His Errant Educator (Willamette Wives Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page A

tromped through the snow towards the Wilcoxs' cabin. Wyatt grinned as the women made a point of speaking loudly, stomping their boots on the porch as if to give warning that they were about to enter… possibly interrupting an intimate scene that each and every one of them had experienced themselves… several times.
     

Chapter Three
     
    "For goodness' sake, how long are you going to be mad?" Teresa asked, stomping her foot after Roger swung her down from the saddle.
    "Perhaps until I actually believe you understand that what you did was dangerous," Roger said, tying the reins around the hitching post before leading her up the steps of the porch. "So far, all I've heard is a bunch of excuses as to why it is anyone else's fault but your own."
    "You act like I meant to fall through the ice."
    "Honey, I know you didn't mean to, but what I'm saying is that if you had only listened to me, we wouldn't even be having this conversation." He sighed and rubbed his hand over his face. "Look, I understand you were scared, and I am so thankful you are all right. But, Teresa, you need to acknowledge your part…"
    "I said I was sorry and if you don't believe me, then that's your problem, not mine!" Jerking her arm from his hold, she stomped across the porch, yanked open the door, and then squealed when her rather dramatic entrance was spoiled as she tripped over the hem of the borrowed dress. She would have fallen except for Roger's quick reaction as he grabbed her around the waist and hauled her back to her feet.
    "Settle down, Teresa, before you do break a leg. This stubbornness of yours almost got you killed and now…"
    "Don't be so melodramatic," she said, jerking away yet again. "It's this stupid dress. It's too long."
    "I'd think you'd be grateful," Roger said. "If not for Agatha's generosity in sharing her dress, you'd be an icicle, or as naked as a blue jay and—"
    "It was only a silly accident," Teresa interrupted.
    "An accident that not only could have been prevented if you'd only heeded my warning, but one that almost cost you your life!"
    Her blue eyes rolled as she tossed her hair. Not only didn't he appreciate the obvious disrespect she continued to demonstrate, his patience had grown as thin as the ice that had cracked beneath her weight.
    "Teresa, I'm serious. If I had been further away or if I hadn't heard the ice crack, you could have slipped beneath the surface and drowned."
    "Well, you are acting as if you wish I had drowned!"
    He had absolutely no response to such a ridiculous statement. It seemed she didn't particularly care as she began to climb the stairs that led to the family's home located above the restaurant. Stumbling again, she cursed beneath her breath.
    "Teresa Goldman! What did you say?"
    "Nothing. I'm going to change."
    "Don't think this discussion is over," Roger said to her back as she yanked her skirts up in order to stomp up the stairs without tripping again.
    "It's over as far as I'm concerned," she snapped back, turning her head to glare down at him. "I'm quite tired of listening to you lecture me like a silly child…"
    "A naughty child!" he countered.
    She rolled her eyes. "I'm not naugh—a child!"
    "You most certainly could have fooled me. I'm sure your pa would not only agree, he'd already be deciding on how many strokes he needed to give you to teach you that such naughty behavior and vulgar language is totally unacceptable!"
    "See, you don't know what you are talking about. Pa stopped spank… I mean, never mind. I don't appreciate being threatened!"
    "Oh, I assure you I'm not threatening you, young lady. I might not be your pa, but I am the man who almost lost you today," Roger said, his voice low and even. "What I am doing is making you a promise that if you continue to act like a little brat, I won't hesitate to turn you over my—"
    "I won't stand here and be lectured, Roger Morrison! It's boring and I'm growing quite tired of listening to you repeating yourself. If I had my way,