Read Online In Your Arms by Rebecca Goings - Free Book Online

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    He’d had second thoughts about coming to the barn dance, but he knew he couldn’t disappoint Melissa. She’d given him plenty of outs for this soiree that he hadn’t taken. If he refused to go on the night of the dance itself, she would never forgive him.
    Marcus knew his jaw had been on the floor when he’d gotten his first glimpse of her descending the steps of the general store, looking stunning in a dark green dress that accented her hair and eyes beautifully. Her deep-red tresses were swept off her neck in a bun with only a few tendrils hanging down in small curls. His mouth had watered at the sight as he’d remembered all too well exactly what her skin tasted like. Seeing her neck exposed like that made him desperately want to taste it again.
    They hadn’t spoken in days, and he fidgeted for something to say when she glanced at him through her lashes.
    “You look nice.”
    Giving him a small smile, she wrapped herself in a white crocheted shawl and headed for the door of the shop. He jumped ahead of her to open it, only to be stopped by Shirley as she glided down the stairs in the same pink gown she’d worn once before.
    “Don’t I look stunning?” she cooed, spinning around to show off the dress.
    “Indeed,” he grumbled, turning back to Melissa, but she was no longer there. With Marcus holding the door open for her, she’d simply walked through it and advanced up the street without him.
    “Lissa!” he shouted, running to keep up.
    “Marcus, wait for me!” Shirley wailed behind him, but he didn’t pay her any heed.
    “Why are you walking away without me?” he asked as he caught up with Melissa.
    Without sparing him a glance, she said, “I just want to get this night over with.”
    “Well, here then. Take my arm.”
    “No thank you.”
    “Don’t be stubborn, Lissa. I’m escorting you. Take my arm.”
    She ignored his outstretched elbow and continued to walk toward the well-lit barn on the edge of town.
    As he stood at the entrance with Melissa by his side, he didn’t know what to do. The tune was lively, and couples already swirled about the floor. Lanterns were strung from the rafters, and a few chairs were set up near a table with refreshments. Some people noticed them and smiled, nodding their heads in greeting.
    “Would you like something to drink?” he offered, leading Melissa to the table.
    “That sounds nice,” she murmured, keeping her eyes averted.
    Marcus scowled but said nothing.
    “Ah, there you are, Miss Bloom!”
    Turning to the familiar voice, Marcus groaned inwardly. Dr. Newcomb hovered a little too close to Melissa for his liking.
    “Hello, Doctor,” she said politely.
    “Please, you know my name is Timothy.”
    Melissa’s cheeks pinkened as she nodded but didn’t reply.
    “I never got the chance to thank you, young man,” Timothy said, “for being so quick to run after Lissa the other day. Obviously, her horse was spooked by something and bolted with her still on its back. If it weren’t for your quick thinking in taking my horse to catch her, I shudder to think what could have happened.”
    Melissa looked back at Marcus with a shocked expression on her face. He cleared his throat to mask his own discomfort.
    “Yes, well, I needed to catch Chuck’s mare as fast as I could.”
    “Bless you, son.” Timothy’s gaze returned to Melissa. “Would you mind if I stole this beautiful woman for a few dances, McCaide?”
    Clenching his hands into fists, Marcus fought the urge to rip the older man’s hand from Melissa’s arm. Why was he having such possessive thoughts? He needed to clear his head, he needed to calm down. He’d promised the doctor a few turns with Melissa, and he wasn’t going to go back on his word.
    Nodding with a tight smile, he said, “Go right ahead, sir.”
    He instantly regretted that decision when the musicians began playing a more subdued song. He watched with narrowed eyes as Dr. Newcomb pulled Melissa close and wrapped his arm