Fire scorched across her skin, and she hauled her injured hand beneath the table. Out of his reach. I cut my hand on the rail when I pretended to jump.
What did you really do?
I swung over to the ladder on the side of the car. It was within reach.
Pretty dangerous. But judging by the light in her eyes, shed taken pleasure outwitting those Pinkerton agents. Ive never met a woman who could climb up the side of a moving train.
It wasnt moving very fast. She dipped her chin enough to hide the shadows in her eyes.
He wondered what injuries lay within, ones he couldnt see. You stayed on the roof the entire train ride?
No, I climbed down into the baggage car and took shelter there.
Did you hurt your wrist on the ladder, too?
Youre relentless, do you know that?
He pushed back his chair. Just add it to my list of character attributes.
Flaws, you mean. All right, I was crawling across the roof of one of the passenger cars and a gust of wind pushed me into the metal lip on the roof.
She shrugged, as if shed done nothing unusual. She didnt fool him, she was a woman of courage and grit. A combination he admired.
He knelt beside her and cradled her injured hand in his. Her wrist was delicate, the skin like silk. She still felt cold, oh so cold.
I dont need a doctors help. She tried to wrestle her arm from him, but she lacked strength.
She was injured. You could have a fracture, Miranda.
I can move my fingers just fine.
He unbuttoned her sleeve and ran his fingertips across the inside of her wrist. Her skin was purple-tinged, but her wrist wasnt broken. Remember what I said on the train?
You said a great deal on the train. Her skin seemed to burn beneath the gentle stroke of his finger.
Im your good-luck charm for as long as you need one. So relax and let me take care of this. He grabbed his medical bag from beneath the table, then worked with efficiency.
Swabbing the wound stung a little. Then he wrapped the white muslin around her palm and between her thumb and forefinger, then around again. His fingertips grazed her skin. She burned and tingled from the contact.
He was strength and gentleness. He was bold and caring. He deftly knotted the last bit of muslin into place and then moved away. It felt as if the heat drained from her body and she thirsted for more of his touch.
Shed never had this reaction to a man before. Why was she feeling this now?
Throughout the meal, Miranda watched the windows. The blizzard beat against the panes with inhuman force. Once, she saw a shadow against the glass but couldnt be sure.
She tried to relax and enjoy the meal while Trey teased smiles from Josie and tried to do the same to her. But her stomach was twisted so tight she could barely eat. She couldnt shake the feeling the bounty hunter was out there, even though shed seen him reboard the train as it departed.
Any number of his men could have disembarked during the storm, as she had. The snow had been so thick, she never would have seen them. What if they are out there looking for me?
Earlier, she felt certain shed evaded them. But instead of quietly finding a room and staying hidden, she was here in plain sight in the light and the warmth. Anyone could see her through the glass.
This was a bad idea. And growing worse every time Trey flashed her a charming grin. Had she ever seen a more handsome man? She couldnt think of one. The square cut of his jaw, the strongly chiseled face, the jaunty grin and sparkling eyes, that was just for starters. His shoulders looked sculpted from pure bronze, his personality glittered with humor and radiated compassion.
Every time he flashed that one-sided grin, she felt hotter. More aware of herself as a woman. Sure, she was lonely. But she would have to be in a coma not to respond to this mesmerizing man.
She didnt even get the chance to pay her share of the bill. The waitress didnt even bring it. Apparently Trey was a frequent patron because he was billed monthly.
I never have time to cook, he explained, draining the last of his coffee cup. Im always working.
A doctors life. Miranda knew it well. How long have you been practicing here?
Five years. A small-town doctor isnt a rich man, but I like what I do. His voice rumbled with affection. Josie, youve got dark circles under your eyes. Time to get you home.
Can Miranda come, too?
Well, shes certainly welcome. Trey quirked one brow.
No. She saw right through that look of his. Im not staying in your house, Mr. Dashing and Debonair.
I guess theres the small matter of your reputation.
Exactly. Heat flushed her face and a flicker at the window caught her attention. Someone on the boardwalk? Or just her imagination?
Trey watched her carefully. The wind is getting worse. If this keeps up, the whole town will shut down. Its almost there now. Look, theres the sheriff.
A definite shadow moved outside the window. The door swung open. Frigid wind drove through the dining room. The rugged lawman shouldered the door closed and crunched through the ice thick on the floor. The waitress hurried to speak with him.
Maybe it had been the sheriff outside, and not a bounty hunter.
