Free The Lawman's Christmas Wish by Linda Goodnight Page A

aloof.
    â€œI thought you might need the song list,” Ethan said, indicating the paper in his left hand.
    Amy laughed. “Great minds run together. I was just heading your way.”
    â€œYeah?” He looked especially pleased. Amy’s attention went to the inch-long keloid scar along Ethan’s left cheekbone and wondered where the quiet, peaceable man had gotten it. Not on one of her tours, she was certain.
    â€œI thought you’d be gone by now,” she said. “Practice went better than usual tonight.”
    The scar puckered as he smiled. “I was putting the finishing touches on ‘Mary, Did You Know?’”
    â€œI love that piece. Karenna’s soprano is perfect for it.”
    â€œI think so, too.”
    â€œWell, thanks,” she said, expecting him to turn and leave. He didn’t. Instead, Ethan shifted on one booted foot and then the other. Then he cleared his throat.
    â€œLook, Amy, I was thinking.”
    About to turn, she paused, head tilted. “About the pageant?”
    â€œAbout supper.” He patted his flat belly. “I thought you might want to go down to Lizbet’s when we finish up here. I want to talk to you about something.”
    â€œAbout the pageant?” Okay, so she was repeating herself. Ethan worked for her, for goodness’ sake. And she felt ages older. But okay, he was great-looking. And nice. And smart. And as tough as any of her guides.
    â€œWe could talk about the pageant if you wanted. And other things.”
    She was not going to ask what other things he had on his mind. She liked Ethan. He was a great guy. And he was the first man who’d approached her that she’d actually considered going out with. But was she ready for this?
    â€œIt’s getting late, Ethan.”
    â€œHave you eaten?”
    â€œWell, no, but my boys have, and they need to be in bed soon. Maybe another time?” Had she really said that?
    â€œYou need to eat, Amy. Come on. What do you say? Let a friend buy you a burger. We won’t stay long.”
    While she was contemplating the very pleasant idea of letting a nice man buy her dinner, she felt movement behind her. A grouchy voice interrupted.
    â€œIs there a problem out here?”

Chapter Five
    R eed’s neck muscles were as tight as fishing line. Ethan Eckles was looking at Amy as if she were a delectable bite of T-bone steak. Any minute now, he’d probably ask her to marry him or something.
    â€œReed!” Amy’s eyes widened and their expression went from interested to annoyed.
    â€œI thought you were going after a song list,” he said, feeling like a grumpy father spying on his daughter. Check that. Not like a father. What he felt was dark and inappropriate and a lot like jealousy.
    â€œEthan was kind enough to bring it to me.”
    Reed’s boots squeaked as he shifted. He did not want her going out with Ethan Eckles. Ben wouldn’t like it.
    Face it, Truscott. You’re not thinking of Ben.
    â€œWell, now you have it,” he said, fighting down the inner voice. “Let’s go.”
    Eckles had the gall to speak up. His quiet voice was calmer than Reed felt. “I’ll see her safely home, Chief. Don’t worry.”
    Don’t worry? He did nothing but worry when it came to Amy and the boys.
    â€œKeeping an eye on the town is my job. The boys need tobe in bed.” The two comments had little to do with each other, but he was sinking fast and didn’t know how to stop.
    Stubborn sparks glittered in Amy’s blue eyes. “If you’re so concerned, why aren’t you watching them like I asked?”
    Reed looked over one shoulder. The two boys were headed his way. “I am.”
    Dexter and Sammy arrived and stopped directly in front of Reed, not Eckles, who they knew from school as well as church. Reed experienced a certain sense of satisfaction in their choice.
    â€œDo you like my picture?”