Whats that? he asked.
You almost made me grateful Im blind. The animation still shone on her features, and a stir of desire winged through Jesse, both appalling and irritating him. Ill tell you what Ill do, she continued. As soon as I get my sight back and everything is settled, Ill come back here to Mustang and redecorate your house.
Its a deal, Jesse agreed easily, although he knew it was a false promise on her part. This was a place to hide, a state of limbo for her.
When her sight returned and her life was
no longer threatened, she would go back to Chicago and never look back. He knew that he and Mustang, Montana, would simply represent part of a very bad dream she would never again want to revisit.
Chapter 4
Hed told her he wasnt particularly good-looking, but her fingertips had told her something altogether different.
Even now, her fingers still held the memory of his skin and features. His face was slender, with high cheekbones and a straight nose. He had long lashes and she could easily see in her mind his blue eyes framed by the dark fringes.
His mouth was soft, achingly soft, and if she dwelled on it, it would be far too easy to imagine those lips pressed against hers.
She stirred restlessly and smiled as she heard him whistling Camelot as he worked. She could imagine his dark hair falling carelessly over his forehead as he rinsed the dishes. She knew from touching that his hair was thick and silky and she had a feeling he needed a haircut.
When she put all the single images together, what she got was a mental image of a handsome man.
A confirmed bachelor, she reminded herself. Not that she was interested. She had a life, a full life waiting for her return to Chicago. That was her Camelot.
Want another cup of coffee? Jesse called from the kitchen.
No, thanks. Im fine, she replied. She heard him enter the room and smiled in his general direction.
I thought maybe wed eat lunch down at the café this afternoon, he said. She heard the squeak of a cushion and knew hed sat in the chair opposite the sofa.
Are you sure thats a good idea? The thought of going out, of being vulnerable, sent a flutter of anxiety to the pit of her stomach.
Keller told me to keep my routine as normal as possible and to tell everyone youre my girlfriend. Every person in town will begin to wonder about you if I keep you isolated here. That wouldnt be normal. He sighed audibly. Besides, trust me that well know if a stranger shows up anywhere in the vicinity. A fly doesnt land on the back of a dog, that somebody in this town doesnt comment about it five minutes later.
She laughed, her anxiety ebbing somewhat. She had to trust his judgment, had to believe that he not only knew his hometown and the people in it, but also knew the business of protection. Okay, lunch out sounds good. She jumped as a heavy knock fell on the front door.
Jesse got up and walked to the window. Relax, its my deputy, he said to her, then opened the door. Hi, Vic, whats up?
Jesse, I think weve got another one. The deputys voice boomed loud and deep.
Dammit! Jesse exclaimed. Who?
Maggie Watson. I dont know, Jesse. Shes in bad shape. Shes locked herself in her house and wont let anyone in.
Has she been hurt physically? Allison heard the concern in Jesses voice.
Nobody knows. Amanda Creighton came down to the office and said something was wrong with Maggie, that she and Maggie were supposed to meet this morning at the café for coffee. When Maggie didnt show up, Amanda went to her house. The deputy paused, apparently to draw breath. Maggie wouldnt let her in the house, but she says she is a victim of Casanova. I dont know whats going on, but it sounds like shes freaked out totally.
Okay, you go on back to the office and Ill check things out at Maggies place, Jesse said briskly. You might try to find Shelly. Maybe Maggie will feel more comfortable talking to a woman deputy.
Shelly left early this morning to visit her parents. By this time shes miles and miles away from here.
Allison listened with interest as the two men finished their discussion and Vic left the house. She tilted her head questioningly, aware that Jesse hadnt moved from the door. Ill be fine, Jesse. Go where youre needed.
Im not comfortable leaving you here alone. He hesitated a moment, then continued. Why dont you ride along with me? I cant promise you how long well be gone and Ill ask that you remain in the car, but Id feel more comfortable if you dont stay here alone.
Okay, she agreed, and stood. It didnt much matter to her whether she sat in his car or sat on his sofa.
Moments later she was safely ensconced in the passenger seat of Jesses car. Whos Maggie? she asked.
Maggie is a twenty-eight-year-old who works the evening shift as a waitress at the Round-Up.
And the Round-Up is?
A bar at the outskirts of town, decorated like an old-fashioned
saloon.
Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.Купить и читать книгу
Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.