Hallie's Destiny (The Donovans of the Delta) Read Online Free PDF Page A

stepped toward Josh, red in the face, fists cocked, ready for a fight. “Just who in the hell are you?”
    “Josh Butler, Hallie’s fiancé. I’m happy to make your acquaintance.” Bradford ignored the hand Josh extended.
    Hallie came out of her trance. “You’re not—”
    “Hush, darling. I know I’m late, but we’ll discuss it later.”
    “Hallie never mentioned any fiancé.” Redford took a step toward Josh as if he meant to take issue with his statement.
    Hallie lifted her fist, intending to give him a poke in the eye, but Josh grabbed her uplifted arm and draped it over his shoulder.
    “Would you gentlemen excuse us? Hallie and I have a traditional greeting that has been delayed far too long.”
    Josh Butler’s lips came down on hers. They were hard and demanding, brooking no resistance. After the initial shock, Hallie was outraged. She’d had about all of Josh Butler’s manhandling that she intended to take. She drew back her foot to kick his shins, but suddenly a strange thing happened. A warm pleasure surged through her, and her body leaned into his. Her mouth opened, responsive to the persuasive power of this outrageous, gorgeous golden man.
    Oh, help, I am lost. Hallie felt a jubilee rising inside her. Jubilee . That was the only word to describe what was happening—a wonderful sensation that was part joy, part triumph, part passion, part music. She fought to suppress the jubilee, but it kept on rising.
    Josh lifted his mouth half an inch from hers. “Keep kissing. They’re leaving.”
    Then his mouth played expertly over hers once more. Kissing him was like being reborn. Hallie knew her feelings were completely out of control, but she didn’t mind. Anything that felt so wonderful couldn’t be all bad.
    Abruptly, Josh ended the kiss. Hallie felt as if her supports had been knocked away. She actually swayed for a moment before standing firm to face him.
    “Why did you do that?” she asked quietly.
    He looked deep into her eyes. She was caught up in the power of his gaze. He seemed to be trying to search her mind, trying to uncover her very soul. She held her breath as she returned his look. She was vividly aware of him, achingly aware of the kiss they’d exchanged.
    “Hallie.”
    That’s all he said. Just one word. Hallie. His voice was deep and rich and vibrant with hidden meanings. A man’s voice speaking her name had never made her shiver. But she did now. Tiny goose bumps popped up along her arms. In the deepening dusk, she tilted her face toward him.
    “Yes?”
    “I . . .” He half-lifted his hand, as if to reach out, and gather her back into his arms. Then he stepped back. The tenuous bond that had been growing between them was broken. “Violence is not my style, Hallie. I kissed you because it was the best way to handle the situation.”
    “I was doing all right by myself until you came along and messed everything up.”
    Josh had the audacity to laugh. “I saw the little fist you had raised.” He reached for her hand, lifted it to his lips for a swift kiss, then let it go. “These are lethal weapons, ma’am. I figured if I didn’t rescue those poor helpless men, you’d pound them to pieces.”
    “I would have too. And I would have won.”
    “Remind me never to get into a fight with you.”
    “You’d be well advised not to. My brothers taught me to defend myself when I was five years old.”
    “Did they train anybody else? Mohammed Ali, perhaps?”
    “No. Just me.”
    “Who were those men, anyhow? Maybe I should move my sleeping bag over to your camp to protect you.”
    “They’re Bradford and Redford Dukes, harmless Texas pests. They won’t be back, and if they do return, I’ll sic my dogs on them.”
    “You’re an unusual woman, Hallie.”
    “Thank you.”
    “I’m not sure I meant that as a compliment.”
    “I’ll take it as one, anyhow. I can use all the praise I can get.”
    A sudden look of concern came into his face. “Are you all right? They