Whirlwind Groom Read Online Free PDF

it.
    A clanging sounded from the other room. “Sheriff, I’m thirsty.”
    â€œShut up.” Though Holt spoke to the prisoner, he never took his eyes off Josie.
    She realized the noise of metal on metal was the sound of McDougal banging a tin cup or plate against the bars.
    The sheriff dipped his head a fraction, his breath soft against her temple. She smelled leather and soap and man. “What’s it gonna be?”
    Showing him her scalpel proved nothing, Josie told herself. She angled her chin, hoping he couldn’t see how she trembled all over. “Very well. I do have a weapon. I’ll get it.”
    She dipped a hand inside her square-necked gingham bodice.
    The sheriff drew back, eyes widening. “What are you doin’?”
    â€œGetting my weapon.” If she weren’t so rattled, she might have laughed at the expression on his face—half anticipation, half stone-cold fear that she might expose herself.
    She pulled the blade from between her breasts and saw his eyes darken. Not with curiosity or surprise, but with raw, hot desire. Her stomach did a slow drop to her feet.
    â€œWhat—” he cleared his throat “—the heck is that?”
    The fire in his gaze sent a tingle to her toes and she swallowed hard. “It’s a scalpel.”
    â€œA doctor’s instrument?”
    She nodded.
    â€œI thought you said you were a dressmaker.”
    â€œI am.”
    He frowned at the weapon’s short silver blade. “You beat all, lady. What are you planning to do with that?”
    â€œDefend myself.” She pressed harder against the door, trying to escape the feel of his lean thighs, the warmth fromhis body. “My father was a doctor and he taught my mother and me how to use this.”
    â€œThen why do you need to learn how to shoot?”
    â€œWith the scalpel, I have to be really close to someone. Like I am to you.”
    He eased back slightly, frowning.
    She tried not to smile. “But I have no defense if someone were to shoot at me.”
    â€œJust what can you do with that thing?”
    â€œStab it in someone’s windpipe or eye. If I go deep enough, I can slice into this big vein here.” She touched the side of her neck.
    The sheriff eyed the scalpel warily. “You already seem plenty dangerous to me. I’m not sure that you having a gun is a good idea.”
    If she had known how to use a gun two years ago, her family might still be alive. “Are you saying you won’t help me find a teacher?”
    â€œAre you saying you’ve decided to make a home in Whirlwind?”
    â€œUh, yes.” From the excruciatingly slow way her plan was progressing, she would have to. At this rate, she’d be a year older before she ever got to McDougal. “But Whirlwind seems less…civilized than Galveston. I would just feel safer if I knew how to use a gun.”
    â€œAnd you’re going to open a dressmaker shop?”
    She laughed lightly. “That’s the only skill I have.”
    Holt stared at her for a long minute, his eyes hooded beneath his hat. “I’ll teach you to shoot.”
    â€œ You? But I thought—”
    â€œChange your mind?”
    â€œNo.” But maybe she should.
    â€œThen I’ll teach you. I’m good with guns and I can show you the proper way to handle them.”
    â€œCould you give me a lesson every day?” She needed to check on McDougal as often as possible.
    â€œSure, I can do that.”
    â€œOh, good. Thank you, Sheriff Holt.” Why was he so willing to help her? Her smile felt overly bright as she realized exactly what their deal meant.
    He finally stepped back a few inches. “If we’re going to see each other every day, you should call me Davis Lee.”
    â€œAll right.” She wouldn’t. “I’ll see you in the morning then, bright and early.”
    â€œTomorrow is Sunday. I’ll be in church. Won’t