Free The Golden Rules of Love: Western Romance by Tammy Andresen

nodded and they both moved toward the campfire, Mack taking her hand. Annie made to pull it away but then she changed her mind. Everyone thought they were engaged anyway. After this morning, it felt good to hold his strong hand.
    “Did they take anything of yours?”
    “They tried. But Tom met them with a shot gun.” He leaned in to whisper in her ear. “Besides, I’ve got the money and gold hidden.”
    Annie cocked one eyebrow. She wondered if that was where he disappeared to some days. She should have hidden her money better. Collin Mackinnon was smart. She gave his hand a squeeze.
    Annie and Mack joined the circle who had gathered together after the attack. They were now a small group. The reverend was still there, along with a few other settlers who had yet to purchase land. Mack had four men with him. Finally, Annie and Mary Beth rounded out the party.
    Mack looked around the circle. “We have to thank Annie for warning us. Not all of us would be sitting here if she hadn’t.”
    A murmur of thanks rose from the group and Annie nodded to show her understanding.
    Mack continued, “I’ll be off for the day. Cookie and Finnigan will stay back to guard the camp. Tom and Rake are coming with me. For those of you who are staying in San Francisco, you should start making your plans. I’ll only be here for a few more weeks.”
    Annie felt a flutter in her stomach. She knew it was smart to leave the Sacramento Valley with Mack but she hated to come this far and leave emptyhanded.
    The group disassembled. Tom went to get his horse and Mary Beth followed. Mack pulled her to join him. Annie felt a small tingle of excitement. She loved riding a horse with Mack. Her softer body fit perfectly against his hard frame. She was trying to decide if she liked riding behind him or in front of him better when he pulled her close. “I can’t wait to show you this.”
    “Show me what?”
    He only wiggled his eyebrows as he swung into the saddle pulling her up in front of him. One of his arms wrapped around her. He felt hard and strong in a way that made a woman feel safe. Annie snuggled in. She turned to jelly in his arms every time danger was near. What did that say, she wondered. She pushed those thoughts aside and just enjoyed the feel of his body as he kicked the horse into motion.

THE GOLDEN RULES OF LOVE

    CHAPTER FIVE
    They headed down towards the oceanfront but Annie wasn’t paying attention. Laying her head on his broad shoulder, she sighed softly.
    “You all right?” His voice rumbled underneath her ear.
    “Mhmm,” she rubbed her cheek against his shirt. She had that feeling again that she wanted to feel his skin.
    Tom pulled up next to them before she could slide her hand into the opening of his shirt. Annie stiffened slightly at the intrusion but Mack squeezed her tighter.
    They passed a half-constructed building and Annie shook her head. Everyone had abandoned whatever they were working on to chase gold.
    “Where are we going?” The water loomed in front of them.
    “To the harbor.”
    “Why?” She turned to look at him.
    “We’re looking at a boat.”
    “A boat?” Annie sat up straighter to look at him.
    “Yep, take a look. There are people out there.” He pointed towards the ships.
    “Why?”
    “As you can see, the buildings aren’t finished. You’re not going to believe this, but people are living in the ships. Running businesses out of them. And most of them are still sea worthy. They’re just sitting there, waiting.”
    “The boat we’re going to look at…do you want to live in it? It would keep the Indians from attacking.”
    “Yes. But I think I want to sell the wagons and sail it back East.”
    “Can you do that?”
    “Sure Annie, I told you I want to build ships. I grew up on the water. I grew up in boats. My father was a shipbuilder.”
    “Where is he now?”
    “He and my mother passed away. They were sailing a small vessel and got caught in a storm.”
    “How old were you?” This