The Lawman's Agreement (Entangled Scandalous) Read Online Free PDF Page A

them,” he admitted. “It definitely wouldn’t be fair to lead them on.”
    “I agree. I’ve become very close with both Felicity and Jake. I’d feel horrible misleading them.”
    “Jake and Felicity are having a big family dinner a week from Sunday. Why don’t you join us? We’ll tell them of our plan then.”
    “Okay, but no courting until after we’ve told them the truth.”
    “If that’s what you want, cher , I’ll do my best to wait it out.”
    “What I’d really like is for you to stop calling me cher .”
    “Suzie, then?” he teased, his dark gaze sparkling with amusement, his grin as tempting as sin.
    “No.”
    “Well, at least we can progress to a first name basis, can’t we?” Pausing, he added, “After all, we’re about to become engaged.”
    Rather than respond, Suzanne stood and took hold of Zack’s hand as he’d done to hers before. Pulling him to his feet, she made her way to the front of the clinic and opened the door.
    “If you leave now,” she told him, “I’ll give serious consideration to allowing Suzanne. Not cher ; and definitely not Suzie.”
    About to step out onto the wooden walkway in front of the office, Zack stopped short in order to avoid bumping into two elderly ladies standing just outside the door. Then, turning back in her direction, he pulled Suzanne into his arms and pressed a kiss to her cheek.
    “Goodbye, darling,” he whispered, his voice just loud enough for the two women to overhear, “I’ll be back to walk you home at six.”
    Without missing a beat, he stepped out onto the sidewalk, tipped his hat to the women, and started off toward his office.
    Suzanne closed the door and leaned back against the frame, the frantic racing of her pulse further enhancing the flush of embarrassment warming her cheeks, both reactions surprising her. No doubt the gossip mill would be active tonight fueled by rumors she’d had no intention of starting so soon.

Chapter Four
    “Come in, Zachary; Doctor Martindale.” Zack’s Aunt Virginia opened the door and graciously beckoned them forward. As always, Suzanne was struck by the elegance of the older woman. If there were ever the perfect portrait of a gracious southern belle, it would be Zack’s Aunt Virginia.
    In spite of Zack’s attempt at providing fodder for the local gossips, Suzanne had managed to keep the marshal at arm’s length for the past week. They’d crossed paths on a few occasions, most often because of a saloon brawl, or an injury to a mill worker.
    Fortunately, in each instance, they’d been surrounded by people, and Suzanne had been able to control the situation and keep the gist of their unusual agreement quiet.
    Up until today, that was.
    Today they faced the task of telling Zack’s family of their intended plan. Suzanne wished she felt as certain of their agreement as Zack did.
    “Thank you so much for having me,” Suzanne said in return. “And, please, Mrs. McCade, call me Suzanne.”
    “I will my dear, as long as you call me either Virginia or, even Aunt Ginnie. I answer to either.”
    Suzanne smiled at the woman, readily agreeing. “Virginia, it is.”
    Jake stepped into the foyer as well, and always the southern gentleman and host, he took Suzanne’s cloak and then raised her fingertips to his lips for a kiss. “Welcome to our home, Suzanne. Felicity, Matt, and Miri are in the parlor.”
    “Is that pecan pie I smell, Aunt Ginnie?” Zack asked, entering the house on Suzanne’s heels and drawing his aunt into a gentle hug.
    Suzanne stepped away from Zack’s unnerving presence, doing her best to ignore the marshal’s undeniable charm. Yet, as she was quickly finding out, all the McCade men seemed to be charming and irresistible.
    As if to prove her point, Matt joined them in the entranceway and offered Suzanne his arm, ushering her smoothly into the elegantly appointed parlor where the others waited. No wonder the ladies of Greenville chased after Zack. What sane woman wouldn’t