Free First Class Male by Jillian Hart Page B

that number, even through the night. We’d live longer if we find another way.”
    “Then what we need is a hostage.” Lew tucked a pinch of tobacco into his mouth, against his cheek. He knew exactly who to take.

Chapter Six

    A platonic kiss, really? Callie closed the front door behind her, safe in Mariel’s entryway with her heart pounding and her cheek burning from Mason’s kiss. When his large hand had first cradled her face, little sparkles of hope and desire flitted through her, like stardust shimmering low in her mid-section and sparking through her veins.
    A breathless hope had filled her, when his gaze had searched hers. She’d thought she’d read affection in those true blue depths, sure she’d seen his desire to kiss her, to
really
kiss her. Her entire being longed for it, craving it, and she’d waited breathlessly while he slanted closer, their breaths mingling before turning away at the last minute to press his kiss to her cheek.
    Her
cheek
. Disappointment weighed on her heart because of what that meant. She leaned back against the door, squeezing her eyes shut. She’d wanted his kiss. Badly. She shook her head, opened her eyes, blew out a breath. What was wrong with her? She launched away from the door, surprised to find her package still tucked in one arm.
    “There you are!” Mariel marched out of the kitchen, drying her hands on a dish towel. A genuine, caring greeting crossed her round, apple-cheeked face. Red curls bobbed down from a stylish up knot. “And look at you, Callie. As pretty as a picture. I knew Lindylee would find you just the right thing.”
    “She was very generous, and so are you.” She hugged the package to her, able to relax here, to feel welcome. She appreciated Mariel’s kindness more than she could say. She blinked, trying to forget the sensation of Mason’s kiss to her cheek. “I promise I’ll reimburse you, as soon as I have the money, I—”
    “Stop fretting, my dear.” Mariel waved her hand, unconcerned. “You wouldn’t be the first young lady down on her luck I’ve helped, and you won’t be the last. Now you come on into the dining room. I was just about to serve lunch. Most of my boarders are at work. There’s just you, me and Lena. I made chicken sandwiches.”
    Callie’s stomach growled, so apparently it approved. “Sounds good,” she said with a shrug.
    “Excellent.” Mariel led the way into a nearby room, where tall windows looked out on a flower garden popping with colorful blooms. Lace curtains had been drawn back to appreciate the roses. A long oval table, able to seat twelve, centered the room, sporting three place settings, silverware and cups of fresh milk. A rather thin, long-faced young lady sat in one of the many empty chairs. Lena.
    She lit up in greeting when she spotted Callie. “Hello, there. That is a gorgeous dress. Lindylee has the prettiest things, doesn’t she?”
    “Yes, it was so hard to choose.” Callie set the package on a nearby credenza. “I have your things here. Thanks again.”
    “It was my pleasure.” Lena gestured to the seat directly across from her, wanting Callie to sit close. Her black curls tumbled riotously around her face in tight little ringlets. “When I first came to live here, I had nothing, not a thing. Or a stitch of clothing. I arrived stark naked. Isn’t that a fact, Mariel?”
    “One I can attest to.” Mariel tapped in from the kitchen, sporting three full plates piled with a thick sandwich and lots of carrot sticks.
    “Really? Naked?” Callie blushed, thinking how humiliating that must have been. She pulled out the chair across the table from Lena. “Whatever happened to you?”
    “Oh, Big Red tossed me out of the saloon. We had a big argument.” Lena blushed a little as she accepted her plate from Mariel. “I wanted to leave and he said no.”
    “Did you work there?” Callie asked, concerned.
    “Yes, ever since I came to town on the stage,” Lena answered.
    “She was just