Donovan's Bed: The Calhoun Sisters, Book 1 Read Online Free PDF

enough to be on that list of yours? Have you been listening to the gossips, Mr. Donovan?”
    “I don’t care about gossip.” He moved to brush a strand of hair out of her face, but Sarah turned from his touch.
    “Then why do you consider me good enough to bed, but not good enough to be on your precious list?” Passion flared into anger, all the better to dull the pain in her heart. “I work hard at my newspaper, and I love children.”
    He leaned close. “You know good and well why you’re not on the list, Sassy.”
    “My name is Sarah.”
    “Sassy suits you better. Truth is, you’re prettier than an Arizona sunset, but you’re too ornery for your own good, and you love that damned paper more than you’ll ever love a man. I need a woman who puts me before anything else. Hell, your husband would have to lay down on the printing press just to get your attention!”
    She slapped him. Stunned at her own action, she could only stare as he raised a hand to rub his cheek.
    “See what I mean?” He smiled, but the derision in his expression seemed directed more toward himself than her. “We mix like fire and oil, sassy girl. That kind of explosion makes for hot loving, but it doesn’t fit into a marriage.”
    What a fool! “Good evening, Mr. Donovan. I hope you find what you’re looking for—though I can’t help but pity her.” Without waiting for a response, Sarah left him standing there in the dark.

Chapter Three
    Monday morning, Sarah set the type for the article herself. As each piece clicked into place, a smile of pure feminine satisfaction tugged at her mouth. This story ought to see that Jack Donovan got just what he thought he wanted.
     
    WEALTHY BACHELOR SEEKS WIFE
     
    Mr. Jack Donovan, Burr’s most eligible bachelor, has declared his intention of taking a bride. He has designed his beautiful home with the future Mrs. Donovan in mind, going so far as to purchase furniture from back east, including an ornate bed that any woman would covet. The antique bed dates back a hundred years and looks big enough to sleep a family of six. Carved into the rich walnut posts and headboard are cherubs and flowers of exquisite workmanship. The future Mrs. Donovan looks to be one lucky lady.
    Mr. Donovan has indicated that his future wife will be a woman suited to the rigors of childbirth and ranching. The eager bridegroom can be reached at the Triple D ranch, just outside Burr, Wyoming Territory. Only qualified ladies need apply.
     
     
    The Burr Chronicle hadn’t been in Pearson’s Mercantile two hours before Millicent Castor paid a visit to the newspaper office. Sarah looked up as the door blew open, unsurprised at the identity of her visitor. “Good morning, Mrs. Castor.”
    “Good morning, Sarah.” The mayor’s plump wife struggled against the door a moment and heaved a sigh when it gave up the battle and clicked into the latch. Outside the wind howled in protest.
    Sarah stood and came out from behind her desk. “What can I do for you today?”
    “I came to put a notice in the Chronicle about the town council meeting next week.”
    “Certainly.” Sarah handed her a notepad and pencil. “Just write down what you want it to say.”
    The mayor’s wife started to write. After a moment she asked, “So, dear, how are you these days?”
    “I’m fine, Mrs. Castor.”
    “Good, good.” Still scribbling, Mrs. Castor glanced at Sarah from the corner of her eye. “And your mother?”
    “She’s well.”
    “That’s fine then.” She finished the notice and handed pad and pencil back to Sarah. “Do you hear from your sister?”
    “She writes. Mama sends her the Chronicle regularly.”
    “Why, isn’t that nice? Susannah can have a little bit of home come in the mail every week.” Mrs. Castor smiled, revealing the dimples nearly hidden in her chubby cheeks. “You’ve done a good job with your newspaper, Sarah. I read it from first page to last, every issue.”
    Sarah paused in the act of making notes