Comanche Moon by Catherine Anderson Read Free Book Online Page A

his knee.
    ‘‘I’d like to think you came out to say good-bye, but I’ve got a hunch that ain’t it. Am I right?’’
    A hundred words gathered in Loretta’s throat.
    ‘‘Honey, if you’re wantin’ to tell me you don’t love me, I already know. I’ve got a few years on ya, but I ain’t senile.’’ He chuckled and nudged his hat back so he could see her better. ‘‘And if you’re out here to tell me I shouldn’t go to Belknap, that you won’t marry me anyways, then don’t bother. I’d go if you was ugly as a post and had three husbands. Understand?’’
    Loretta felt a rush of tears welling in her eyes. Angrily she dashed the wetness from her cheeks.
    Tom sighed, and before she knew what he was about, he stepped onto the porch and took her in his arms. ‘‘Ah, Loretta girl, don’t cry. I’ve got hide thicker’n a buffalo’s, and I’m twice as ornery. Ain’t no dad-burned Injun gonna get the best of me. I’m goin’ to Belknap because it’s gotta be done. When I git back, we’ll take up right where we left off, me bein’ a pest, no obligation on your part. I understand that, and I’m goin’ anyways. Clear? Take a herd of horses to stop me.’’
    Loretta wrinkled her nose. The smell of his shirt stifled her. His hand on her back was gentle, though, reminiscent of her father’s when he had held her this way. She twisted her face to one side to get some air, her cheek to his chest.
    He gave her a fierce hug, then grasped her firmly by the shoulders and set her back from him to study her face. There was a curious gleam in his eye that made her uneasy. Catching her chin, he tipped her head farther back. As if reading her mind, he said, ‘‘Don’t be afraid of me, Loretta Jane. I’d never set out to hurt you.’’
    His voice rang with such sincerity that Loretta relaxed. She no sooner did than she saw his head bending. Here it came, the dreaded kiss. . . .

Chapter 3
    LORETTA CLAMPED HER LIPS TOGETHER. The next second, Tom’s beard touched her skin, coarse as a wire scrub brush, and from its bushy center protruded hot, wet lips that smacked down on hers with bull’s-eye accuracy. His arms tightened and pulled her flat against him. Then he darted his tongue past her lips and licked her teeth. Was this how people kissed? He tasted of sour tobacco, and her gorge rose. By the tense way he held her, she knew he was trying to elicit a response. She hated to hurt his feelings but couldn’t pretend she liked any part of what he was doing. What little bit of dinner she had managed to swallow earlier was working its way back up her throat.
    Just when she feared her convulsing stomach might humiliate them both, Tom gave her a pat and turned her loose, smiling as if he had done himself proud. His eyes glowed with fondness. ‘‘I thank you for that, Loretta. It was mighty fine, and even if you don’t never marry me, I’ll have it to remember.’’ He gave her a little push toward the door. ‘‘You git on back in the house now.’’
    As revolting as she had found his kiss, Loretta hesitated. At times, her silence rose around her like a wall.
    ‘‘I’ll be careful, and there’s no need for thanks.’’ He flashed a grin. ‘‘Don’t stand there lookin’ silly. You only think you can’t talk, girl. Them there eyes of yours never shut up. Now, go on, git. I can’t leave with you standin’ out here.’’
    In a swirl of skirts, she turned back and hugged his neck, surprising herself as much as him. Before she lost her nerve, she kissed his cheek. Then she dashed into the house, her heart pounding like a kettledrum. Through the door cracks, she heard Tom chuckle. She swiped the back of her hand across her lips to get rid of the tobacco taste. Only then could she smile.
    As soon as the dishes were washed, Loretta climbed the ladder to the loft where she and Amy shared a bed. The fading light of the downstairs fire shone through the cracks of the planked floor, shooting shafts of muted