by trade* and it was in his nature to argue about every little thing. All of the brothers thought it was kind of sweet the way Harrison believed in justice for everyone. Their little sister's husband was a decent man* but he was from Scotland and* in their minds* naive about the laws in the wilderness. Perhaps in a perfect world the innocent would always be protected and the guilty would always be punished* but they didn't happen to live in a perfect world* now did they? They lived in Montana Territory.
Besides* what lawman in his right mind would take the time and trouble to hunt down a garden snake when there were so many deadly rattlers out there just waiting to strike?
Harrison refused to bend to the Clayborne way of looking at things. He was appalled by Travis's decision to go after the culprit who had robbed their mother* he reminded Travis that he had a duty as a future attorney to behave with honor. He also suggested Travis reread Plato's Republic.
Travis wouldn't be deterred from what he proclaimed was a sacred mission. He leaned forward to look at Harrison when he gave his argument.
"A son's first duty is to his mother*" he declared.
"Amen*" Douglas muttered.
"It's clear to all of us that Mama Rose was duped*" Travis continued. "He asked to see the gold case and the compass* didn't he?"
"I wish she hadn't told him about it*" Adam interjected.
"But she did tell him*" Douglas said. "And I'm guessing as soon as she mentioned it was gold* that's when he asked to see it."
"He knew he was going to steal it then*" Cole said.
"It was clever of him to let the crowd separate them*" Adam said.
"Mama Rose told us this Ryan fellow is well over six feet tall. He's bulky too*" Douglas reminded them. "Bulky probably means he's got more muscle than most. Seems peculiar to all of us such a big man could be pushed around by a crowd. He meant to steal it* all right."
"For God's sake* Douglas* you cannot assume—" Harrison began.
Travis cut him off. "No one takes advantage of our mama and gets away with it. It's up to one of her sons to right this wrong. Surely you can understand how we feel* Harrison. You had a mother once* didn't you?"
"I wouldn't bet on it*" Cole drawled out* just to get Harrison riled up.
His brother-in-law wasn't in the mood to take exception to the remark. "Your reasoning is twisted*" he said. He waited until the derisive snorting had stopped before he announced that Travis's plan to shoot the thief was premeditated murder.
Cole laughed at Harrison* reached around Douglas to slap him on his back for saying something so amusing* and then suggested Harrison start thinking about a way to get Travis released from jail should he be arrested for doing a son's duty. He also suggested Travis simply drag the culprit back to Montana and let all the brothers shoot him.
Harrison was nearly ready to admit defeat. It was impossible to talk sense into any of the brothers. The only thing that was keeping him sane was the fact that deep in his heart he knew none of them would ever commit cold-blooded murder. They sure enjoyed talking about it though.
"How do you know the man you're after is really Daniel Ryan? He could have made up the name*" he remarked. "He could also have lied about being from Texas."
"Nope*" Cole said. "He told Mama Rose his name and where he was from before she started talking about the presents she was bringing to us."
"Thank God she didn't tell him about the other gifts. He probably would have stolen my pocket watch*" Douglas said.
"I'll bet he would have taken my map too*" Adam interjected.
"And my leather-bound books*" Travis added.
"The thief's from Texas* all right*" Adam said. "He had a peculiar drawl in his speech."
"That's right*" Douglas remembered. "She thought it was… What'd she call it* Travis?"
"Charming*" he replied with a frown.
"Never did like the names Daniel or Ryan*" Cole announced. "Come to think of it* I don't have much use for Texans either. Can't trust them."
Harrison rolled his eyes heavenward. "You never did like anyone or anything*" he reminded him. "Do me a favor and don't say another word until I go upstairs. You're making me forget I'm a logical man."
Cole laughed. "You're the one who insisted on moving back into Rosehill with your wife. I'm part of Rosehill* Harrison* like it or not."
"Mary Rose needs to be with her mother during her confinement. I'm not about to go from town to town with Judge Burns and leave her alone in Blue Belle. And by the way* the next time you tell her she waddles like a duck* I'm going to punch you. Got that? She's a little emotional right now and doesn't need to be told she's as big as a—"
Cole wouldn't let him finish. "All right* we'll stop teasing her. She sure is getting pretty* isn't she?"
"She was always pretty*" Adam said.
"Yes* but now that she's carrying my nephew* she's even prettier. Don't you dare tell her what I just admitted* or she'll never let me live it down. My sister likes to torment me whenever she can* and frankly* I can't imagine why."
He noticed the gleam that came into Harrison's eyes and knew the man was about to say something to provoke him. Since Cole wasn't in the mood to argue tonight* he decided to turn the topic back to the more pressing business at hand* catching a low-down* thieving garden snake who had slithered all the way up to Montana Territory from Texas.
"Travis* are you going to leave tomorrow?"
"Yes."
"How was it decided you would be the one to go after Daniel Ryan?" Harrison asked. "If the Texan really did steal your brother's compass* and I'm only willing to concede that the possibility exists* then shouldn't Cole be the one to go after him? The compass was meant for him."
"Cole can't go anywhere just yet*" Adam explained.
"He was to lay low until old Shamus Harrington calms down*" Douglas added.
"What did you do* Cole?" Harrison asked* already dreading the answer.
"He defended himself*" Adam said. "One of Harrington's sons thought he was faster with his gun than Cole and forced a shoot-out."
"What happened?" Harrison asked.
"I won*" Cole said with a grin.
