Read Online Lightning Only Strikes Twice by Stanalei Fletcher - Free Book Online Page A

you dragging me around.”
    She tried to free her arm, but he kept a tight grip.
    “I’m sure you can.” Dipping his head near hers, he whispered quietly in her ear. “I want you out of earshot before you say something that will land you in the asylum.”
    “I’m the only sane one here!”
    A passerby glanced over and he gripped her arm a little tighter.
    She got the message and lowered her voice. “It’s the rest of you who have stretched this celebration out of proportion.”
    “I thought you were hungry. Let me buy you dinner.”
    “I’m not hungry any more.”
    Her stomach growl just then and he chuckled. “Liar.”
    “I’m leaving after I’ve eaten.”
    “Suit yourself.” He wished leaving White Rock would be as easy as she thought, but he supposed she’d figure it out soon enough.
    They walked over to a long table set outside on the dirt street in buffet style for the celebration. The spread of beef brisket, rolls, and freshly made pies made his mouth water. One of the things he did like about this time was the home cooking.
    Luke heard Annie’s stomach rumble again. He took that as a sign that she was recovering, at least a little, from her ordeal. He grabbed a couple of tin plates and handed one to her.
    She stared at a short stack of cloth napkins. “Why don’t they use paper?”
    “Because paper plates and napkins haven’t been invented yet.”
    She gave him a scowl.
    He ignored her. At some point, she’d realize he wasn’t pretending.
    She put a roll on her plate and helped herself to a slice of the brisket. At the end of the table, they found a hodgepodge of utensils.
    He headed toward an empty table, away from other diners, figuring it was safer in case she started babbling about cars or computers.
    Her shoulder brushed his as she sat.
    Tingles raced up his arm and his insides steadied. The intensity of his reaction to her touches surprised him. He wasn’t sure if he liked the sensation, although not feeling the constant wooziness was a nice change.
    Annie took a bite of brisket. “This is really good. I didn’t realize how hungry I was.”
    “Just remember, there’ll be days when food won’t be as plentiful. While you’re staying at the Crawfords’, you’ll at least know when your next meal will be.” He took bite, enjoying the tender meat. “When I first got here, I had to work in the livery to earn my meal ticket.”
    She frowned and pushed her plate aside. “You sure know how to kill an appetite. You promised I could leave after we ate.”
    “You can,” he said. “I’ll walk you to Paul’s house.”
    “No, I want to leave. ” She gestured around her. “Leave this town—or whatever it is.”
    “You can’t.” He took another bite of his brisket and gave her a sidelong glance as he chewed. “I can’t leave either. We’re stranded here.” He no longer saw a point in trying to convince her. It was what it was. They were stuck.
    “You’re repeating yourself. It stopped being funny a long time ago.”
    He picked up a roll and stacked his plate on hers. “I’m telling the truth, Annie. You’ll have to accept it sooner or later.”
    “Later would be better,” she said. “Much later. When I’m in my own home.”
    “Look around you.” He nodded toward the buildings. “It’s getting dark. Do you see anyone turning on lights?”
    “I’m sure keeping the atmosphere is all part your celebration plan,” she said. “Even I know electricity was invented before 1891.”
    “But White Rock is an out-of-the-way mining town. It hasn’t been wired yet.”
    “I’ve had enough.” Annie stood. “If you’re not going help me, then I’ll find my own way home.”
    Luke gave her a short head start before leaving the table to join her. Just as he reached her, the Beacher kids came running up.
    “Miss Annie!” Willie called.
    She smiled as they approached. Her smile was almost as sweet as the one she gave him when he handed her his knife back in their own