Waiting For Lily Bloom Read Free Page B

nerve. The cretin! She tugged, but his grip on her hand tightened.
    “You’re going to hurt yourself. Stop pulling, and tell me why you’re here.”
    I would if I could, you beast! Unhand me! She broke free of his grasp and ran toward the clothes. Her mouth fell open as she was lifted from behind, spun around, and hoisted onto his shoulder like a sack of wheat. Woosh . A faint, earthy scent permeated her nostrils as she bounced once, twice, and was finally plopped onto a chair.
    Was this truly happening? Her fingernails became talons, penetrating the sensitive flesh of her palms. Ohhh, if she could talk, she’d singe his ears! White-hot fire burned in her stomach as she stood, but he pressed her back onto the chair. Her heartbeat pounded in her ears. She slapped his hands away from her shoulders and glared up at him.
    He hesitated, concern flickering in his probing gaze. Then his jaw stiffened as he placed his hands on his waist. “I’ll ask one more time, and then we take a trip to the Sheriff. Who are you?”
    Never would she communicate with this oaf now. She could’ve written in the air with her index finger. She might’ve pointed to her mouth and shook her head. But she wouldn’t waste a single action on this buffoon. How on earth could this person be friends with Uncle Ned and Aunt Charity, the sweetest people she’d ever known? She glowered at him, lifted her chin, and folded her arms.
     
    ****
     
    James stared at the spitfire sitting in his chair. From the look on her face, she wasn’t going to answer. But those blazing hazel eyes, burning cheeks, and folded arms spoke volumes.
    A warm sensation poked his gut. The woman was livid, but she could hold her tongue. When he was that fired up, it was all he could do not to yell. He ignored the feeling and surveyed the room. Nothing appeared to be missing. He’d have to check the loft, but everything downstairs was in its place. Mrs. Driggers had come by. The burlap sack in his kitchen chair told him that. Thank the Lord she’d come and gone before this thief arrived.
    His gaze returned to the trespasser. Where had she come from? She wore no ring. An unmarried woman traveling alone wasn’t reputable. For that matter, an unmarried woman in an unmarried man’s house wasn’t reputable. He gulped.
    She didn’t look like a thief. In fact, she looked respectable. There was something foreign about her. Not in her features, but in her posture. She was refined. Not prissy, but…dignified. And she smelled pretty. Flowery. She didn’t belong in these parts. Could she have exited the train and gotten lost? That made no sense. If so, she would’ve told him. Instead, she sat there like a mute. She had to be up to no good. Still…
    Her eyes flashed, but her bottom lip quivered. She was mad, sure, but she was scared, too. And probably embarrassed.
    He’d been unkind to her. He tugged at his collar as heat crept up his neck.
    If Dad was alive, he’d put a knot on his head. Never mistreat a lady, son. Only cowards do that. Besides, they get even.
    He swallowed. “I, uh….sorry about that. If you’d just tell me—”
    She glared at him, and then turned to face the window.
    What could he do? The blasted woman left him no choice. “Do you know what happens to thieves?”
    Her head snapped back. Hazel eyes widened as her mouth fell open. Then her chin trembled. Finally, her brows drew together and the eyes underneath hardened. Before he could stop her, the intruder hopped up, dove for the sack, and shoved it at his chest. He clutched the sack of clothes. As close as she was, the gold of her eyes were distinct flecks of green and brown. A spoonful of freckles dusted the bridge of her upturned nose. She spun on her heel and marched to the door.
    What? Why did she give him his clothes? “Wait a minute.” He tossed the clothes onto the chair, dashed after her, and gripped her arm.
    She jerked away, hands clenched and lips pursed.
    He raised his hands, palms out. “OK,