"Obviously*" Harrison snapped. "Did you kill him?"
"No* but almost*" he admitted. "It was really kind of strange the way he came after me*" he added. "Lester had fallen in with a gang passing through Blue Belle* and the word on the street was that they were planning to rob the bank in Hammond* Saturday next*" he added.
"Does seem odd he'd come after you*" Douglas agreed. "Lester's been strutting around acting like a big man in front of his new friends. Maybe he wanted to impress them."
"I heard they goaded him into the shoot-out with you*" Adam said. "Dooley told me they acted like they knew who you were* Cole."
"Dooley's been hanging around his friend Ghost too long*" Cole said. "You can't take anything either one of them says as fact* Adam."
"They probably heard of your reputation*" Douglas suggested.
"They were just looking for trouble*" Cole said. "Besides* everyone knows Harrington's sons are as dumb as dirt."
"True* but old man Shamus is still going to hold a grudge*" Douglas said. "Mountain men do when one of their own gets shot* and since he has five other sons* you're going to have to be real careful for a long time."
"I'm always careful*" Cole boasted. "Now that I think about it* I could go after Ryan* Travis. You've got enough to do without—"
His brother wouldn't let him finish. "No* you're staying here*" he said. "Besides* I've got everything all planned out."
"That's right*" Douglas said. "He's going to kill three birds with one stone."
Travis nodded. "I'm going to take my papers to Wellington and Smith so everything will be in order when I begin my apprenticeship with their law firm in September* and since Hammond's just a jump away from Pritchard* I'll take care of that business Mama Rose stuck me with* then swing on over to River's Bend* shoot Ryan* pick up the birthday present back in Hammond* and come back here in time for the celebration."
"You owe us ten dollars for Mama Rose's birthday gift*" Cole reminded Harrison.
"What are we getting her?" he asked.
"A fancy sewing machine*" Douglas said. "Her eyes lit up when she saw a picture of it in the catalog Adam gave her. We're getting her the most expensive model* of course. She deserves the best."
Harrison nodded. "Aren't Golden Crest and River's Bend in opposite directions?"
"Just about*" Cole said. "Which is why I think I should go after Ryan* Travis. It would save you—"
Once again his brother wouldn't let him finish. "You've got to lay low*" he said.
Harrison agreed and offered an alternative that would save Travis time and trouble.
"Surely you can get a sewing machine in Pritchard and save yourself several days' riding."
"I suppose he could*" Cole said. "But Ryan wasn't spotted in Pritchard. He was headed for River's Bend yesterday."
"And how would you know that?" Harrison asked.
"We put the word out to let us know if anyone runs into him*" Adam said. "Travis* it's a pity you have to do that favor first. By the time you reach River's Bend* Ryan will probably be long gone."
"I've got it all figured out*" Travis said. "It should only take a day of hard riding to deliver this Emily Finnegan woman to her groom in Golden Crest* and if it's dry enough* I can cut through the gully and be in River's Bend the following afternoon."
"You're dreaming*" Adam told him. "It's been raining off and on for a month now. That gully's going to be filled. Why* it will take you at least three days to go around."
"Who is Emily Finnegan?" Harrison asked.
"She's the favor I'm doing for Mama Rose*" Travis said.
Harrison gritted his teeth. Getting information out of the brothers was an arduous undertaking* but he was tenacious enough to persevere. The Claybornes liked to confuse him with spurious facts* none of which were the least bit relevant. They did it on purpose* of course. They were united in their goal to make him stop "hounding" them* as Cole would say* which meant they didn't want him to question either their motives or their ethics. Three of the brothers still believed they could "out stubborn" him. Adam was the only one who knew better. No one was as stubborn as a Scotsman* and since Harrison had been born and raised in the Highlands* he qualified.
"What's the favor?" he asked Travis again.
"Mama Rose had supper with the Cohens last week* and they happened to tell her about a woman who was stuck in Pritchard. Her escort up and died on her* and she's been trying to get someone to take her on to Golden Crest* but hasn't had any success."
"Why doesn't the man she's going to marry ride down to Pritchard and get her?"
"I asked Mama Rose that very question* and she told me it wouldn't be proper. The preacher's waiting in Golden Crest* and it's up to Miss Emily Finnegan to get there on her own. Mama Rose offered my services."
"She must have thought Hammond was right next door to Golden Crest*" Douglas said.
"Why can't someone from Pritchard escort her?" Harrison asked. "It's a good-sized town. Surely she can find some willing couple there."
"People are mighty superstitious in Pritchard*" Cole said.
"What does that mean?" Harrison asked.
"It means Miss Emily spooks them*" he explained.
"It seems poor Miss Emily has gone through quite a few escorts*" Douglas said.
"How many?" Harrison wanted to know.
"Too many to keep track of*" Cole answered* deliberately exaggerating. "Rumor has it a couple of them died. Travis* you'd better take something with you for luck*" he added with a nod in his brother's direction. "I'd give you my lucky compass* but then I don't have it* now do I* and all because that sneaking* no good son of a—"
Harrison cut him off before he could get riled up again. "You can't know if the compass will bring you luck or not* Cole. You've never seen the thing."
"Mama Rose chose it for me* didn't she? That makes it lucky."
"You're as superstitious as the folks in Pritchard*" he muttered. "Travis* do you think you'll have trouble with this Miss Emily?"
"No*" he answered. "I'm not superstitious* and I don't believe half of what they're saying about her either. How bad can she be?"




