Whirlwind Groom Read Online Free PDF Page A

and hard. She refused to panic. She’d dealt with this man—this big man—before. And she was prepared this time. “Like I said, I was looking for you.”
    â€œThere’s a prisoner back there, Miz Webster.” He inclined his head toward the door behind her. “It’s not a good idea for you to be in here alone.”
    She glanced over her shoulder. “I guess not.”
    Despite the day’s heat, she wished she hadn’t forgotten her gloves. Her hands were clammy and shaking awfully.
    â€œYou said you were looking for me?” Holt steppedaround her to check the door, once more between her and McDougal.
    â€œOh, yes.” She cleared her throat. “I wonder if you might know someone who can teach me to shoot?”
    â€œTo shoot?”
    â€œYes. You know, a gun.”
    Irritation crossed his features as he moved to stand in front of her again. “I didn’t think you meant a slingshot.”
    â€œWell?” She hoped he would believe she had come to the jail only for this reason.
    He crossed his arms and studied her. “I just can’t figure you, Miz Webster.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œI think your being in my jail has something to do with Ian McDougal.”
    â€œSheriff!” the prisoner yelled. “What’s going on out there?”
    Josie stiffened. She did not want the outlaw to see her. Or know she was here until she chose.
    â€œJust talkin’ to a visitor.” Sheriff Holt edged closer, causing her to step away. “What do you say, Miz Webster?”
    â€œAbout what?” She could barely get the words out through her tight throat.
    â€œYou seem fascinated with my prisoner,” he said softly. “Why is that?”
    â€œI’m not.” She clenched one fist in the folds of her skirt and tried to look curious rather than nervous. “Are you saying your prisoner is one of the McDougal gang? You didn’t tell me that the other day.”
    â€œDon’t recall you askin’, but I think you already know he is.” Holt advanced again, forcing her against the wall. “Are you his sweetheart?”
    â€œNo!” The thought made her stomach seize up. Shescooted down the wall in front of him, but he shifted his large body, trapping her against the door.
    â€œA relative? His sister maybe?”
    â€œAbsolutely not.” How could he think her related to that murdering criminal? “I’ve heard about the things he and his brothers have done. I don’t appreciate being referred to as part of their family.”
    â€œWell, I don’t appreciate being lied to and I think that’s what you’re doing.”
    â€œI never!”
    â€œWhat were you hiding when I walked in?”
    â€œHiding? Nothing. I—”
    He leaned in and she pressed her shoulder blades flat against the wood at her back. Holt planted a hand on either side of her. “Something up your sleeve? A derringer maybe? A file? Some kind of weapon?”
    She struggled to keep her composure though the hard warmth of his body proved very distracting. “Do the ladies you know carry weapons, Sheriff?”
    â€œWe’re fixin’ to find out.”
    His silky voice did things to her insides that she couldn’t recall having ever experienced with William. “Derringer? I don’t have a gun. I told you I want to learn how to shoot.”
    His gaze slid down her body then back up to meet her eyes. “Do you want me to search you?”
    She gasped. “You wouldn’t dare!”
    â€œI will if you don’t show me what you’ve got hidden.”
    â€œWhat kind of man are you that you would put your hands on me?”
    â€œThe kind who wants an answer,” he said hotly. “Now either show me or I’ll get it myself.”
    The thrill that shot through her veins told Josie she did not want this man touching her. She instinctively knew she wouldn’t forget