Read Online Colt by Georgina Gentry - Free Book Online Page B

looked puzzled.
    He grinned. “That’s Texas talk. Means you couldn’t be any prettier. Anyway I’m honored, ma’am, to take you ridin’.”
    â€œIt’s my pleasure.” She smiled down at him from her fine bay thoroughbred mare. The expensive riding habit’s skirt swept almost to the ground and a perky feathered hat sat on her dark curls. “I brought along a picnic.”
    â€œLife doesn’t get any better than this.” Colt grinned at the beauty as he tied the basket behind her saddle and mounted Rascal.
    It was a breezy, comfortable day, the kind that made him feel lucky to live in Texas, Colt thought as the pair started off at a walk. “There’s a shady place down by the river that would be perfect for a picnic.” Then another thought. “Ma’am, you did ask your father’s permission for me to take you ridin’?”
    â€œOf course, Colton.” She gave him a dazzling smile. “Daddy has a lot of confidence in you. So do I or I’d be worried about Indians.”
    He frowned. “That makes me wonder about Mrs. Brownley. She’s suffered a lot.”
    Olivia shrugged. “Oh, her. Well, maybe her husband will come get her soon and she won’t be our problem anymore.”
    â€œI didn’t think of her as a problem.” Colt gave her a searching look as they rode. “She’s been through hell.”
    â€œI know, poor thing,” Olivia said. “Since you’re so worried about her state of mind, I’ll invite her to the officers’ dance tonight. Maybe that will brighten her outlook.”
    â€œI don’t know if she’s ready for all those people, the stares she’ll get.”
    â€œNonsense. It will be good for her. I’ll lend her a nice dress.”
    He felt his heart melt. “Miss Olivia, you are a really good person.”
    She blushed and pulled a hankie out of her sleeve and wiped her eyes.
    â€œI didn’t mean to make you cry.” Damn, this beauty spilled tears like a fountain.
    â€œI was just so touched by your compliment.” She dabbed at her eyes. “You’re wonderful, Lieutenant.”
    He glanced over at her as they rode. “No, Miss Olivia, you’re the one who’s wonderful.”
    Her long eyelashes flickered downward modestly. “Why, Lieutenant, you say the nicest things.”
    â€œI hope I’m not bein’ too forward, Miss Olivia, but I hope to get to know you a whole lot better.”
    â€œOh, Colton, you make my heart flutter.”
    He hoped she wasn’t going to cry again. They rode through the bluebonnets and scarlet Indian paintbrush as they crossed the prairie.
    â€œIsn’t this fine country?” he murmured. “Good grass belly-deep to a horse. A man could get a few acres and a few cows and in no time, become a rancher.”
    She looked around. There was nothing for miles except the fort behind them and the tree-lined Brazos River ahead. “It would be pretty lonely out here, no cotillions or ladies’ luncheons to dress up for.”
    â€œOh, Texas has a social life, ma’am,” he assured her. “Why, there’s barbecues and church socials and maybe a barn dance now and then.”
    â€œHow exciting,” she said, but she didn’t smile.
    â€œHere’s the river up ahead.” He nodded toward the slow-moving Brazos, whose banks were lined with live oak and cottonwood trees.
    â€œAre you sure we won’t be ambushed by Indians?” she asked as she reined in.
    â€œI’ve got my rifle and my pistol, Miss Olivia,” he reminded her, “and I’m the best shot in the outfit. You’re safe with me.” He reined in and dismounted, came around to help her.
    Olivia looked down at him, giving him her most winsome smile. Yes indeed, she did feel safe with him. This big, broad-shouldered Texan was more man than any she’d ever met. She decided right