Dalyia غير متواجد حالياً  
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قديم 04-03-11, 01:56 AM   #5

Dalyia

إدارية ومشرفة سابقة وكاتبة بمكتبة روايتي وعضوة بفريق التصميم والترجمة و الافلام والسينما ومعطاء التسالي ونجمة الحصريات الفنية ومميز بالقسم الطبى

 
الصورة الرمزية Dalyia

? العضوٌ??? » 130321
?  التسِجيلٌ » Jul 2010
? مشَارَ?اتْي » 49,796
? الًجنِس »
? دولتي » دولتي Egypt
? مزاجي » مزاجي
?  نُقآطِيْ » Dalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond repute
¬» مشروبك   pepsi
¬» قناتك mbc4
?? ??? ~
My Mms ~
افتراضي

Chapter Two
Contents - Prev | Next
The woman was a walking plague.
They hadn't even gotten out of town before Travis was punched* kicked* tripped* and shot at* but not by anyone from Pritchard. No* it was Miss Emily Finnegan who tried to do him in* and even though she swore on her sainted mother's grave that it had all been a terrible misunderstanding* Travis didn't believe her. Why would he? He had it on good authority from his friends the Cohens that Miss Emily's mother was still alive and probably dancing an Irish jig with Mr. Finnegan back in Boston* now that the two of them had unloaded their ungrateful daughter on a poor* unsuspecting stranger living in Golden Crest.
Admittedly* Miss Emily was a pretty little thing. She had hair the color of sable that curled softly around her ears* and big hazel eyes that were brown one minute and gold the next. She had a real nice mouth too* until she opened it* which* Travis was quick to notice* was most of the time. The woman had an opinion about everything and felt compelled to share it with him so that there wouldn't be any future misunderstandings.
She wasn't a know-it-all* but she sure came close. He formed his opinion just five painful minutes after he'd met her.
It had been suggested by Olsen* the hotel proprietor* that they meet in front of the stage coach station. Travis spotted her from way down the street. She was standing directly behind the hitching post* holding a black umbrella in one hand and a pair of white gloves in the other. There were at least six satchels lined up in a neat row in front of her on the boardwalk* entirely too many to drag up the side of a mountain.
Miss Finnegan was dressed to perfection from head to toe in white linen. He assumed she hadn't had time to change out of her Sunday best church clothes. Then he remembered it was Thursday.
They didn't exactly start out on the right foot. She was standing at attention with her shoulders back and her head held high* watching the commotion across the street. Although it was still early in the morning* a rowdy crowd had already gathered in Lou's Tavern and were making quite a ruckus. Perhaps that was why she didn't hear him come up behind her.
He made the mistake of tapping her lightly on her shoulder to get her attention so that he could tip his hat to her and introduce himself. That's when she shot at him. It happened so fast* he barely had enough time to get out of the way. The little derringer she had concealed under her gloves went off when she whirled around. The bullet would have gotten him smack in his middle if he hadn't spotted the gleaming barrel and leapt to the side in the nick of time.
He was pretty certain the gun housed only one chamber* but he wasn't taking any chances. In a flash* he grabbed hold of her wrist and twisted her arm up so that her weapon was aimed toward the sky. Only then did he move close so he could give her a piece of his mind.
And that's when she whacked him with her umbrella and kicked him hard in his left kneecap. It was apparent that she was aiming for his groin* and when she missed her mark the first time* she had the gall to try again.
He made up his mind then that Miss Emily Finnegan was crazy.
"Unhand me* you miscreant."
"Miscreant? What in thunder's a miscreant?"
She didn't have the faintest idea. She was so taken aback by the question she almost shrugged in response. Granted* she didn't know what a "miscreant" was* but she did know that her sister* Barbara* used the word whenever she wanted to discourage an overzealous admirer* and it had always been very effective. What worked for her conniving sister was going to start working for her. Emily had made that vow on the train from Boston.
"You only need to know that it's an insult*" she said. "Now* let go of me."
"I'll let go of you after you promise to stop trying to kill me. I'm your escort to Golden Crest*" he added with a scowl. "Or was* until you shot at me. You're going to have to get up there on your own now* lady* and if you kick me one more time* I swear I'll—"
She interrupted him before he could tell her he'd toss her in the water trough.
"You're Mr. Clayborne? You can't be*" she stammered out* a look of horror on her face. "You aren't… an old man."
"I'm not young either*" he snapped. "I am Travis Clayborne*" he added* but because his knee was still throbbing from being kicked by the bit of fluff* he didn't bother to tip his hat to her. "Give me your gun."
She didn't argue. She simply placed the weapon in the palm of his hand and frowned up at him. She didn't apologize either. He noticed that slight right away.
"I swear I'm going to be limping for a week. What have you got in your shoes? Iron?"
Her smile was dazzling* and heaven help him for noticing* she had a cute little dimple in her right cheek. If he hadn't already decided he didn't like her* he would have thought she was a might better than simply pretty. She was downright lovely. He had to remind himself the crazy woman had just tried to kill him.
"What a silly thing to suggest*" she said. "Of course I don't have iron in my shoes. I'm sorry I kicked you* but you did sneak up on me."
"I did no such thing."
"If you say so*" she said* trying to placate him. "You were teasing me about changing your mind* weren't you? You wouldn't really abandon a helpless lady in her hour of need* would you?"
