Stands a Calder Man Read Online Free PDF

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    â€œYes, it is,” Ruth admitted.
    â€œWhat are you going to do now that you’ve finished school?” He didn’t mention the recent passing of her mother.
    â€œI thought about teaching some of the younger children at the ranch. Mrs. Calder—your mother—mentioned that maybe we could turn one of the smaller cabins into a day school.”
    â€œThat sounds like a good idea.”
    â€œThere aren’t many jobs for a girl around here . . . proper jobs,” she added on the heels of a raucous female laugh that came from a saloon across the street. “My father needs me right now, anyway, so I want to stay close by him for a while.”
    â€œSome cowboy will come along and sweep you off your feet,” Webb declared with a faint grin. “You’ll probably be married before you can decide about teaching school or working someplace else.”
    â€œNo. That’s not going to happen.” She sounded so positive that Webb’s curiosity was aroused.
    â€œWhy not?”
    â€œBecause—” She almost looked at him, then lowered her glance and shrugged. “Just because it won’t.”
    â€œYou don’t want to marry a cowboy?” There was an edge in his voice as he wondered whether she was like other girls—setting her sights higher.
    â€œNo, it isn’t that,” she rushed to correct that impression. Once she met his gaze squarely, she seemed unable to look away.
    â€œThen what is it?” Webb tried to fathom the cause for the helpless way Ruth seemed to be staring at him.
    She broke away from his locking eyes, withdrawing and becoming more subdued. “I guess I just don’t think I’ll ever get married.”
    â€œWhy not?” He had never heard a woman forecast her own spinsterhood. “You’re a pretty girl, Ruth. The right fella is going to come along some day and see that blond hair and blue eyes and fall in love with you on the spot.”
    â€œMaybe.” She conceded the point rather than continue the subject.
    Lights streamed from the glass windows of the hotel. “Here we are, right back where we started.” Webb opened the door and followed her into the heated lobby. “I’ll see you safely to your room.”
    â€œAre you staying here, too?”
    â€œNo.” If his father’d had his way, he would have, but Webb preferred to bunk with the rest of the Triple C riders. That’s why he slept in the bunkhouse at the ranch rather than in The Homestead, as the main house was called.
    They climbed the stairs in silence, with Webb staying slightly behind her. He sensed awkwardness in her; she seemed uncertain how to behave. It became stronger when they reached the door to her room. She jumped visibly when Webb took the key from her and unlocked the door.
    â€œDo you want me to check inside?” he asked as he handed her back the key.
    She shook her head, tension showing on her face. “I enjoyed the walk.” It was apparent in the murmuring tone of her voice, too. “Thank you.”
    â€œIt was my pleasure, Ruth,” Webb insisted politely and waited for her to enter the room.
    But she continued to stand on the edge of the threshold, looking at him and appearing anxious, unsure of herself. Her blue eyes were rounded in a silent plea. It was a full second before Webb recognized the expression of puppylike adoration. She wanted him to kiss her good night.
    His indecision didn’t last long. In the dim hall light, her blond hair shimmered like creamy silk and her blue eyes were pools of blue sapphires. Without conscious direction of his movements, Webb let his hands close on the coarse wool of the brown coat and find the round points of her shoulders while his head bent closer to hers.
    Her lips clung to his the instant they touched, yielding and soft, eager and inexperienced. It should have ended there, but Webb let the kiss draw out to an improper length. There was