Read Online Promises Kept by Scarlett Dunn - Free Book Online Page A

reason he didn’t want to see her in another man’s bed. The only women he’d ever put to bed he’d been right along beside them, and they didn’t have their clothes on. With that thought his eyes made a slow traverse down her body. No doubt about it, she was one beautiful woman. He didn’t know what made him think about such things under the circumstances, other than the fact that he was a man. His only justification was it had been too long . . . well . . . in all truthfulness, he couldn’t justify his bad behavior. He just needed to get control of his thoughts.
    Bartholomew hurried to the kitchen to fetch some water and a damp cloth. Colt sat beside Victoria and noticed her wrist was dangling at an odd angle. He tried to untie the ribbons of the reticule at her wrist. Darned if he knew why ladies carried the little bags; they weren’t big enough to hold anything important. He remembered his mother was never without one on her arm when she went to town. His big fingers working at those tiny ribbons were a test of his patience. When the bag finally dropped into his hand, he let out a loud sigh. He looked down at the bag and studied the intricate handstitched design. Granted, he didn’t know much about women’s fashion, but even he had to appreciate the workmanship of the delicately sewn white doves and flowers. The weight also surprised him; it was heavier than he expected. Palming the bag, he realized why it was so heavy. He felt the distinct outline of a derringer. His eyes shifted from the pouch to the immobile woman next to him. Wonder why she’s packing a gun? Definitely more to this little lady than meets the eye. L. B. was the only woman he’d ever seen with a derringer. When he’d commented on it one time, she told him a derringer was easy to hide and it came in handy from time to time. Maddie told him most of the girls kept a gun in their rooms so they could protect themselves if a customer got too rough and they didn’t have time to wait for Sam to handle the situation. Considering their line of work, it made sense they felt the need for protection. But why does Miss Eastman need protection ?
    Colt placed the reticule on the table next to his Stetson, and turned his attention back to the woman who posed so many questions he didn’t know where to begin. Her complexion looked like fresh cream, a stark contrast to her dark auburn hair and the black lashes resting on her cheekbones. She had perfectly shaped brows, a small straight nose, and plump pink lips. She was definitely a looker. Every feature on her face was perfect, in his estimation. He gently tapped her cheek. “Ma’am, wake up.” No luck. He tapped lightly again. She didn’t move. He was half tempted to kiss her to see if that would awaken her.
    Hearing Bartholomew’s footsteps nearing the doorway, Colt said again, “Ma’am? Ma’am?” He glanced at the dog, which had jumped up on the bed when Colt tapped her cheek. He plopped down right next to Victoria, his eyes fixed on Colt.
    “I’m not hurting her, buddy,” he said to the grungy animal.
    Bartholomew held the damp cloth out to him. “Here you go. See if this will stir her.”
    Colt placed the cloth on her forehead. “I think she feels warm.”
    “Well, it is hotter than blazes, and she’s traveled a long way in this heat. Then the poor little thing finds out her intended is dead on her arrival. I reckon if anyone has a reason to take ill, it’d be this little gal,” Bartholomew replied, his own voice thick with emotion.
    Colt flinched at Bartholomew’s words. All he had been doing was thinking about how beautiful she was; he’d given little thought to her situation. “Where did Chet meet her?”
    Bartholomew limped to the only chair in the room and plopped down. “He hadn’t met her. He answered her advertisement in the newspaper.”
    Colt whipped his head around to look at Bartholomew, disbelief written all over his face. “Her advertisement?”
    “Said she was