Stolen Kisses (Leap of Love Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

little time alone together would be wonderful. Just the thought of doing so made his hands clammy and his heart race.
    Spending time alone with her could quite possibly be disastrous. He pictured himself spending the afternoon in her company, sweating profusely, tripping over his words, unable to connect his thoughts and sound remotely intelligent.
    Maybe going for a walk together was a bit much right now. He was not sure what he could do to spend time with her. Just showing up at the market seemed to be a good start. Brent tried to imagine what his mother would tell him to do. She would say that if the young lady was worth it, he should go and pull out all of the stops. He should romance her. Bring her candy treats and flowers and smile as he tells her how stunning she is.
    He could definitely do all of those things. He could bring her flowers and go to the general store and bring her candy treats or small trinkets tied with a pretty silk ribbon. But what if she was the type of woman that did not appreciate those terms of affection?
    She already projected this air of independence that instantly built a wall between them. His first task would be to break down that wall. The thing that worried him was if Lily would be willing to let that wall down. She was so striking, he was almost sure many suitors presented themselves to her.
    He would most certainly be one of many. Brent was sure he would just have to make his mark and hope that Lily was interested.
     
    *
     
    Standing there holding a long stemmed lily, Brent waited with baited breath. Just when his head began to swirl and dizziness was threatening to settle in, Lily appeared. She rode in on a wagon, tethered her horse, and began to unpack her wares.
    "Good morning," Brent greeted.
    "Well, what a surprise." Lily jumped down off of the wagon, wiping her hands on her apron, she smiled.
    Brent presented her with the flower. "I was at the garden yesterday and thought of you."
    Lily regarded him for a moment. "That is very thoughtful, Brent. And lilies are my favorite. And not just because of my name," she responded with a giggle.
    It was just the remark to break the ice.
    "Let me help you unload," he offered, pointing toward the wagon.
    She paused for a moment. "Fine."
    She pulled back the cover and showed him what he should unpack. He helped her in silence.
    "Hopefully a little teamwork was helpful this morning."
    "It was. Thank you."
    Lily busied herself rearranging one of the vases. "Any interesting assignments today?"
    "Not really. Just the basics. Patrol the market. And a few other things that are not really much to talk about."
    From there, the conversation flowed naturally. The anxiety wore off and Brent was able to speak to the beauty without stammering.
    Before they both knew it, people started filing into the market.
    "I think that's my cue to leave and get my work day started. It was a pleasure talking to you this morning, Lily."
    Lily took the flower he had given her and gently placed it in her hair. "The pleasure was all mine."
    Brent tipped his hat. He was ready to walk away, but he decided that it would be insane to do so without asking her the very thing that had been on his mind.
    "Lily, I would love if we could spend a little time together. If I could call on you some evening. Would that be alright with you?"
    Her smile told him all that he needed to know.
    "I would like that, Brent. Until then, I will see you in the morning, bright and early. I kind of like having a little help unloading my wagon."
    "Yes Ma'am."
    Brent walked away, his heart swelling with love and happiness for the first time since he could remember. He would be on time tomorrow. If helping Lily would get him more time with her, he would do it.
     
    *
     
    It did not take Brent long to begin to settle in to Owen's Bluff. With Sheriff Dyer and Miss Sarah helping him to get acclimated, the transition was easy. Meeting Lily made living in Owen's Bluff all the better.
    She was sweet and