Secondhand Bride Read Online Free PDF Page A

can’t, in good conscience, humiliate my own flesh and blood that way.”
    “Why, you—” Jeb erupted, lunging at Holt.
    Chloe stepped between them, though she couldn’t have explained her action, given that she’d been sincere in her previous request. Maybe she’d understand it later, after a cup of tea and some quiet reflection.
    She laid her hand on Holt’s strong forearm. “If you wouldn’t mind escorting me into the Arizona Hotel,” she said formally, “I should be very grateful for the company. It would seem that there are unsavory elements on the streets of Indian Rock tonight.”
    Holt cut another glance in Jeb’s direction, as wry as the one before. “Yes,” he agreed, expansively. “I’ve noticed at least one hothead.”
    Even though Jeb wasn’t actually touching Chloe, she felt him stiffen just the same. “Go ahead, take her,” he snapped. “And God help you.” With that, he stepped off the sidewalk and stalked back toward the cemetery, probably intending to collect the abandoned horse and buggy and return to the ranch.
    “Surly little bugger,” Holt observed, watching Jeb’s departure.
    “I wouldn’t call him little,” Chloe reflected.
    “I don’t imagine you would,” was Holt’s reply. Clearly a gentleman, he squired her to the threshold of the Arizona Hotel and opened one of the double doors for her.
    “Jeb never mentioned you,” Chloe said, stepping through.
    “He wouldn’t,” Holt answered dryly.
    Chloe’s interest was piqued, but she was, after all, grieving over her uncle and fresh from yet another round with Mr. McKettrick, and she decided to conserve her energy in case there were more battles ahead. She wasn’t naive enough to think she’d gotten rid of her husband so easily; he wouldn’t be happy until he’d put her on a stagecoach out of town.
    Inside the lobby of the hotel, Chloe’s attention was immediately drawn to the beautiful dark-haired woman standing behind the registration desk, and she looked up as Holt and Chloe entered. Her eyes widened, and it seemed to Chloe that her lips trembled, despite her quick smile.
    “Becky,” Holt said, still holding his hat in one hand, “I’ve brought you a customer. Unfortunately, I don’t know her name.”
    So this was John’s intended bride—the woman her uncle hadn’t troubled himself to mention. Chloe was oddly stricken, knowing he’d kept such a secret from her. Had he been ashamed, as she’d been ashamed of Jack Barrett?
    Becky moved gracefully, rounding one end of the waist-high desk and approaching. She seemed elegant and self-possessed, not the sort of woman a man would dally with. “You’re Chloe, aren’t you?” the vision asked, her voice slightly husky. A hint of tears shimmered in her eyes. “John’s girl.”
    “He was my uncle,” Chloe heard herself say.
    “Yes,” Becky said, with what sounded like resignation. She looked questioningly up at Holt. “You brought her here?” she asked, puzzled.
    He shook his head. “All I did was rescue her from the clutches of my youngest brother,” he said. “Unless I miss my guess, Jeb’ll be along soon. For the sake of the peace, I’d best get back to the Circle C before he gets here.”
    “Thank you for saving me,” Chloe said.
    Holt smiled at her earnest gratitude, more amused than cordial. “Any time,” he said, and left her in Becky’s charge.
    “Don’t you have any baggage?” Becky asked, after staring at her for a long time. She was still holding Chloe’s hands in a too-tight grip.
    As if in answer to her question, the first of Chloe’s valises crashed through the doorway leading in from the street, soon followed by a small trunk.
    Chloe felt her cheeks heat up. “It’s just arrived,” she said.
    Frowning, Becky let go of Chloe’s hands and swept grandly over to the door, nearly getting herself bowled over by a large hatbox bound tightly with grocer’s string.
    Chloe closed her eyes for a moment, bracing herself, but Jeb did