Free The Unexpected Bride (Montana Born Brides) by Joanne Walsh Page A

I refused. We went to the party and Tom got more and more angry, and he accused me of putting myself about. He said we had to leave. We were in the pub car park when he just lost it, said I was dressed like a whore, and he ripped the front of my dress.”
    Emma’s vision blurred with moisture, as she felt warmth and firmness against her fingers. She looked down to see Laurent’s hand encircling hers. She lifted her teary gaze.
    “Did he hurt you, Emma?” Laurent’s thumb caressed her palm.
    “No. But he frightened me enough that I knew I had to leave as quickly as I could. I gave my notice in the next day to Lady Sarah. It was then that I found out that she knew about how her husband had been bothering me. She thought I was resigning because of that. She apologized profusely and promised she’d give me a great reference, and that nobody would ever get to know about what she called ‘that nasty business’ with Sir Giles. She was so nice, and I felt so awful. I didn’t tell her about Tom, though I expect she found out about his behavior from village gossip soon enough.”
    Laurent’s eyes scanned her face. “So you decided to head west, and that’s how you came to Copper Creek?”
    “Yes. I left everything behind.” She pulled her hands away from his. “Changed my mobile number and my email address, so Tom couldn’t come after me. I never want to see him again. He’s put me off getting involved with another man for the foreseeable future,” she said vehemently. “So, I got an interview with Wilton’s, the nanny agency, and they recommended me to their LA office; there’s a great demand for British nannies there. But when they mentioned your position, I was really intrigued. It sounded like the kind of challenge I’d always wanted in my career.”
    Laurent frowned. “It’s a challenge, okay, but you’re more than equal to it,” he muttered. He carried on circling her palm with his thumb, a thoughtful expression on his face. Then he pulled his hand away and Emma felt strangely bereft. She watched as he raked his hand through his hair and then it slid down to his neck, where it rubbed gently back and forth for a while, then landed in his lap. “I want you to know that you’re safe with me,” he said firmly. “Emma, you have my word that, from now on, we’ll keep it strictly business and friendship. You’re too special to my family for anything else.”
    “Thanks.” She fished for the tissue in her jeans pocket and blew her nose. Then they sat in silence for a few minutes.
    “How’s the beer?” Laurent asked.
    “It’s good.”
    Laurent looked at his watch. “I guess we’d better drink up and head on over to Rocco’s. They’ll be waiting on us.”
    They put on their jackets and left Grey’s Saloon, Laurent waving his thanks to Reese Kendrick, the manager. Emma was glad of a chance to breathe in the cold evening air and compose herself as they walked to Rocco’s on Church Avenue, which, as she guessed by the name, was an Italian restaurant. They were shown to a quiet table and sat down. Emma appreciated that Laurent was familiar with the menu, and chatted away to her as he recommended dishes that she might want to try.
    “My parents, my brother and I come here regularly,” he told her, after pointing out a couple of the chef’s signature dishes. “It reminds Mom and Dad of Europe. You’ll have to tell me if it’s the real deal.”
    “All right!” Emma picked herself up and ran with his easy conversation. “I’m not an expert, but I’ve travelled to Italy a couple of times. I’ll give it my best shot.”
    “Or you could just tell me whether you like the food or not.” Laurent closed his menu and put it down. “Brooke loved eating here.”
    Emma wanted to ask him about his late wife, but sensed that he wasn’t yet ready to open up about her any further, or what had taken her from him and their children. She decided to keep it light. “Well, in that case, I’m sure I’ll