Free Melinda Heads West by Robyn Corum Page A

They make Mother very proud.”
    “And you haven’t got the personality for those things?” Lucas studied Mindy as she formulated her reply.
    “It’s just that I seem to want different things. I never wanted to settle down with the fellows that came around in the early days. And as the years went on, there were fewer callers. My mother’s greatest fear is that I’ll end up an old maid like my Aunt Sarah.” She laughed again, holding her arms around her knees. “She’s probably right. I’d rather travel and see things.”
    “Doesn’t it bother you, not having someone in your life?”
    “Sometimes. Mostly, I miss the idea of being a mother. But I can play with my nieces and nephews whenever I want.”
    Lucas caught her gaze. “It may be that things will change for you on this trip. You may meet someone you can care about.” His implication was clear.
    Mindy ducked her head. “I don’t know. Tomorrow should see me into Tipton, finally, and then I’ll be able to pick up that dreadful deed and deal with the property. After that, I’ll be headed home again. Hopefully, the return trip won’t be so eventful!”
    From across the fire, Boone tensed. The idea of Mindy on her way back to Mississippi churned his gut. “You plan to travel alone back to Mississippi?” he interjected.
    “Of course,” she said. “How else will I get home?”
    “I’m not sure, but you can’t still think you can handle whatever comes your way! This trip should have made that obvious.”
    “Maybe she’ll find someone to escort her,” Lucas said. “There’s a possibility I’ll be available.” He smiled.
    “Oh, I couldn’t ask you to do that!” Mindy said.
    “I do a lot of traveling. Let’s just wait to see what the future holds, shall we?”
    “That’s enough about me,” Mindy said. “What are you headed to Tipton for?”
    “I’ve been there several times,” Lucas offered. “I’ve found it to be a wonderful town. It’s small, but growing. A man could make a good living there. I’ve considered buying property and settling down.”
    “That would be wonderful!”
    “Yes,” Lucas agreed, “but plans change. I’ll wait to see what happens.”
    Boone grunted and jabbed at the fire. “I think I’ll go sleep. Looks like you two would like to be alone.”
    “What is that supposed to mean?” Mindy asked. “We’re just talking.”
    Boone and Lucas exchanged long looks. Boone made a rude noise. “I’m going to sleep. See y’all in the morning.”
    • • •
    Mindy glanced to Lucas and shrugged. “Men! Oh, present company excluded, of course.”
    Lucas smiled and Mindy stared into his blue eyes. He was a tall man and sat ramrod straight. He was attractive in a rough sort of way. Sometimes his eyes were hooded, as if he had seen things he didn’t care to remember. He was used to giving orders and being obeyed. Someone had said he’d been an officer in the war and she could believe it. Lucas didn’t speak often, but when he did his words were precise and clear, and brooked no argument.
    As they continued their conversation, her eyes wandered over to Boone, stretched out near the warmth of the fire. The two men couldn’t be more different. Where Lucas was fair, Boone was dark, with black eyes that spoke what he wouldn’t say. Her Tormentor was even taller than Lucas, but muscular and swarthy. He had wide shoulders that narrowed into a trim waist, and she frequently found herself watching him walk. He was confident and sure of himself, to the point of cockiness, which often made her mad enough to spit. Just looking at him could make her blood boil. And certainly, his kiss had made her bubble. There was something about Boone that made her think crazy, act crazy. Why, she’d completely forgotten about his wife! He probably thought she was the sort of jezebel her mom sometimes whispered about, returning his kiss like that. She could still feel his lips on hers there in the darkness. Mindy had never imagined a