The little woman had a sense of humor. Travis jumped to that conclusion as soon as she told him she was helpless. She'd said it with a straight face too* and* honest to Pete* it didn't matter that his shin was still stinging from her wallop of a kick; he still felt like laughing. He couldn't wait to be rid of her* of course* but he was in a much better frame of mind.
Mr. Clayborne was taking entirely too long to answer her question. The thought of once again being stranded in the middle of nowhere sent chills down her spine. She let out a little sigh and decided there was only one thing to do.
God help her* she was going to have to flirt with the scoundrel. With a little sigh she pulled out the useless little pink-and-white painted fan she'd purchased in St. Louis for entirely too much money* flipped it open with the dainty turn of her wrist she'd practiced for hours on the train* and held it in front of her face. She was deliberately concealing her cheeks so he wouldn't see her blush of embarrassment when she did something she considered utterly ridiculous.
She wasn't just going to try to flirt; she was also going to be coy. She drew a quick breath to keep herself from groaning* then batted her eyelashes up at him in imitation of her sister's tactics. Barbara had always looked very coy; Emily was pretty certain she looked like an idiot. God only knew* she felt like one.
She realized her practical* down-to-earth nature was trying to reassert itself and immediately tried to squelch it. She had vowed to change everything about herself* and she wasn't about to give up now* no matter how foolish she felt.
Travis watched her flutter her eyelashes at him for a long silent minute. No doubt about it* she was crazy all right* and he suddenly felt a little sorry for her. She was definitely out of her element* dressed as she was for a Sunday social in the center of the dirt and grime known as Pritchard* trying her best to be painfully correct in her manners.
He knew she was trying to manipulate him now and decided to have a bit of sport with her.
"Maybe you ought to see Doc Morganstern before you go anywhere* ma'am. He might have something to help stop your eyes from twitching. I don't mean to be indelicate* but it's got to be bothering you."
She slapped her fan closed and let out a loud sigh. "You're either as completely thickheaded as a tree* Mr. Clayborne* or I still haven't perfected it yet."
"Perfected what?" he asked.
"Flirting* Mr. Clayborne. I was trying to flirt with you."
Her honesty impressed him. "Why?"
"Why? So that you would do what I want you to do* of course. I'm not much good at it though* am I?"
He didn't answer the absurd question. "The twitching's stopped*" he drawled out* just to get her dander up.
"I wasn't twitching*" she muttered. "There isn't anything wrong with my eyes* thank you very much. I was simply practicing my technique on you* that's all. Shall we go and collect Mrs. Clayborne and be on our way? I do hope she's more pleasant than you are* sir. Please stop gawking at me. I want to reach my destination before dark."
"There isn't any Mrs. Clayborne."
"Oh* that won't do."
He leaned down close to her. "Will you please say something that makes sense?"
She took a step away from him. The man was entirely too good-looking for her sensibilities. He had the most wonderful green eyes. She'd noticed the color while he was growling at her with obvious irritation and asking her such rude questions. She'd noticed what a masculine* fit fellow he was too.
Travis Clayborne was tall* on the thin side* but with muscles galore on his shoulders and arms. She didn't dare look any lower* or he'd get the notion she was going to try to kick him again* but she was certain his legs were just as well-endowed.
No doubt about it* he was an extremely handsome man. Women probably chased after him all the time. Foolish females would be helpless against those beautiful green eyes of his. His smile could cause considerable havoc too. Why* he'd just smiled at her once and for the barest of seconds* but it was still quite enough to make her heartbeat quicken. He probably had broken hundreds of women's hearts already* and she wasn't about to be added to his list. She had already learned that painful lesson* thank you very much.
Miss Finnegan was suddenly glaring up at him* and he couldn't figure out what had caused the sudden change. "I asked you why I have to be married to escort you to Golden Crest."
"Because it wouldn't be at all proper for me to go riding into the wilderness with such a handsome man. What will people think?"
"Who cares what people think? You don't know anyone here* do you?"
"No* but I will get to know them* once I'm married to Mr. O'Toole. If Golden Crest is just a day's ride away* I'll probably be doing some of my shopping here. Surely you can understand my reservations* sir. I must keep up appearances."
He shrugged. "If you can't go with me* then I've fulfilled my promise to offer my services. Good day* ma'am."
He tried to walk away. She was clearly appalled by his behavior. "Wait*" she called out* chasing after him. "You wouldn't leave me alone* would you? A gentleman would never abandon a lady in distress…"
"I guess I'm not a gentleman*" he told her without pausing in his long-legged stride down the walkway. "And I'm certain you aren't a lady in distress."
She grabbed hold of his arm* dug her heels in to stop him from taking another step* and found herself being dragged along in his wake.
"I most certainly am in distress* and it's vile of you to contradict me."
"I was handsome a minute ago* but now I'm vile?"
"You can be both*" she told him.
He suddenly turned around to look at her. He knew he couldn't leave her stranded in Pritchard* not if he ever wanted to look his Mama Rose in the eyes again* and so he decided that the only way he was ever going to maintain his sanity while he led the woman to Golden Crest was to strike some sort of a bargain with her.
"I wouldn't consider it a compliment*" she announced with a blush he had to admit was downright attractive.
"Consider what a compliment?"
"Being handsome. I thought Randolph Smythe was handsome too* and he turned out to be a hideous creature."
Don't ask* he told himself.


