Free Boot Hill Bride by Lauri Robinson

him something to do, hitting Belinda wouldn't
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    Boot Hill Bride
    by Lauri Robinson
    be polite. He'd never even thought about hitting a woman
    before, but seeing how pale Randi looked, he really wanted to
    knock Belinda into next week.
    "Oh, it's no trouble," Randi whispered. "I've always hauled
    water."
    Her voice was shaky, troubled. He crooked a finger
    beneath her chin, forced her face up to make sure no marks
    marred the skin. If someone had struck her he would have to
    retaliate. There were no tell tale signs, and a soft pink blush
    formed on her cheeks as he stared at the perfection of her
    face.
    He couldn't bring himself to look at the other woman,
    knew his tongue would slip. He wrapped his fingers around
    Randi's elbow and steered her away from her stepmother.
    When they were separated from Belinda by a few yards of
    spring grass, he asked, "What's going on?"
    "N-nothing." She glanced over her shoulder.
    He made her keep walking, putting more distance between
    them and Belinda. "I see your father and Belinda are back." It
    was a stupid comment, but his mind, full of rage, and his
    heart, full of something he had yet to define, made
    comprehensible thoughts impossible.
    She nodded. "Yes, they arrived a bit ago." Her footsteps
    faltered. "Your brother said you went to town. Did you get
    what you needed?"
    "Yes, yes I did." He let go of her elbow and wrapped the
    arm around her shoulder, looking down at her. "I'm sorry. I
    should have asked if there was anything you needed before I
    left."
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    Boot Hill Bride
    by Lauri Robinson
    Her mouth dropped open. "Oh." A smile formed as her lips
    drew together. Her cheeks grew a healthy, pinkish color.
    "There's nothing I need, but thank you for asking."
    The blood in his head swirled until he grew light headed.
    Damn, if she wasn't the prettiest thing. Just looking at her
    had the ability to take his breath away. He coughed, tried to
    think of something to say.
    "I should have asked before I went to town." His feet
    stalled. Aw, shit, he hadn't meant to say it aloud.
    She stopped beside him, giggled. "That's okay. It's the
    thought that counts."
    What happened next was more of a surprise to him than
    finding her in his bed had been. Of their own accord, his lips
    lowered to brush over hers. The first touch made his whole
    body quiver. Her taste was intoxicating, sweeter than honey.
    He moved his lips over her delicate mouth, searching for a
    deeper taste. His arm tightened, drew her closer. She didn't
    resist but did tilt her head a touch higher, giving him more
    access to her mouth, which he immediately took advantage
    of.
    Someone cleared their throat in a very annoying way and
    broke the spell surrounding him. He lifted his face to peer
    over the top of Randi's head.
    Belinda glared at them. If her eyes had been a pistol, he'd
    have been shot dead center. Her hands were braced on her
    hips, and one toe tapped at the ground. He glared back, until
    she flipped her head and twisted about to stomp toward the
    tents.
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    Boot Hill Bride
    by Lauri Robinson
    Randi's cheeks were as rosy as a sunrise when his gaze
    settled back on her. Her eyes, big and brown, held a sparkle
    he hadn't seen before. He leaned down, kissed a brow above
    one of them. "Come on. Let's get this water to Ma before she
    has a fit."
    She didn't move. "Ma—I mean y-your mother invited my
    father and Belinda to lunch." Her eyes had grown dim again.
    He used the arm around her to tug until she started
    walking. "Yeah, I figured she would." His fingers on her
    shoulder plucked at the wide strap of the apron she had on
    over her dress. "I see Ma put you to work, too." He wanted to
    change the subject, didn't like the sadness floating about her.
    "Yes, I'm afraid that's what made Belinda so mad," she
    said, gazing down at the apron skirt.
    "That you're hauling water? I'm sorry—"
    "No," she interrupted. "It wasn't the work part. It was the
    apron. She doesn't approve of them."
    "She doesn't approve of