Free Charlene Sands by Lily Gets Her Man

work out, after all,” she blurted.
    She was acting strange, averting her eyes again. He softened his voice. “What’s not going to work out?”
    “This…arrangement,” she confessed, her pale blue eyes lifting to his. He held her gaze.
    “Why not?”
    She closed her eyes briefly, as if searching for the courage to explain. “W-when you walked in just now, it struck me. Up until now, I was nursing a sick man.”
    “I never thanked you. You saved my life.”
    Her smile was shaky. “But seeing you like this, having breakfast together, made me realize—”
    “That we’re living together?” he said softly.
    “Yes,” she replied, letting out a long breath. “It suddenly dawned on me. I can’t do this.”
    “If it’s marriage you’re wanting, I’ve already agreed—”
    “No! I, uh, I do appreciate the offer. I can’t.”
    “I promised I wouldn’t compromise you, Lily. You know that. I’m sorry about the scene in the washroom. I’ve got a temper. If that’s what’s got you thinking about leaving, don’t. You have my word, it won’t happen again.”
    Tyler knew she was an innocent. He’d let his anger over being injured and helpless, as well as her soaking his head, sway his better judgment. She’d never been with a man and he’d deliberately exposed himself to teach her a lesson. She was no bawdy-house woman to toy with. She was his housekeeper and a true lady.
    Lily appeared deep in thought. Tyler couldn’t tell for sure what she was thinking. Hell, he needed her. Already, in the span of a week’s time, his household had come to depend on her. “You need time to find your uncle.”
    “True.”
    “And Bethann has taken a shine to you, Lily.”
    Lily grimaced. “Now who’s not playing fair?”
    “You keep the place orderly. You’re a fine cook.”
    “Thank you.”
    “Lily, we need you ’round here.”
    She nodded.
    “So, you’ll stay?”
    She took her own sweet time to respond, but then she smiled a true, unabashed smile for him. Tyler felt an unfamiliar squeezing in his chest.
    “Yes, I’ll stay.”
    He sat in the corner of the saloon, his hat riding low on his forehead, sipping whiskey, relying on dim lighting and dark shadows to hide him from view. Amazing how much information one can pick up from boisterous ranch hands on payday. Kincaide survived the shooting, he heard one man say, due to the ministrations of his new housekeeper. Hell, how many lives did that man have? he thought bitterly.
    He’d have been here sooner but landing in prison had thwarted his plans. The “lady” got what she deserved though, thinking she could sift through his belongings as if she’d had the right. He chuckled silently. She’d not be earning another red cent in her sordid profession again.
    Kincaide, too, would get his due.
    And Lizabeth’s death would finally be avenged.
    He’d bide his time until the perfect opportunity presented itself.

Chapter Seven
    L ily wrapped her hands around a stubborn weed and tugged. There was no budging it. She stared at the unwelcome plant, determined to pluck it up from the ground.
    “I’m a good sight smarter than you,” she said with a snarl, hoping the tone of her voice would somehow pop the obstinate weed from the soil. She gripped its thick base, feeling a slight give. Lily pulled even harder. But the plant, as if in response to her declaration, seemed to take root, causing Lily’s hand to slip. She fell back with a thud and landed on her bottom. “Damn it all!”
    “Swearing… Miss Lily? ” Tyler came up behind her and crouched down. With a quick tug, he uprooted the weed and handed her the ugly twisted plant.
    “I’m picking up your bad habits, Mr. Kincaide.”
    He smiled wide, flashing straight white teeth. Lily was becoming accustomed to the rapid pounding of her heart whenever the man was near.
    Tyler reached for her hands, turning them to view her calloused palms. “You’re working hard. I’ll have one of the men shovel up the rest of