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قديم 04-03-11, 01:56 AM   #6

Dalyia

إدارية ومشرفة سابقة وكاتبة بمكتبة روايتي وعضوة بفريق التصميم والترجمة و الافلام والسينما ومعطاء التسالي ونجمة الحصريات الفنية ومميز بالقسم الطبى

 
الصورة الرمزية Dalyia

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?? ??? ~
My Mms ~
افتراضي

"Don't you want to know who Randolph Smythe is?"
"No* I don't want to know."
She told him anyway. "He's the man I was supposed to marry."
She went and pricked his interest with that statement. "But you didn't*" he said.
"No* I didn't. I was ready to though."
"How ready?"
Her blush intensified. "Are you going to escort me to Golden Crest or not?"
He wouldn't let her change the subject now that it had gotten downright interesting.
"How ready?" he asked again.
"I waited at the altar for him. He didn't show up*" she added with a quick nod.
"He jilted you? Well now* that was a real mean-spirited thing to do*" he said in an attempt at kindness. "I can't imagine why he'd change his mind at the last minute."
He wasn't telling her the truth. He was pretty certain he knew exactly why good old Randolph had changed his mind. The man had come to his senses. Travis wondered if Emily had ever tried to shoot him. That would have been enough to send any man with half a mind running in the opposite direction.
"So there wasn't any wedding*" he remarked for lack of anything better to say. She was staring up at him with such an earnest* hopeful look on her face* and he guessed she expected him to say something a bit more sympathetic.
He gave it his best shot. "Some men just don't cotton to the notion of being tied down to one woman. Randolph was probably like that."
"No* he wasn't."
"Look* lady* I'm trying to be nice about it."
"Don't you want to know why he didn't show up at the church?"
"You shot at him* didn't you?"
"I did no such thing."
"I really don't want to know his reasons. All right? Suffice it to say* there wasn't any wedding."
"Oh* there was a wedding all right. Did I mention my sister didn't show up at the church either* Mr. Clayborne?"
"You're joking."
"I'm perfectly serious."
"Your sister and Randolph…"
"Are now legally married."
He was appalled. "What kind of family do you come from? Your own sister betrayed you?"
"We were never close*" she assured him.
He squinted down at her. "I can't help but notice you don't appear to be overly distraught about it all."
Travis shook his head. He couldn't understand why the story intrigued him so. He didn't even know Randolph Smythe* yet he still felt like punching him in the nose for doing such a cruel thing to Emily. Come to think of it* he didn't know Emily Finnegan either. Why in thunder did he care?
She saw the pity in his eyes and promptly glared at him. "Don't you dare feel sorry for me* Mr. Clayborne."
She looked as though she wanted to kick him again. Any sympathy he felt for her vanished in a heartbeat.
"It was probably your own fault."
If looks could kill* they'd have been measuring him for a coffin now. Travis didn't back down after making his statement* but added a nod to let her know he meant what he'd said.
"And how is that?" she asked* and then accidentally whacked him with her umbrella when she folded her arms across her chest. Because he'd just made such a rude comment to her* she didn't apologize.
He thought she'd done it on purpose. He grabbed the umbrella* tossed it on top of her satchels* and then answered her.
"You chose an unfit* unscrupulous man; that's why it's your own fault* and you should realize by now that you're better off without him."
He had just redeemed himself in her eyes. He wasn't being cruel when he blamed her; he was only being honest. He was right too. She had chosen an unscrupulous man.
"Are you going to take me to Golden Crest or not?"
"What happened to the couple who was escorting you?"
"Be more specific* please."
"More specific?"
"Which couple are you referring to?" she asked.
She got his full attention. "How many were there?"
"Three."
"Three people or three couples?"
"Couples*" she answered.
He noticed she quickly lowered her gaze to the ground and looked uncomfortable. The topic was obviously a sore one. Then he remembered that his brother Cole had told him how the superstitious folks in Pritchard were spooked by Miss Emily Finnegan. He really should have paid more attention to the conversation* he decided* realizing that it was a little late to be worrying about it now. Still* he should get all the particulars before he took the woman anywhere* just to be on the safe side.
"You went through six escorts?"
"It was a very long trip* Mr. Clayborne."
"What happened to the first couple?"
"The Johnsons?"
"All right* the Johnsons*" he agreed to get her to continue. "What happened to them?"
"It was really quite tragic."
He had had a feeling she was going to say that. "I bet it was. What'd you do to them?"
Her spine stiffened. "I didn't do anything to them. They became ill on the train* and I believe it was something they ate that made them sick. Quite a few of the other passengers became ill too*" she added. "The Johnsons stayed in Chicago. I'm sure they're fully recovered by now."
"What happened to the second couple?"
"Do you mean the Porters? It was also quite tragic*" she admitted. "They also became ill. The fish* you see."
"The fish?"
"Yes* they ate the fish too. I believe it had gone bad* and I did warn Mr. Porter* but he wouldn't listen to reason. He ate it anyway."
"And?"
"He and his wife were carried off the train in St. Louis."
"Bad fish can kill a man*" he remarked.
She gave a vigorous nod. "It killed poor Mr. Porter."
"What about Mrs. Porter?"
"She blamed everyone else for her husband's illness* even me. Can you imagine? I did warn him not to eat the fish* but he was most determined."
"Then why'd she blame you?"
"Because the Johnsons got sick. She didn't believe it was the food. She thought I was making everyone ill. You needn't fret about it* sir. If you don't eat any fish* I'm certain you'll be fine."
"Did the third couple eat fish too?"
She shook her head. "No* but it was still quite…"
"Tragic?" he supplied for her.
"Yes* tragic*" she agreed. "How did you know? Have you heard what happened to Mr. Hanes then?"
"No* I was just guessing. What happened to Hanes?"
"He got shot."
"I knew you shot someone."
"I did not*" she cried out. "Why would you think I'd do such a terrible thing?"
"You tried to shoot me*" he reminded her.
"That was an accident."
He decided to humor her. "All right* then. Did you accidentally shoot Mr. Hanes?"
"No* I didn't. He and another man were playing cards* and suddenly one of them—I can't remember which one it was—accused the other of cheating. A fight ensued and Mr. Hanes was shot. He wasn't mortally wounded* and the other man could just as easily have been the one injured because they were both shooting their pistols at each other. It was very uncivilized. I ruined my best hat when I scooted under my seat with Mrs. Hanes so I wouldn't be struck by a stray bullet."
"Then what happened?"
"The conductor patched up Mr. Hanes's arm* stopped the train outside Emmerson Point and left him and his wife in the care of the town's doctor."
"And you came the rest of the way by yourself?"
"Yes*" she said. "I'd go up to Golden Crest by myself too if I knew the way. The hotel proprietor told me I needed a guide* and so I've been looking for one. Then you offered your services. You are going to escort me* aren't you?"
"All right* I'll take you."
"Oh* thank you* Mr. Clayborne*" she whispered. She clasped hold of his hand and smiled. "You won't be sorry."


Dalyia غير متواجد حالياً  
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قديم 04-03-11, 01:57 AM   #7

Dalyia

إدارية ومشرفة سابقة وكاتبة بمكتبة روايتي وعضوة بفريق التصميم والترجمة و الافلام والسينما ومعطاء التسالي ونجمة الحصريات الفنية ومميز بالقسم الطبى

 
الصورة الرمزية Dalyia

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¬» مشروبك   pepsi
¬» قناتك mbc4
?? ??? ~
My Mms ~
افتراضي

"You may call me Travis."
"Very well. I appreciate your kindness* Travis* in escorting me."
"I'm not being kind. The way I see it* I'm stuck with you* and the sooner we get started* the sooner I'll be rid of you."
She pulled her hand away from his and turned to her luggage. "If I hadn't just remembered I'm not going to be honest and forthright anymore* I would tell you I think you're an extremely insolent and hostile man."
"You've been nothing but honest and forthright since you started talking* haven't you?"
"Yes* but I only just remembered not to be."
"I'm not going to ask you to explain this time*" he muttered. "Wait here while I get the horses. And by the way* Emily* you're only taking two satchels up the mountain. O'Toole will have to come and fetch the others. You can leave them in the hotel now. Olsen will make sure no one steals them."
"I'll do no such thing*" she shouted so he could hear her. The rude man was already halfway down the street. "I'm taking every one of my bags* thank you very much."
"No* you're not* but you're welcome* anyway."
She gritted her teeth in frustration. She watched him stroll down the boardwalk* noticed how his shoulders and hips seemed to roll with each stride he took* and found his arrogant swagger most appealing. He was a striking fellow* all right. It was a pity he was also obnoxious.
With a sigh* she forced herself to look away. She was engaged to marry Mr. O'Toole* she reminded herself* and she shouldn't be noticing how fit any other man was.
She wasn't the alley cat in the family; Barbara was. Emily was the reliable and practical one* like an old but comfortable pair of shoes* she thought. No—she had always been reliable and practical in the past. She wasn't anymore.
Travis was just about to cross the street when she called out to him.
"Travis* I should warn you. I'm not at all reliable."
"I didn't think you were*" he called out. "You don't have any sense either."
She smiled with satisfaction. That reaction stopped him dead in his tracks.
"You don't think I have any sense?"
Honest to God* she seemed thrilled by his assessment of her. Didn't the woman realize she was being given an insult?
No* not an insult* he qualified. Just the blunt truth.
"Emily?"
"Yes?"
"Does O'Toole know he's going to marry a crazy woman?"