Trey circled the table and wrapped one hand around the back of her chair. She stood, and she tingled from head to toe. Are you going to stay here? This is a good inn.
I might. She gazed at the window, remembering the frigid walk from the train depot. I dont want to go out again. I just got warm. Do you and Josie have a long walk home?
Not far at all. Trey scooped the little girl up into his arms.
She stifled a yawn. We dont hafta go outside again.
Sorry, Red. Treys affection came light and gentle. He settled the girl on his hip. That big yawn is a sign. Id better get her home and in bed.
Now that it was time, she didnt want them to go. For a little while, the loneliness in her heart had fled. But it was creeping back again. And a long lonely night stretched ahead.
Miranda followed Trey through the empty dining room. The lawman left with a bang of the door, and the waitress announced they were locking up early. Sheriff Kelley was closing down the town.
Youll be comfortable here. I know the innkeeper. Trey reached for his jacket. Rest easy, Miranda. Ill come by tomorrow.
She almost told him not to bother but held back the words. Why complicate things? She had her life to fight for. He had Josie to protect.
Trey shrugged into his coat. Lets get you wrapped up, Red.
Baby Beth needs her cloak, too.
She sure does.
Miranda watched as Trey patiently sorted through the bundle of wool, found the dolls matching cloak and handed it to Josie. He knelt down beside his niece and helped her into her heavy cloak. With care, he wrapped the scarf around her neck and worked the cap over her head.
His tenderness wasnt feigned, but came from the heart. As Josie snuggled in Treys strong arms, sheltered and safe, Mirandas arms felt empty, and she couldnt help dreaming. Couldnt help wishing that one day there would be a child of her own she could hold and comfort and make the world right for.
I didnt see any of those men following you get off the train. I thought you might like to know. Trey faced the door. Do you want me to watch over you? I can stay.
I didnt see any of those men following you get off the train. I thought you might like to know. Trey faced the door. Do you want me to watch over you? I can stay.
Not necessary. She was better off alone. Good night, you two.
Night, Miranda. Josie peered over Treys shoulder as he pushed out the door.
The night and storm enfolded him, stealing them away from her. The door clamored shut, snow drifted to melt on the floor, and once again she was alone.
This is your house? Josie stood in the dark, clutching her doll tight, her voice wobbly.
It looks better if you can see it. He felt through the dark for the match tin and lit a lamp. Light danced to life, illuminating the log walls and sparse furniture.
Not a home for a child, that was sure. Hed have to do something about that. First thing tomorrow.
For tonight, youre going to sleep in my room. He didnt mind the sofa. He swept the girl onto his hip, knowing her leg had to be hurting.
Dont I get a room?
Sure. But weve got to get it all ready for you. I can take you shopping as soon as the storm breaks. He shouldered open the bedroom door. You like to shop, right?
Josie nodded, her fine red curls catching on his whiskered chin.
Already, hed disappointed her. In truth, he hadnt been prepared when his sisters lawyer contacted him. His work occupied every spare moment of his life lately and hed barely had time to make full-time arrangements with Mrs. Stoltz. Now he regretted not doing more.
He pulled back the dark green quilt. The clean flannel sheets smelled of soap and winter sunshine. Cmon. Climb in.
Im still wearin my clothes, Uncle Trey. Josie rubbed her eyes, tired and sleepy. I need my nightie.
We dont have it yet. Your trunks are still at the train station because its too dangerous to have someone deliver them tonight. You can sleep in your long underwear. Theyll keep you warm.
Okay. Josie sounded weary, and he knelt to pluck at the row of buttons marching down her back.
In no time the dress and her shoes were off and laid on the seat of the nearby chair. He carried her and Baby Beth to the waiting bed, unlatched her brace and helped her settle between the sheets.
I could read to you for a while, if you want. He reached for one of the books on the nearby shelf, looking for one appropriate for a little girl. I know you like being read to.
Im tired. Josie rolled on her side, her arms wrapped tight around her doll. Gnight, Uncle Trey.
Sleep tight, sweet one. He pulled the quilt up to Josies chin. Wetness dampened his fingers.
I miss my mama. Her words came muffled by the covers. I miss her so much.
Me, too, honey. Trey laid his hand on her back and felt the shake of her sobs. She didnt want to be held, but stayed huddled in a ball until sleep claimed her.
When he reached to turn down the crystal lamps wick, Mirandas locket caught the light, burning steady and bright. When the wick sputtered and the flame died, the locket held a reflection for just a second longer, then darkness filled the room.