Aaron's Montana Bride (Sweet, Clean Western Historical Romance)(Montana Ranchers and Brides Series) by Maya Stirling Read Free Book Online

truly aware of how tall he really was. He reached down and lifted his hat from the sofa. Eva thought he looked so awkward, his movements tentative, self conscious, and he was clearly trying to think of the right words to say so he could make a dignified exit.
    "Thank you for coming," Eva said.
    Aaron smiled gently. He stepped closer to Eva and looked down intently. His eyes were so bright and full of compassion, Eva felt her heart stir. "I'm truly sorry for your loss. I only hope today will be the start of a good new life for you," he said, his voice quiet and sure.
    Aaron leaned in closer, and she could feel the sheer power of his presence in the breadth of his chest, the width of his shoulders. "Eva. You deserve the best," he said slowly. Eva drew in a quick breath and caught his scent, a pleasing mixture of leather and soap.
    Aaron paused, glanced briefly to one side, and then continued. "I know we've had our differences over the years. And it hasn't always been friendly between us. But I think we both know that sometimes, over the past few years, we've had a sympathy for each other. I don't know how else to put it. But, all I can say is that there have been times when I have thought about you in the most congenial and pleasing of terms."
    Aaron swallowed after uttering those final words, as if he'd had to force them out. Had he said what she thought he'd said? Had he just admitted to a past attraction to her?
    Aaron cleared his throat. He patted his hat against his thigh in a gesture of finality. "I guess I best be going," he said softly.
    And then Aaron did something for which Eva was completely unprepared. He reached down and took her hand. Eva made no effort to stop him as he raised her hand to his lips and kissed the back of her fingers. His kiss was brief and slightly hesitant. As his mouth made contact with her hand Eva saw him lift his gaze. Aaron's blue eyes seemed to shimmer as they looked at Eva. She felt her heart rush, taking no notice of her mind's command to ignore this gesture. Her breath stalled, and she was sure that the expression on her face must have been that of stunned surprise.
    After a moment Aaron released her hand. Eva's arm seemed to float back down to her side as if it weighed no more than a feather. There was a long moment when they both simply looked at one another. Aaron's face had satisfaction written on it. Eva raised a hand to her collar.
    Then she heard someone cough and a knock on the parlor door. Eva whirled around and saw the last person she would have wanted to witness what had just taken place between her and Aaron.
    "Jude! What are you doing there?" Eva demanded.
    "The door was open," the foreman said with a gesture behind him. "I wanted to ask if Mr. Stewart here wanted his horse tied up in the stable. Especially if he's planning on being here a while," Jude said.
    Aaron stepped around Eva and placed himself between her and Jude. "How long I'm staying isn't any of your concern, Jude," Aaron stated firmly.
    Jude rolled his eyes. "From what I just saw, looked like you were planning on hanging around quite a while," he said, his words drawling and slurred.
    Aaron strode over to Jude. Eva could see that Aaron had a notion to teach Jude a lesson in respecting people's privacy. She rushed behind Aaron and took his arm. Aaron halted a few steps away from Jude. Aaron turned and looked at Eva. She saw the indignation in his eyes, such a contrast to the tender and considerate gaze only moments before. Eva shook her head, words unnecessary, and an understanding seemed to connect Eva and Aaron in that moment.
    Aaron turned and peered at Jude. "What you saw is none of your business, Jude. Miss. Gillespie and I were discussing an arrangement to which you are not a party, and I'll thank you to keep your nose out of our present and future affairs," Aaron said, his voice firm and emphatic.
    Jude's face paled. His brows furrowed. Eva couldn't help noticing the difference in the two men's stature.