Dalyia غير متواجد حالياً  
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قديم 04-03-11, 01:57 AM   #8

Dalyia

إدارية ومشرفة سابقة وكاتبة بمكتبة روايتي وعضوة بفريق التصميم والترجمة و الافلام والسينما ومعطاء التسالي ونجمة الحصريات الفنية ومميز بالقسم الطبى

 
الصورة الرمزية Dalyia

? العضوٌ??? » 130321
?  التسِجيلٌ » Jul 2010
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? الًجنِس »
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?  نُقآطِيْ » Dalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond repute
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My Mms ~
افتراضي

Chapter Three
Contents - Prev | Next
Emily was holding a grudge. Her glares and her stony silence were vastly amusing* but Travis didn't dare laugh or even crack a smile. She'd know then he thought her behavior was humorous* and he'd never hear the end of it.
She didn't speak to him again until they stopped in midafternoon to rest their horses. At least that was the excuse he'd given her. She seemed to believe the lie too. He really called a halt so that she could rest her backside. She wasn't much of a horsewoman* and the way her bottom kept slamming against her saddle* added to the pained look on her face* told him she was taking quite a beating.
The poor woman could barely stand up straight when she finally managed to get down to the ground.
She wouldn't let him help her and didn't think his exaggeratedly wounded expression was the least bit funny.
Because they'd ridden a good distance up the steep mountain path* the air was much colder. He took the time and trouble to start a campfire so she could shake off the chill. They ate a sparse lunch in silence* and just when he was beginning to think the trip wasn't going to be completely miserable* she went and ruined it.
"You did it on purpose* didn't you* Travis? Admit it* then apologize to me* and I just might forgive you."
"I didn't do it on purpose. You were supposed to hook your right leg over the pommel* remember? You were the one who insisted on riding sidesaddle. How was I to know you'd never done it before?"
"Ladies in the South ride sidesaddle*" she announced.
He could feel a headache coming on. "But you're not from the South* are you? You're from Boston."
"What does that have to do with the price of pickles? Southern ladies are more refined. Everyone knows that* which is precisely why I've decided to be Southern."
He could feel the throbbing behind his temples. "You can't decide to be Southern."
"But of course I can. I can be anything I want to be."
"Why Southern?" he asked in spite of his better judgment.
"The little drawl in a lady's speech is considered very feminine and musical. I've done a complete study of it* and I assure you I know what I'm talking about. I believe I've perfected the drawl too. Would you like to hear me say—"
"No* I would not. Emily* not all southern ladies ride sidesaddle."
The glare she gave him made him sorry he'd brought up the subject of saddles again.
"Most southern women do*" she said. "And just because I have never ridden sidesaddle before doesn't mean I couldn't have managed it if you hadn't interfered. You deliberately threw me over that horse* didn't you? I could have broken my neck."
He wasn't going to take the blame for her ineptness. "I merely gave you a hand up. How was I to know you'd keep on going? Is your shoulder still sore?"
"No* and I do appreciate the fact that you rubbed the sting out of it for me. Still* my dress is now covered with dirt* thank you very much. What will Clifford O'Toole think of me?"
"You've been wearing a pair of gloves with a large bullet hole through them. He'll probably notice that before anything else. Besides* if he loves you* your appearance won't matter to him."
She took a bite of her apple before she made up her mind to set him straight.
"He doesn't love me. How could he? We've never met."
He closed his eyes. Conversing with Emily was proving to be as difficult as trying to win an argument with his brother Cole. It was hopeless.
"You're going to marry a man you've never met? Isn't that kind of odd?"
"Not really. You've heard of mail-order brides* haven't you?"
"You're one of those?"
"Sort of*" she hedged. She was* of course* but pride kept her from admitting it. "Mr. O'Toole and I have corresponded* and I believe I've come to know him quite well. He's an eloquent writer. He's a poet too."
"He wrote poems to you?" he asked with a grin.
Her chin came up a notch. "Why is that amusing?"
"He sounds like a… pansy."
"I assure you he isn't. His poems are beautiful. Will you quit grinning at me? They are beautiful* and it's apparent to me that he's a very intelligent man. You may read his letters if you don't believe me. I have all three of them tucked inside one of my satchels. Shall I fetch them for you?"
"I don't want to read his letters. You still haven't explained why you're so determined to marry a stranger."
"I tried marrying someone I knew* and look how that turned out."
"You decided on this course of action after you got jilted* didn't you?"
"Let's just say that it was the last disappointment I was going to suffer."
"Is that so?" he remarked* wondering how she was going to prevent further disappointments.
She seemed to read his thoughts. "I stayed up all that night… my wedding night*" she said.
"Crying?" he asked.
"No* I didn't cry. I spent the entire night thinking about my circumstances* and I finally came up with a plan that I believe will change everything. I've always been forthright and honest. Well* no more* thank you very much."
"How come you're being honest with me?"
She shrugged. "I shouldn't be* I suppose. Still* I
won't ever see you again after today—at least I don't think I will—so it doesn't matter if you know I'm a fraud. No one else will."
"Trying to be something you aren't will only make things worse."
She didn't agree. "Being me didn't do me a lick of good* and once I figured that out* I decided to reinvent myself. I was sick and tired of working hard and being so boringly practical all the time."
"You're overreacting* that's all." And crazy* he silently added. "Your pride was wounded* but you'll get over it."
His cavalier attitude irritated her. "I know exactly what I'm doing* and pride doesn't have anything to do with my decision. Working hard hasn't gotten me anywhere. Shall I give you an example?"
She didn't wait for his answer* but plunged ahead. "Randolph was studying to become a banker. He was just beginning his last year at the university when we became officially engaged. His studies were difficult for him* and because of his grades* he was worried he'd be asked to leave. I told him that if he wouldn't accept every social invitation that came to him* he would have time for his studies* but he wouldn't listen to me. He asked me to help him with his research* and because I was such a ninny and wanted to please him* I ended up writing several lengthy papers for him. He was supposed to use the papers as his study guide* but I later found out he put his name on the top of the first page and handed them in to his professors. It was a dishonest thing to do* of course* and do you know what his punishment was? He took honors for his last year's work and was hired by one of the most prestigious banks in Boston. He started out making an impressive salary* and that was when my sister became interested in him. Ironic* isn't it? If I hadn't helped him* he wouldn't have gotten such a fine position* and my sister would have left him alone.


