The Cowboy's Reluctant Bride Read Online Free PDF Page A

the reins around the hitching post. “I came as soon as I could.”
    Giving Gideon a narrow-eyed look, Conrad reached her in two strides, arms outstretched.
    She stepped back, managing to avoid contact. He was always touching her, and she didn’t like it.
    His blue-checked shirt and dark trousers were clean. His eyes were deep brown, his features as perfect as a drawing and he possessed about as much substance as a piece of paper. He was trim and well built, a handsome man. And he knew it.
    “What brings you out two days in a row, Conrad?” Ivy asked evenly.
    “I came to check on you. See how you fared in the storm.”
    “Just fine.”
    He turned his attention to Gideon, his eyes hardening when he saw how close the other man stood to her.
    “Who are you?” he asked sharply.
    Ivy barely stopped herself from snapping that it was none of his business. Before Gideon could answer, she did. “Conrad, this is Gideon Black, a family friend.”
    “Are you staying here or just passing through?”
    As if that were any of his concern. Ivy fought the urge to order the stage driver off her property, but that wouldn’t be smart, businesswise. “He’s my guest, Conrad. He brought a message from my brother.”
    The man scrutinized Gideon before his gaze swung to Ivy. “Is everything all right?”
    “Yes. Gideon and I are just having a visit.”
    The subject of the conversation had yet to say a word, but Ivy didn’t miss the shrewd glint in his eyes as he sized up the other man. She also didn’t miss the way he kept one hand on the butt of the revolver in his holster.
    “I drive the stage,” Conrad announced unnecessarily.
    “So Miss Ivy said.” Gideon folded his arms over that broad chest. With a scowl on his compelling features, he looked as approachable as a rattlesnake.
    Seeming to dismiss Gideon, Conrad turned to her with a smile and took her elbow, towing her inside.
    As he always did, he walked into her house without an invitation. Gideon followed them over the threshold, disapproval pulsing from him.
    When Ivy pulled away, Conrad paused at the dining table, his smile still in place. “You were probably frightened last night. That storm really kicked up a fuss.”
    “I wasn’t frightened,” she said stiffly.
    “Maybe you’ve got some of that delicious coffee?” Conrad’s gaze fell to the two plates on the table. The two cups. Mouth tight, he sat in the chair next to hers.
    She didn’t like it, but she didn’t need to upset the man who recommended her stage stop and was responsible for bringing passengers here.
    Gideon remained at the door like a sentry. Tension arced in the room, and she thought she could physically feel him willing the stage driver to leave.
    Conrad drummed his fingers on the table.
    She took another tin cup from the cabinet that held the tin plates and mugs reserved for the passengers. Going to the stove, she wrapped the hem of her apron around the hot handle of the coffeepot.
    As she poured, he said, “It would’ve been better if you’d been in town last night, not out here all alone.”
    “I was fine.” Her words were short as she handed him the cup. She glanced at Gideon, noticing that his face hadn’t changed one bit. It still looked carved out of stone. Forbidding. Conrad was either blind or not intimidated.
    “You know how I feel about you being out here all by your lonesome,” he said.
    Yes, and she didn’t give two figs about it. It took effort to keep her voice level. “I appreciate your concern, but I can’t leave my home.”
    “You shouldn’t be running this place by yourself.” He sipped at the steamy brew. “You shouldn’t be running it at all.”
    “Conrad,” she said sweetly, her eyes narrowing. “I’ve been running it since Tom passed, and I intend to keep doing so.”
    “Now, now, don’t get your back up.” He clumsily placed his cup on the table, liquid sloshing out as he stood and moved toward her.
    Gideon took a step in her direction. Only