A Bride in the Bargain by Deeanne Gist

Author:Deeanne Gist [Gist, Deeanne]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, pdf
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 0100-12-31T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER

NINETEEN

Joe opened his eyes and smiled. Sunday. He’d have Anna all to himself for the entire day. First, he’d shave in the kitchen; then he’d take her fishing.

Leaping off the cot, he pulled on his trousers, then made his way to the house. He’d placed all his shaving equipment by the washstand after she’d gone to bed last night. As fastidious as she was, though, he was certain she’d notice it this morning.

He opened the backdoor, then stopped short.

Anna was wearing a new dress made out of the blue gingham. She was busy at the stove and hadn’t heard him come in.

He could only see the back of her, but could tell the gown was all one piece. Snug at the top. Nipped in at the waist. Flared out at the skirt.

The sleeves were long and form-fitting, but not so tight she couldn’t move with ease. She’d made cuffs out of the maroon fabric.

She laid some bacon in the skillet, jumping when the grease popped. Her apron’s bow bounced against her back end.

Deciding to enjoy the view, he leaned on the doorframe, crossed one ankle over the other and watched. After a minute or so, she turned around.

He gave her a lazy smile. “Morning, Miss Ivey.”

She faltered. She blushed. She fluttered her hands around.

The collar matched the maroon cuffs and was trimmed with the ribbon he’d bought. Tiny little buttons marched from her neck to her waist, then disappeared beneath the apron. Her watch pin held its coveted place, resting against the swell of her right breast. She’d even done something different with her hair. It was all gathered to one side and tied with a ribbon, then cascaded in curls over her left shoulder.

“You did a fine job with the fabric, Anna. You look beautiful.”

The sharp sizzle of bacon filled the kitchen. She opened and closed her mouth but said nothing.

His grin deepened as he watched her fret over where to settle her gaze. He was bare from the waist up and bare from the ankles down. That left only his trousers.

Her white, creamy throat exposed by her banded hair revealed the rapid thumpity-thump of her heartbeat. The invitation was almost more than he could resist. But he couldn’t kiss her. Couldn’t even nuzzle her neck. Not as long as she thought he was betrothed to someone else.

She whirled back around to the stove.

Taking a deep breath, he closed the door, then moved to the washbasin. Picking up his razor, he pulled it back and forth across the strap several times, then tested its edge.

The clinks and clatters that usually accompanied her cooking had ceased. The bacon continued to pop and hiss. It needed turning, but he didn’t say a word or glance her way. Simply whipped up his lotion and began to lather his face.

“What are you doing?” she squeaked.

“Shaving.”

“Why?”

“Beards make me itch.”

“No. I mean, why in here?”

He angled the mirror until he caught her reflection. “Bacon’s burning.”

Her gaze flew to the stove. “Good heavens.”

She busied herself with

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