Free Wild Lilly by Ann Mayburn

line and he spit out, “Watch your mouth, Krisp.”
    Blinking his eyes in a parody of surprise, Mr. Krisp continued, “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to spill the beans in front of Miss Brooks.”
    Instead of waiting for his answer, she grabbed Paul’s arm. “Let’s go find your brother, Mr. McGregor.”
    Her smooth exit was ruined by the fact that she had to dig in her heels and pull Paul away from the other man. It was like trying to keep back two dogs that were determined to fight each other.
    Once in the bright sunshine, she continued to jerk Paul toward where the boys were playing marbles. He kept glaring back at the schoolhouse, and a low growl escaped his lips as Krisp came out and gave him a nasty stare before he left. Spinning on her heel, she stared at him with a small ball of anger tightening in her stomach.
    “What was he talking about?”
    Paul’s jaw tensed as he watched Mr. Krisp ride away. “Just try’n to make trouble.”
    Narrowing her eyes, she stepped into his line of vision. “So you don’t spend your time with a dance-hall girl when you’re not with me.”
    “Miss Brooks, I’m not sure if you’re aware of this, but it takes a more hours than I have in a day to keep my ranch running.” He turned the full force of his gaze her. “Besides, I can honestly say that you’re the only woman I seem to think about anymore.” He stepped a pace closer, the edge of her skirt brushing his jeans. “Even when I sleep, my dreams are filled with visions of golden hair and freckles.”
    A blush burned her face and she stammered out, “Oh, I—”
    Owen ran up to them and threw his arms around Paul’s waist. “Paul! What are you doing here?” The other children continued to play marbles in the circle drawn in the dirt and stole glances at them.
    Lilly spoke up and showed the paper to Owen, glad for the distraction. “I’m sorry I didn’t believe you. Mr. McGregor said you left your work at home.”
    Owen scuffed his boot in the dirt while Paul rumpled his hair. “Owen does his homework after dinner every night. I’m very proud of him.”
    One of the boys sniggered and Owen ducked out from under Paul’s hand. “Thanks, Paul. Bet you gotta bet back to the ranch now. See you later!”
    Lilly bit her tongue to keep from laughing at Paul’s taken-aback expression. Obviously, he wasn’t used to his brother showing any independence. She took his arm again, loving the feel of his firm bicep under her hand, and walked him toward his wagon. This close, she could smell the sandalwood soap he used.
    “Have you eaten yet?” he asked abruptly.
    “No. Mr. Krisp interrupted my lunch.” The thought of Lee made her shoulders go tight. “Thank you for stepping in. I’m sure he wouldn’t have done anything to harm me, but I don’t think the schoolhouse would’ve stood a chance.”
    Paul growled again and she felt a hot lick of desire at the noise. “He will never hurt you. I’ll kill him before he touches one hair on your head.”
    The look in his eye was frightening, but the primal part of her mind loved his protective reaction. “Don’t worry. He wants my land too much to try anything.” She patted his solid forearm and turned to face him as they reached his wagon.
    He stopped and scuffed at the dirt with his boot in a move that reminded her of Owen doing the same thing moments before. Keeping his eyes on the school bell he told her, “I brought some food with me—if you wanted to eat.”
    A quick glance at the watch pinned to her blouse made her heart beat faster with anticipation. “We have thirty minutes. That should be enough for a fast bite.” She tried to keep her voice casual, but inside she was nervous at the thought of spending more time alone with Paul. The man did dangerous things to her sense of modesty.
    They brought his wicker basket into the classroom. She pulled over the extra chair, one that was currently used to keep a board from popping up, and set it at her desk. Some