Read Online Kissing Comfort by Jo Goodman - Free Book Online

“Bram appears to be deeply engaged in conversation with Tuck.”
    That did not ease Comfort in the least. “If they’re talking politics, it can’t end well.”
    Bode didn’t disagree. “Why do you think Bram chose tonight to announce your engagement?”
    â€œYou should ask him.”
    â€œI will, but I’m asking you now. Didn’t you discuss it?”
    â€œNot before this evening.” Even as she said it, she wondered if Bram’s answer would support her or make it seem as if she were lying. Just now, she wasn’t certain that she cared.
    â€œBram takes some odd notions into his head.”
    Comfort didn’t hear a question, so she kept quiet. Perhaps if he only talked to himself, he’d grow tired of the company.
    â€œYou’ve always impressed me as a sensible influence. Mother says the same. How long have you and Bram known each other?”
    â€œSince my coming-out.”
    â€œThat’s right. The party. You were what? Sixteen?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œAnd he was seventeen. Nine years, then. You wrote to each other, I believe, when he went east to Harvard. And didn’t you later attend some seminary for young ladies?”
    â€œOberlin College,” she said. It was difficult not to grit her teeth at his condescension. “In Ohio. Men also attended.”
    â€œDid your uncles realize that when they packed you off?”
    Now she understood he was purposely trying to rile her. Although she was unclear as to his motive, it made it easier not to give in. “You know them,” she said lightly. “Do you think they’d let me go anywhere without sending three Pinkerton men in advance of my arrival?” He surprised her by chuckling again. “Actually, Uncle Newton accompanied me there and remained until he was certain I was settled. Uncle Tuck attended my graduation and escorted me home.”
    â€œI see. You and Bram corresponded while you were both away?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œAs friends.”
    â€œYou say that as if you cannot fathom it, but it’s true.”
    Bode did not trouble himself to pretend he believed her. He made a small shrug to indicate it didn’t matter. “How many proposals of marriage have you had, Miss Kennedy?”
    â€œMr. DeLong,” she said deliberately, “if you persist on being rude, I’ll make you wish you were still fighting off the Rangers.”
    â€œI think it must be four,” he said. “Perhaps five. What was wrong with—ahhh!” Bode’s right knee buckled as pain arced jaggedly down his leg. It was like electricity crackling between two copper leads, only this was a jangling nerve between the base of his spine and his kneecap. It made no difference that Comfort was responsible for crippling him; his only choice was to accept her support when she offered it or fall flat on his face.
    Several men rushed forward to lend their assistance, but Bode put up a hand and held them off. “Something to sit on,” he said. “That will be enough.” Almost immediately he felt the seat of chair pushing against the back of his knees. Comfort bent with him, easing him down. Through a haze of pain, Bode saw she was actually smiling. Those attending him might mistake her expression for sympathy and concern, but he knew she was sincerely pleased to have put him so firmly in his place.
    â€œHe was fine,” she said by way of explanation. “Until he wasn’t.” Comfort backed away as more guests crowded in. When she saw that Alexandra had reached Bode’s side, she ducked out and went in search of Bram.
    She came toe to toe with Tucker Jones first. He smiled, slipped his arm in hers, and would have dragged her out to the portico if she had not accompanied him willingly.
    â€œI saw that,” he said without preamble. “You wedged your foot between his, stepped sideways, and bore down on him.”
    Comfort sighed.