Dalyia غير متواجد حالياً  
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قديم 04-03-11, 01:57 AM   #9

Dalyia

إدارية ومشرفة سابقة وكاتبة بمكتبة روايتي وعضوة بفريق التصميم والترجمة و الافلام والسينما ومعطاء التسالي ونجمة الحصريات الفنية ومميز بالقسم الطبى

 
الصورة الرمزية Dalyia

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?? ??? ~
My Mms ~
افتراضي

"I've learned from my mistakes though* which is why Mr. O'Toole and I are going to do well together. Randolph broke all the promises he made to me* and I won't let Mr. O'Toole ever break his word."
"How are you going to stop him?"
She ignored the question. "He might not be as rich as Randolph is* but almost* and he lives out here* in this beautiful* wild* untamed land* and that makes him just as appealing to me. I really hated living in the city. I could never seem to fit in. I know you don't understand because you've lived here all your life* but I felt as though I were suffocating. The air's dirty* the streets are crowded* and everywhere you look are buildings so tall you can't see the sky."
"Weren't you willing to live in Boston with Randolph?"
"He promised we would move west after one year of marriage. Father was horrified. He thought Randolph's handsome salary at the bank was far more important than my suffocation problems."
"Money isn't more important. I still remember what it was like living in New York."
Her eyes widened with surprise. "You lived in the East?"
"Until I was around ten or eleven years old."
"Why did you move?"
He was only going to answer her question and tell her a very little bit about his past* but she was such an easy woman to talk to* he got carried away and told her far more than he'd intended. He wasted a good half hour telling her about his brothers* his sister and her husband* and his Mama Rose. She seemed fascinated by his family and smiled after he mentioned he was going to become an attorney. He could have sworn tears came into her eyes when he told her Mama Rose was finally home.
"You're very fortunate to have such a loving family."
He nodded agreement. "What about you?"
"I have seven sisters. It's my hope that one day some of them will come and visit Mr. O'Toole and me. He has a grand house with a curved staircase. He told me so in one of his letters."
Travis didn't care about the house she was going to live in. "You'll be sorry if you marry a man you don't love."
She didn't show any reaction to his remark. He watched her thread her fingers through her hair. No matter how much she messed with it* the curls floated back around her face. She could be a real charmer all right. She was also an amazingly feminine creature* and if she could only learn to be a little less crazy* she'd be just about perfect.
He decided to tell her so. "You know what your problem is?"
"Yes* I do*" she replied. "I should have learned from my sister. Barbara doesn't have a practical bone in her body. She doesn't have any common sense either. She pretends to be helpless too* and she's a marvelous flirt."
"No man wants a helpless woman* but a practical one is real handy to have around out here."
He stood up before she could start arguing with him* stretched the muscles in his neck by rolling his shoulders* and then began to gather stones to put the fire out.
She surprised him by helping. It took only a couple of minutes to finish the task* and he was suddenly anxious to get going. He'd spent entirely too much time talking about himself and his family. He didn't understand why he'd told her so much* because it wasn't like him to ever tell an outsider personal facts.
He didn't consider Emily an outsider though. She was… different. He couldn't put his finger on what it was about her that got to him* but affect him she did* and in such a strange way his instincts warned him to keep his distance. His body had other ideas. He'd already had several fantasies about making love to her. He'd tried to picture her without her clothes on* which took quite a bit of imagination on his part* since she was covered from her chin to her toes.
He had a feeling she'd be spectacular. The way she filled out the top of her dress* the tiny waistband* and the narrow hips all suggested to him that she was well put together and that he wouldn't be disappointed. The woman had all the right curves and in all the right places.
Still* thinking about it and doing something about it were two different kettles of fish. He wasn't about to give in to his urges* but he didn't feel at all guilty picturing it in his mind. She was a sensual woman* and he appreciated a good-looking female as much as every other man living in the wilderness.
No* he wasn't concerned about his physical attraction to her. He could easily deal with that. What bothered him was the fact that he was actually beginning to enjoy her company* though why he liked being around a woman with such strange notions was beyond him. Emily made him smile* but only because she said the craziest things.
He enjoyed looking at her. Nothing wrong with that* he told himself. Why* it would have been wrong for him not to look. He was a healthy man with normal inclinations* and she was getting prettier by the minute. That didn't mean he was smitten with her.
He felt better once he'd analyzed his situation. He quit frowning too. He watched her feed the rest of her apple to her horse* thought it was a sweet* practical thing to do* and wondered if she had any idea how difficult it was going to be for her to keep up the pretense of being helpless around Clifford O'Toole.
He waited by the horses while she went to the stream to wash. He got a peculiar little catch in the back of his throat when she came running back to him. Her cheeks were rosy from washing in the cold mountain water* and she was smiling with pleasure over what she declared was a glorious day. He thought about kissing her then and there* and it took a good deal of discipline to keep his hands off her.
"I'm ready to go now* Travis."
He was suddenly all business. "It's about time. We've wasted almost two full hours here."
"It wasn't wasted time. It was… enjoyable."
He shrugged. "Do you want me to help you get up on your horse?"
"And get tossed over the top again? I think not."
She hopped about for a minute or two while she tried to anchor her foot in the stirrup* and just when he was going to demand that she let him assist her* she made it up into the saddle on her own. She gave him a victorious smile. It didn't last long.
"A helpless woman would have requested assistance*" he said.
He was smiling as he swung up into his saddle. He must be crazy too* he decided* because he was beginning to really like Miss Emily Finnegan.





