Free Hart by Kelly Martin Page B

without clothes. Not all of them anyway. I've kissed most of them, all but Catherine Marlor. That cold cow. Catherine and Bonnie King. Bonnie is Thomas's girl and has been since they were eight.
    I might be a cad, but I’m not evil. I'd never take someone's girl. I'm better than that. And I like Thomas. I would have offered to look after Bonnie while he's fighting, but I was worried he'd take my offer the wrong way.
    I’ve learned people take things the wrong way most of the time. Even from an innocent bystander like me. Though I have to admit, Bonnie's lips are very soft looking and plump and beautiful.
    I met Colleen today at the mercantile. She's new to town. Truthfully, I had no idea there was even a Colleen in the world.
    Turns out, I was wrong.
    I don't know where she came from or why she's here. The fact is… she's here.
    And she's beautiful.
    I snuck into town because I was bored and needed to get out. There are times I just can't stand it. I need to get away from home. Away from Mother. Away from life.
    I keep a little stash of money hidden so I can buy something just for me when I go to town. No one knows about my money. My mother would force me to give it up for the good of the family if she knew. What she really means is the good of her.
    I do odd jobs in town now and then and keep the money hidden. No one ever tells Mother. I think they like her even less than I do, if that's possible.
    I seem to be putting off talking about Colleen. I shouldn't be; it’s not like she's anything special. I'm not some swooning person like my brother.
    Colleen—if I have to describe her—is beautiful. Dark hair. Short and curvy. Gorgeous eyes. Just beautiful.
    I'm not good with words. That's why I'm not a writer.
    I walked into the store unsure what I wanted to buy. I thought about buying a book. Thought about candy. But I wasn't really sure what I wanted. The point wasn't to buy something. The point was to buy something behind Mother's back. If my mother is going to hate me, I might as well give her a reason.
    I'd buy a bar of lavender soap for all I care, if it would tick her off.
    I walk over to the book section, which maybe has two books total. Not many people in town can read or care to read. I like to read. It’s a nice and easy way to escape home. I hate home as much as home hates me.
    I picked up one of the books, brown like all the others. Though it isn't the cover I’m interested in. It’s the world inside that matters.
    Then I saw her.
    She stood at the bottom of the steps and looked at me with a mix of amusement and confusion.
    I could tell she wasn't from around here. I’d sure never seen her before, and I know I would’ve remembered her.
    Normally, I don't notice what someone wears. Colleen, though, I can't forget it. It was a light purple dress. Beautiful. I can't remember anyone wearing such a color during an ordinary, mundane day.
    Don't suppose today was an ordinary day.
    I stared at her. The book in my hand felt heavy, so heavy in fact that my fingers gave way and the book fell down with its companion with a thud. I instantly pulled my hat off my head and held it in my hands. I hate to admit that my palms became sweaty.
    Was she from a big city?
    Did she assume all people/all men from a small southern town couldn't read?
    I couldn't understand why she was looking at me that way. And I couldn't take my eyes off her.
    Mrs. Buck stopped her pacing long enough to call Colleen by name. Mrs. Buck said she had a chore for Colleen. She obliged, listened to Mrs. Buck’s whispers, and left the store.
    I watched as Colleen walked past the windows. Sunshine highlighting her hair. Then, just when I thought she was gone, she stepped back and her eyes met mine. Her cheeks tinged pink, and she nodded.
    I smiled. I'm sure it was a stupid-looking smile, and then she walked away.
    I'd like to focus on that. The fact that she stopped and glanced at me again.
    That was the good moment.
    Not when Mrs. Buck came up to me and