To Kiss a Texan by Jodi Thomas

Author:Jodi Thomas [Thomas Jodi]
Format: epub, azw3
ISBN: 0515125032
Publisher: Jove
Published: 2001-06-01T07:00:00+00:00

Wes stormed out of the cafe and headed to the barn with Allie and the sheriff in his wake. ‘‘I’m leading a damn parade!’’ he mumbled. He fought the urge to yell to the town, ‘‘Does anyone else want to come along on this secret treasure hunt?’’ Maybe he could get a band, or a medicine show. Maybe they could form a wagon train to Goliad. Hell, they were starting to follow him like he’d been appointed head cow on a long drive. Wes stopped in the middle of the street. ‘‘I’m not going back to Victoria’s place, Sheriff. I can take care of Allie without any help.’’ Max might tag along, but

Wes wanted it plain the old fellow would be giving no directions. Max shrugged. ‘‘I didn’t figure you were a man to backtrack.’’ He glanced down the length of Wes. ‘‘And I didn’t live this long without being able to size a man up. If it were just you and Michael, my money would be on you. But it’s not just you and him. Michael always takes along a few friends to increase the odds. He’ll follow you wherever you go.’’

‘‘Well, aren’t you even going to ask where I’m headed?’’

The old man shook his head. ‘‘It don’t matter. I’ll find out when I get there. All I know is, wherever you’re going, I’m tagging along.’’

Wes turned around and stomped onto the porch of the telegraph office. He felt like a fool. For some reason, Hardy was trying to protect Allie. The same thing Wes was trying to do. But instead of thanking the man, Wes was angry. After all, protecting Allie was his job.

As Wes entered the telegraph office, he thought about where to turn next. He could outrun Hardy with horses, but the sheriff would probably have every lawman in the state looking for him. And he had to admit, even in the dawn light, Michael did look like he could be meaner than a rattler, and four against one wasn’t very balanced. Plus, he had Jason to think about. He could shield Allie, but the boy might be caught in the crossfire if there was shooting. Hardy was older than used dirt, but he knew his way around trouble.

Wes accepted the return telegram. As he read a message from Wolf’s landlady, his hope faded. Wolf had already left for Fort Worth. She didn’t say more, but Wes sensed something was wrong. Nichole wasn’t due for another month. Whatever it was would have to wait a few days. Wes had a bucketful of problems to handle here. Nichole had Adam to doctor her and Wolf to look after her. She didn’t need him. He was worthless where babies were concerned anyway.

‘‘You can ride along as shotgun.’’ Wes folded the telegram, wishing he could fold away the problem as easily. ‘‘For Allie and Jason’s sake. But stay out of my business.’’

‘‘Of course.’’ Hardy nodded respectfully. ‘‘And what business might that be, Mr. McLain?’’

‘‘None of your business!’’

Hardy laughed and winked at Allie.

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