Read Online Oil Patch Romance (Mail Order Bride Series) by Susan Leigh Carlton - Free Book Online

posters of the band and of upcoming performances.  Clutching his hand, she raised her arm to point to a poster advertising an appearance of Lily Langtry.  Johnny’s arm brushed her breast as she pointed.  His cheeks flamed as desire surged.  Embarrassed, he turned but saw no one paying particular attention to them.  “It’s a bit warm in here, don’t you think?” he asked.  “Would you like to get some fresh air?”
     
    “If you like,” she replied in a soft voice.  Hand in hand, they walked outside into the cool evening, and joined other members of the audience as they waited for the bell to sound summoning them back to their seats. From one composition to the next, until a thunderous roll of the drums announced the introduction of the finale, Stars and Stripes Forever , they were enthralled by the stirring music. 
     
    When it ended, Johnny said, “I am wrung out.  I don’t think I have ever enjoyed anything as much as this.”
     
    “It is powerful, isn’t it?” Laura said and took his arm as they moved to the exit.  The crowd in the aisle served to push them closer together, causing her breast to again press against his arm.  This in turn caused an arousal that reached to the center of Johnny’s being.  I hope no one notices, he thought as they moved along.
     
    After a dinner at the Palace Hotel, the carriage delivered Johnny and Laura to her home.  Holding her hand, he walked her to the door.  She turned to face him.  “Jonathon, that was one of the most enjoyable evenings I’ve had in a long time.  Thank you for asking me.”
     
    Looking into her eyes that sparkled in the light of the full moon, he raised his arms, still holding her hand.  She came readily into the outstretched arms.  With her head slightly tilted back, he lowered his and found her lips.  They touched.  The contact electrified him as he pressed closer.  Her lips parted and his tongue traced the soft fullness of her lips.  It was a kiss as tender and light as a soft summer breeze.
     
    She drew his face to hers in a renewed embrace,  The touch of his lips on hers had sent a shock through her entire body.  She drank in the sweetness of his kiss.  Her body hummed.  Her emotions whirling, she stepped back, “I think I had better go in now.  It has been a wonderful evening.  Please ask me again.”
     
    With reluctance, Johnny backed away.  “I am just realizing my boorish behavior has cost me.  You’ve taught me a big lesson.”  Leaning down, he kissed her lightly on the cheek.  “Good night, Laura.  Thank you for one of the best evenings of my life.”
     
    She smiled.  “Good night, Jonathon”, then went inside.  Johnny watched until a light came on and walked on air to his carriage and went home.

Chapter 11:  A Growing Relationship
     
    When Johnny walked in, he found Rebecca sitting on the couch, her legs tucked under her.  “You’re out a bit late, aren’t you, little brother?”
     
    “I don’t know, am I?” he answered.
     
    “It’s after midnight,” she said.  “How was your evening?”
     
    “Fabulous,” he said.  “It was the nicest evening I’ve ever had.  We went to the Sousa concert and then had dinner at the Palace.  It was perfect.”
     
    “Are you going to ask her out again?” she asked.
     
    “I am, as often as she will go,” he said.
     
    “Advice from a big sister?  Don’t push.  Take it easy, and, Johnny, if you hurt that girl, I will never forgive you.  I mean that.  She’s a special one.  Her kind doesn’t come along often.”
     
    “Beck, hurting her is the last thing I would ever do.  When I think back to the way I’ve been with her, I’m ashamed.  I apologize several times, and I think she accepted.
     
    ”I think she could be the one.  I don’t want to mess this up.
     
    “What did you and Bill do?”
     
    “We had dinner and then went dancing.  He’s good company.  I just wish we weren’t so far apart.  I really like