A Love to Cherish by Connie Mason Read Free Book Online

enough problems staying one step ahead of T.J. McAllister to consider a romantic relationship. Until Casey Walker had kissed her she was convinced she could live without love, without a man’s arms and comfort, and was damn annoyed that Casey’s kiss had made her feel like a woman again … a woman who had been without those things far too long. She wondered what there was about this man that attracted her. There were plenty of honest miners interested in her, but she hadn’t given them the time of day.
    “If you continue to punch the bread dough like that there won’t be enough left to bake.”
    “Oh.” Belle started violently. Swiveling her head, she saw Casey filling the doorway. His arms were crossed at his broad chest; the doorjamb supported one shoulder and his feet were crossed at the ankles. “You frightened me.” He was smiling, and she was momentarily distracted by his dimples.
    “I get the distinct feeling that you’ve been avoiding me, Belle.”
    Belle turned back to her bread dough. “That’s nonsense. Is there something I can do for you?” She stopped abruptly and swung back around to face Casey. “Y-you haven’t noticed anything suspicious,have you? Tommy is all right, isn’t he? Why aren’t you watching him?”
    “Don’t get your dander up, boss lady. Tommy is fine. He’s sitting with Wan Yo. The old man is restless. He wants to be up and about but isn’t strong enough yet.”
    Belle’s relief was enormous. “It frightens me to have Tommy left unguarded.”
    Casey pushed himself away from the doorjamb and walked into the kitchen. “I haven’t noticed that Tommy is in danger. I’m more apt to think you’re the one who needs protecting. The town is teeming with men like Dinks. I don’t like the idea of you being alone in the dining hall.”
    Belle limped to the cupboard for bread pans and filled them with the bread dough beneath Casey’s watchful gaze. “I’m not usually alone. Dolores left after lunch to take care of Sanchez. He developed a fever so I sent her home. I don’t really need her until serving time. I can’t cook and serve both.”
    “Why didn’t you tell me you were alone?”
    “I didn’t think it was necessary.”
    “Dammit, I …”
    “Hey, Belle, you in there?”
    Belle frowned. The diner was closed for another two hours. Casey tensed, recognizing the voice. He glared at Belle. “Are you expecting company? Is that why you didn’t want me to know you’d be alone?”
    Belle sent him a fulminating look. She was beginning to run out of patience with Casey Walker and his vile insinuations.
    A moment later Dinks burst into the kitchen, followed in short order by two burly miners, all of whom reeked with the odor of hard liquor. Dinks slid to a halt when he spied Casey.
    “What are you doing here, Walker? You plan on getting yourself a little, too?”
    “Get out of here, Dinks,” Casey said quietly.
    “I don’t think so,” Dinks replied, leering at Belle. “I brought my friends Whitey and Curly. You might have seen Whitey at lunch today. He wanted to get a good look at you. Whitey has an incredible memory. He swears he saw you at Naomi’s Pleasure Parlor five or six years back. It’s the limp that gave you away. Tell them, Whitey.”
    Whitey, nearly as disheveled and drunk as Dinks, nodded his head affirmatively. “Yep, it’s just like Dinks said. Saw this here little lady at Naomi’s in San Francisco. Me and my friends figured if Belle pleasured men in a whorehouse she wouldn’t mind doing it right here in the diner. Got plenty of money.” He pulled out his poke and waved it in front of Belle’s nose.
    Belle blanched and moved instinctively closer to Casey. “I’m going to tell you one more time, get the hell out of here.” This time Casey’s voice held a hard edge that promised swift retribution if they continued to plague Belle. His hand moved reflexively over his Colt.
    “Aw shit, Walker, don’t go greedy on us. We’re willing to share.