Dalyia غير متواجد حالياً  
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قديم 04-03-11, 01:58 AM   #10

Dalyia

إدارية ومشرفة سابقة وكاتبة بمكتبة روايتي وعضوة بفريق التصميم والترجمة و الافلام والسينما ومعطاء التسالي ونجمة الحصريات الفنية ومميز بالقسم الطبى

 
الصورة الرمزية Dalyia

? العضوٌ??? » 130321
?  التسِجيلٌ » Jul 2010
? مشَارَ?اتْي » 49,796
? الًجنِس »
? دولتي » دولتي Egypt
? مزاجي » مزاجي
?  نُقآطِيْ » Dalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond reputeDalyia has a reputation beyond repute
¬» مشروبك   pepsi
¬» قناتك mbc4
?? ??? ~
My Mms ~
افتراضي

Chapter Four
Contents - Prev | Next
They didn't speak until they reached the gully he had hoped to use to shorten their journey* but just as Adam had predicted* it was flooded.
"You don't want to cross the river here* do you? Surely there's a bridge we could use."
"There aren't any bridges up here*" he answered. "And this isn't a river* Emily. It's just a gully."
Her mount obviously didn't like being so close to the water's edge and began to prance about. Travis reached over* grabbed hold of the reins* and forced her horse closer to his side so he couldn't rear up.
"He must think he has to go in the water. He doesn't* does he?"
He could hear the worry in her voice. "No* he doesn't*" he assured her. "We can't cross here."
His leg was rubbing against hers. She noticed* of course* but though she could have moved away* she didn't. She liked being close to him. He made her feel safe and yet uneasy too. What in heaven's name was the matter with her? She didn't seem to know her own thoughts anymore.
"We can't cross here." She repeated his words while she patted her horse in what Travis assumed was an attempt to reassure the animal.
"Now what?" she asked him.
"Your journey to Golden Crest has just been lengthened by at least two more days* maybe three."
It took all she had not to shout with relief. God help her* she was actually weak with it. It certainly was a peculiar reaction to hearing she wouldn't have to meet and marry Mr. O'Toole for at least two more days. She should have been disappointed over the news* shouldn't she?
Then why did she feel as though she'd just been given a stay of execution?
"Cold feet*" she whispered.
"What did you say?" Travis asked.
She shook her head. "Nothing important*" she said.
She wasn't about to tell him the truth. She wouldn't look at him either because she was certain he would be able to see the relief in her eyes. Travis already thought she was out of her mind to want to marry a complete stranger* and* honest to Pete* she was beginning to think he might be right.
Perhaps she was having before-the-wedding jitters. Some brides did* didn't they? Yes* of course they did* and all she needed to do now was read Mr. O'Toole's letters again. She was sure to feel better then. The man she was going to marry had poured his heart out to her and had proven beyond a doubt that he was a sensitive* caring man who would love and cherish her until death did they part. What more could she ever want from a husband?
Love* she admitted with a sinking heart. She wanted to love him as much as he claimed to already love her.
"You aren't getting sick on me* are you* Emily?"
"No* I never get sick. Why do you ask?"
"You're awfully pale."
"I'm just disappointed*" she lied. "You must be disappointed too. It seems you're stuck with me for a couple of days. Will you mind?"
"No. Why are you so anxious to get to Golden Crest?"
"I should be* shouldn't I?"
"Did you love Randolph?"
The question jarred her. "What made you think of Randolph?"
He shrugged. "Did you?"
"I might have."
"What kind of answer is that? Did you like the way he kissed you?"
"For heaven's sake* it isn't appropriate for you to ask me such personal questions. It's going to rain soon* isn't it?"
"Yes* it is*" he agreed. "Answer my question."
She let out a loud sigh to let him know she was becoming irritated with him before she finally acceded to his request.
"I didn't like or dislike them. His kisses were all right* I suppose."
He laughed.
"What did I say that you find so amusing?"
He didn't explain. Her answer had pleased him though. She hadn't liked being touched by good old Randolph if his kisses were just "all right."
"Where will we stay tonight?" she asked* trying to turn his attention so he wouldn't ask her any more personal questions.
"We'll have to backtrack a couple of miles and stay at Henry Billings's way station. The food's bad* but the beds are clean and dry* and if we hurry* we should get there before the rain starts. What are you staring at* Emily?"
"Your eyes*" she blurted out* blushing because she'd been caught in the act. "They're very green. Did your brothers tease you when you were a little boy?"
"Tease me because of the color of my eyes?"
"No* because…" She realized what she was about to say and felt her face burn with mortification. Lord above* she'd almost asked if he'd been teased because he was so absolutely perfect. There'd be no living with him if she said that* she realized* and the rest of their journey would be filled with one vexing remark after another. She had already noticed he had a tendency toward arrogance.
"Tease me about what?" he asked again.
She stared up at him while she tried to come up with a suitable and impersonal remark.
"Being tall*" she said.
He looked exasperated. "I wasn't tall when I was a child. I was short. Most children are."
"If you use that condescending tone in the courtroom* you're going to be a dismal failure. It's just a suggestion*" she added when he frowned at her.
"Emily* if you keep looking at me like that* I'm going to get the notion you want me to kiss you."
"I don't."
"Then stop staring at my mouth."
"What would you like me to stare at* Travis?"
"The water*" he snapped. "Stare at the water. You sure you don't want me to kiss you?"
The conversation was doing strange things to her. She couldn't seem to catch her breath. She knew she was daring the devil* but she couldn't make herself look away from him. She wasn't at all interested in staring at the water* she wanted to continue to stare at him. What was the matter with her?
"It probably wouldn't be proper for you to kiss me. I'm going to be married soon."
"You have no business marrying a stranger* Emily."
"Why do you care what I do?"
He didn't have a ready answer for the question. "I get bothered when someone does something I consider stupid."
"Are you calling me stupid?"
"If the hat fits…"





Dalyia غير متواجد حالياً  
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