Holding on to Heaven Read Online Free PDF Page B

McCain."
    She snuck a glance at Creed, annoyed by his half-moon smirk. She knew he was recalling their first meeting. Turning her back to him, she rifled through a selection of fabric on a nearby table. Then she closed her eyes. Why did she have to remember every muscular curve, the broad shoulders and lean hips? His very presence exuded power and danger.
    The memory of his pewter eyes loomed and the knot of tension in her stomach tightened. She couldn't afford to know what lay beyond that predatory look or what wicked thoughts lingered in his mind. She didn't doubt most of the man's thoughts ran along the lines of sinful pleasures. Bedazzled by his mere presence, she willed her trembling hands to still and opened her eyes and ears to the conversation behind her.
    Estelle's voice again. "How's your mother, Finn, and our little Jack?"
    "He never did learn to walk, Mrs. Morse, went from crawling to running."
    Lauren felt Creed's stare boring into her back. She flipped through the bolts in perfect sync to the mad pattering of her heart. She wished she could read minds, know if he planned to tell Aunt Estelle about her foul mouth.
    "Thank you for helping Lauren when the horse threw her, Creed." Aunt Estelle's voice dripped honey.
    "Happy to be of assistance. She bore up well considering the sprained ankle. She knows her manners, Estelle, thanked me for helping her."
    Liar. Anger rushed through her. Over her shoulder, she pinned him with a withering glare.
    "I'm thankful you were working nearby in the barn." Estelle seemed oblivious to the undercurrents in the air. "Allow me to buy luncheon today for all at the Dakotah House—Finn, Em, you too, Frank."
    Lauren whirled around with her mouth open. "Oh, no, Aunt Estelle, I don't—" Stopped short by the challenge in Creed's eyes, she halted in mid-sentence.
    "Lauren, dear, we have plenty of time, and I hear they serve a wonderful trout." Her aunt turned to Frank. "What do you say; can someone mind the store for a while?"
    "We'd love to join you." Em turned to Frank. "Can you find someone to cover for you?"
    The store clerk nodded and scurried off. "I'll fetch Henry."
    Lauren couldn't believe the turn of events. Good God! She wanted to forget about her first meeting with Creed Gatlin. Mortification ripped through her.
    Frank and Henry returned. They left the store en masse and strolled down the boardwalk to the new hotel. Mason had already arrived and seemed delighted to see their companions. With the restaurant filled to capacity, her uncle lassoed a table on the veranda. Fresh wildflowers in a pottery vase adorned the white linen, eliciting nostalgic memories of her mother and Grand Cove.
    A waiter in a starched white shirt and black breeches appeared to take their order. Everyone chose the fresh trout accompanied by wild rice and fresh sourdough biscuits.
    Despite her initial qualms, Lauren enjoyed herself. Creed talked to Mason about the new construction in town and then entered into a light banter with Emily and Frank about impending wedding plans.
    Mason asked, "Is Belle in town with you today?"
    Finn's face lit up with another smile "Oh, yes. We dropped her off at the lumber mill so she could pester Simon."
    "Polly tells me there's a wedding on the horizon." Her Aunt Estelle looked at Finn. "When do Belle and Simon plan to marry?"
    "This coming fall, and they plan to ask Mason to officiate."
    "Polly and Sam must be pleased about the wedding and the prospect of grandchildren on the horizon."
    "You know our mother." Creed's rich voice. "There could never be too many children around as far as she's concerned."
    After the meal, Mason headed off to the blacksmith's shop to see about shoes for the horses. The rest of the group returned to the store.
    "Estelle, Miss McCain." Creed tipped his hat. "We enjoyed the visit over lunch."
    Taken aback by the sincerity in his voice, Lauren couldn’t find her tongue, but managed a nod.
    Estelle took Creed's hand. "Mace and I will be hosting