Lone Star Cinderella Read Online Free PDF

he’d instantly disliked.
    â€œH-hello,” she said, trying unsuccessfully to brush away her tears.
    â€œHi,” he said, uncertain how to proceed. On the one hand, he hadn’t liked the sound of the one-sided conversation or the fact that it left her in tears. On the other hand, he was reminding himself that it wasn’t his business. He pointed over his shoulder with his thumb. “I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d drop in.” It was lame but the only thing he had.
    She remained frozen in the hallway. “Have you been standing there very long?”
    He nodded, seeing humiliation in her eyes and hating that his presence might cause her to feel that. “A few minutes. Do you want me to go? This a bad time?” Stupid question.
    She looked away, brushing her cheeks again. Her shoulders lifted as she took what he figured was a fortifying breath. His gut twisted watching her. When she looked back she gave a tiny smile that didn’t reach her eyes and shook her head.
    He didn’t believe her for one minute and wanted to tell her not to put on a brave front for him. Instead he watched her brow crinkle as she made an effort not to look upset. He felt like an intruder as she finally moved toward him.
    â€œI guess you’ve come to ask me to leave again?”
    There was none of the spunk that he’d witnessed the day before, and he missed it. Even though he wanted her off the property, there was no way he could ask her to leave when she looked so shaken. “No. I haven’t changed my mind about you being here and what your research could do to my peace of mind—”
    â€œIt wouldn’t cause problems.”
    â€œYes,” he said, without force, not wanting to stress her out more. “It could. But, I’ve decided that I’ll read those journals again for myself.”
    She looked confused. “You want to take the journals?”
    â€œNo. That’s not what I meant.”
    â€œYou want to read them with me?”
    More than he wanted to admit. “Yes.” The smile that exploded across her face startled him and took his breath.
    â€œI think that’s a wonderful idea. Please, come in.” She stepped back to give him room to enter. “I—I could actually use the company—I mean I would love to share—I mean…I started reading the journals last night, and they’re really fascinating! But I do have some questions.”
    He was totally blown away by how swiftly the light came into her eyes, chasing away most of the shadows. Looking at her he felt bad about having an ulterior reason for wanting to read with her.
    He paused just inside the doorway, unsure if he should proceed now. The stagecoach house had a straight shot from the front door to the back door. The hall walls were lined with old black-and-white photos of people from the past. Seth had always been drawn to them. He glanced at them now as he tried to figure out whether he should go or stay.
    â€œThese photos intrigue me,” Melody said, nodding toward one of the pictures near the kitchen door. “This one especially.” It was of a woman who’d probably never had her photo taken before and may have never had it taken again.
    â€œI never thought she looked very happy to be in the picture,” he said, moving to stand beside Melody, knowing he wasn’t going anywhere—at least not for a little while. He stared closely at the picture. “Growing up, when I’d look at all these shots I wondered why none of them were smiling.” He gave her a rueful glance. “I was too young to realize that to them seeing a camera was a monumental and serious thing.”
    â€œI know,” Melody said, her voice as soft as the delicate floral scent she was wearing. “It was such a different world.”
    She touched the glass with her fingertips, leaning in slightly, as if trying to figure out what the woman was thinking.