Read Online Shotgun Bride by Karen Lopp - Free Book Online

it wasn’t because of noises. “I have a deck of cards. Want to play something?”
    “I don’t want to keep you up.”
    “Too late for that. What games do you know?”
    A mischievous smile curled her lips upward. “Poker.”
    Mike laughed and lit the lantern. “What are the stakes?”
    “I don’t have anything.”
    “Yes, you do.”
    Suspicion exploded in her eyes. “What are you talking about?”
    He shrugged. “Oh, how about another kiss?”
    The play of emotions in her expressive eyes amused him. She wanted to be offended, but a sparkle of adventure battled there also. And her cheeks turned the prettiest pink. Like a rainy evening sunset.
    “And what are you offering me if I win?”
    “Name it.”
    “Go with me over the pass tomorrow.”
    Since he was going that way anyway he couldn’t lose. “Deal.” He dug his deck of cards out and the game commenced. She was good. This wasn’t going to be a quick win. And it wasn’t. They played until the first rays of sun slanted across the floorboards.
    “Ha. You lose,” he declared, grinning.
    Kathleen flopped back against the headboard and appeared ready to cry.
    “Aw, don’t look so sad. I’ll still go with you.”
    She threw herself at him and planted a fervent kiss on him. Surprised, he didn’t have time to react before she clambered off the bed, a huge smile on her face. “Thank you.”
    She must really be scared . “I still think they’re after me not you.”
    “Then why did that man come to my room? You were listed on the register. I wasn’t.”
    Good point . Mike raked his fingers through his hair and climbed off the bed. Still, the man had been looking for a ‘he.’ And he was the only man Kathleen had spent any amount of time with. Not to mention their public display on the sidewalk for everyone to see.
    Mike threw his hands up. “Then, we stick together.”
    “Good. Now turn around so I can dress.”
    “Spoil sport.”
    Kathleen glared, opened her mouth to say something then smiled. “I guess you earned the right to tease. Now turn.”
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    Mike couldn’t remember when he had had a better time. Danger aside, Kathleen had a charming sense of humor and didn’t use feminine wiles to try to cajole him into doing what she wanted. He liked her. Liked helping her. Liked her honesty.
    At the rustling behind him, Mike didn’t bother trying to block his imagination. She didn’t have to know what went through his mind.
    “I’m done.”
    He wasn’t. “Let me check the hall first.”
    “Shouldn’t you get dressed?”
    His ears burned. Mike briefly closed his eyes and shook the enticing images of Kathleen out of his thoughts. He forgot he was barefoot and shirtless.

Chapter 7
    Jittery butterflies of excitement and fear filled Kathleen’s stomach and made her palms sweaty. The ride over the Raton Pass was the last leg of her journey. She would soon be in New Mexico, where she would put down roots and make a home for herself. But doubts about Mike’s theory that he had been the target of these murderous attempts wiggled and wormed up and down her spine.
    She couldn’t get rid of the spooky feeling that disaster loomed ahead like the thunderclouds peeking over the mountaintops.
    Mike handed her into the stagecoach. “I’ll be right back.”
    Kathleen glanced out the window. Mike spoke too soft for her to overhear as he conversed with a couple of men. She turned away and leaned her head back against the cushions, her sleepless night beginning to take effect.
    The coach swayed and Mike jumped inside. “Found out we’re the only passengers. That make you feel better?”
    “I guess. How long do you think it will take?”
    “Depends on the condition of the trail. There’s been two days of rain up there. I hope we don’t have to stop and shove rocks out of the way.”
    Kathleen gazed at the magnificent scenery of mesas and mountain peaks. At the top of the Pass, she should be able to get her first glimpse of the