Ana Leigh - [The Frasers 4 - Jed] - One Night with a Sweet Talking Man by Unknown Read Free Book Online Page B

Garrett.”
    “I seriously suspect that this is leading into that Providence conversation again,” Jed said.
    Caroline’s eyes lit with triumph. “Ah-hah! I think I’ve made a believer of you.”
    “Not quite, madam. Where was The Buffer when Garrett walked into the path of that explosion? If I remember right, Garrett was calling out for him.”
    “I’m afraid I’m to blame. I put Buffer into the office while Garrett was in the privy and called to Garrett to come to the office when he was through. I had heard that Bomber was going to blow stumps and wanted the two of them someplace where I knew they’d be safe. I guess Garrett didn’t hear me. I should never have taken Buffer away from the privy door.”
    “This is all ridiculous. Your father takes the blame for the buggy accident, and—”
    “Maybe he should! Father knew I think Garrett’s too young to drive it,” she declared.
    “Just the same, he’s no more responsible for the buggy accident than you are for the other one. For someone who believes in Providence, you sure are contradicting yourself.”
    Caroline looked confused, and they continued on in silence until they reached the house.
    After Garrett bathed and had his hands properly bandaged, and Caroline’s and Nathan’s aches and pains had been soothed in hot baths, all the Collinses opted for an early bedtime.
    Jed lingered downstairs for a smoke and walk in the garden before retiring. Now that the Collinses were all tucked away safely in their beds, he had a chance to reflect on the day’s events. This family had come to mean a lot to him in this short time.
    He sensed that Caroline still distrusted him, though. Why? Despite her recent attempt at friendliness, there was still an undercurrent of wariness toward him.
    You can’t win them all, Fraser. Too bad, because he found himself looking forward to being with her. Or was it just the challenge to win her over?
    Well, he was leaving tomorrow so what in hell did it matter? But not before he spoke to this local attorney, Vincent Calhoun, as he had promised Nathan he would. Something about this railroad buyout smelled like three-day-old fish.
    Jed ground out his cigarillo and went up to bed.

C HAPTER
5
    B right morning sunshine streamed through the ruffled curtains of her room, teasing Caroline awake. She opened her eyes and lay remembering the previous day’s activities.
    It had been a frightful day and she couldn’t help fearing what the outcome might have been—and that was the rub. From the moment Jed Fraser had entered the picture, she had wanted him gone. Yet if he hadn’t been there…She fought back tears of relief.
    Despite the threat Jed presented, she had to admit she found him interesting; she enjoyed the quiet conversations they had together. Given her dangerous attraction to him, it was a good thing he was leaving today.
    At the sound of voices outside, she got out of bed and crossed to the open window. Her father and Jed were preparing to depart in the buckboard. Was he leaving so early? And without even saying good-bye? Garrett would be devastated.
    As if feeling her stare, Jed glanced up and saw her. He smiled and tipped his hat. “Good morning, Caroline.”
    “Good morning.” It was embarrassing being caught in the act of spying.
    “I apologize for waking you.”
    “I was awake,” she said. “Are you leaving so early? At least let me make breakfast before you depart.”
    “We’re just riding out to see if we can salvage any of the buggy,” Nathan said.
    “Oh, then you’ll be back.” Her heartbeat quickened.
    “Of course!” Jed exclaimed. “Do you think I’d leave without saying good-bye to you or my little pal?”
    “I’m glad to hear that. I’ll have breakfast ready by the time you get back.”
    Caroline turned away and started to dress. As she brushed her hair, her thoughts continued to dwell on Jed Fraser.
    He was an incredibly handsome man. All those Fraser brothers were handsome and personable.