Almost a Lady Read Free Page B

her bosom. It took him a full minute to respond to her question.
    He cleared his throat, forcing his eyes to her face. “Excuse me?"
    Willow lowered her head, a secret smile playing on her lips. “I asked if you like what you see.” She snapped the garter at him, hoping to catch him off guard.
    The lace band landed against his chest. He caught it with one hand before it could fall to the floor. “Let's just say I have no complaints."
    "I'm glad to hear it.” She rolled the stocking down her calf, letting it fall in a silken heap on the bedspread. No longer having an excuse to tempt him with her bare flesh, she lowered her foot and adjusted the sash at her waist.
    "Was there something you needed?” she asked, well aware of the double entendre in her words.
    He didn't take the bait.
    "I told you I wasn't leaving until I made sure you're all right."
    She put her hands on her hips, throwing back her shoulders so that her breasts pressed firmly against the front of the robe. “Don't I look all right to you, Mr. Donovan?"
    His eyes raked down her body. An amused grin curved his lips. “You look like a woman who could get herself into a boatload of trouble."
    She chuckled. “I admit to stirring things up once in a while, but I assure you, sir, I am in no danger whatsoever."
    "And what am I supposed to tell Megan and Lucas?"
    "Tell them I'm fine. Tell them you saw me with your own two eyes and that I looked perfectly healthy. Better yet,” she offered, an idea dawning on her, “I'll write a quick note for you to deliver to them. That ought to put their minds at ease.” She moved to the bureau, pulling a sheet of paper out of the top drawer.
    "Dear Megan and Lucas," she wrote, speaking aloud for Brandt's benefit "Your friend . . . How do you spell your name?” she asked.
    "B-r-a-n-d-t."
    "How original.” She quickly scrawled his name on the page. "Your friend, Brandt Donovan, is hovering over me as I write this at the Silver Spur in Jefferson City,
Missouri
. I like to let them know where I am,” she said, casting a glance in his direction. "I'm sorry I didn't write sooner, but please rest assured that I am fine and in no danger. I simply got sidetracked and forgot to answer your last letter. I feel terrible that I worried you so.
    "Still no word from Jeremy, and no new information about his whereabouts. I will write again as soon as I can. Until then, please know that I am safe.
    "Megan, please take care of yourself, and let me know when the baby arrives. Love to all. There.” She signed it and handed the letter to Brandt. “Does that meet with your approval?"
    His eyes scanned the note. “Who's Jeremy?"
    "My brother,” she told him, avoiding eye contact by busying herself with straightening the pile of stationery in the dresser drawer.
    "The one who's missing?"
    "I only have one brother, Mr. Donovan. And, yes, he's been missing for several years now."
    "Maybe he doesn't want to be found."
    She turned to meet his gaze. “Perhaps. But I don't intend to stop looking."
    When he spoke again, his tone was soft. “There's always a chance that he met up with something he couldn't handle."
    "What you mean to say is that there's a chance he's dead—has been all along."
    Brandt looked away. “It's a possibility."
    "Don't you think I've considered that?” she asked quietly. “But even if it's true, I at least want to find out what happened. I have a right to know."
    "Then I wish you luck."
    "Thank you."
    "But I'm not returning to Leavenworth,” Brandt said, handing the letter back to her. “I'm moving on to Boston. I was supposed to telegraph Lucas and Megan when I found you."
    "Well, then,” she said, stuffing the paper into an envelope. “You can tell them in your telegram that I'm fine, and that they should be getting a letter from me soon.” She waved the sealed letter in front of him. “You saw me write it, after all. And I promise to post it first thing in the morning."
    Brandt shrugged. “Fair