Dorothy Garlock by A Place Called Rainwater Read Free Book Online Page B

was there.
    Minutes passed without his speaking or acknowledging her presence. Jill became annoyed. If not for the fact that she would need to step over his legs, she'd go back into the hotel; but, on second thought, she'd be damned if she'd let him run her off
her
porch.
    The silence between them deepened. As far as she knew, he hadn't even looked at her. With considerable effort, she managed to keep her mouth shut and stay quiet; she waited for him to speak. Finally, when he did, it was as if they had been holding a lengthy conversation.
    “It isn't as rowdy as some of the places I've been.”
    “What isn't? ”Jill's question was a reflex she regretted.
    “The town. What did you think I meant? ”
    “How was I to know what you meant? But I imagine that if there was a place where lowlife gathered, you'd find it.”
    “That must go for Joe, too. We've been together since we came out here.”
    “Joe's got more sense than to hobnob with rowdies and troublemakers.”
    “And I haven't. I get the point.”
    “I never said that.”
    “You don't know anything about me. Stop jumping to conclusions.” His tone reflected his irritation.
    “What other conclusion can I jump to? You don't appear to have much to show for the past few years.”
    “Want to see my muscles? ”He was back in the teasing mode.
    Jill didn't retort; she had just caught sight of a tall man in a light-colored Stetson coming up the walk. Hunter Westfall turned in and mounted the steps to the hotel porch. He opened the door to go into the lobby, then saw Jill at the end of the porch. She stood up as he closed the door and came toward her.
    “Miss Jones? ”
    “Hello, Mr. Westfall.” Thad refused to draw in his legs. Wanting to kick him, she stepped over them.
    “I stopped by to make sure that you'd returned safely to the hotel and to apologize for the behavior of my men.”
    “It wasn't your fault. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I wasn't afraid, only angry.”
    “You'll not be bothered again. At least not by the men who work for me.”
    “That's mighty good of you.” Thad's hand came down on Jill's shoulder in a proprietary manner. She felt his chest against her back. “We appreciate you looking after our little Jilly Justine.” Thad extended his hand. “Thad Taylor, ”he said, as Jill's elbow jabbed his midsection.
    “Hunter Westfall.” Hunter took Thad's hand while looking at Jill's unsmiling face. “Are you related to Miss Jones, Mr. Taylor? ”
    “Almost. I've known her since she was in diapers. Close to her as a brother. Huh, Jill? ”
    Jill ignored him. “The men had had a little too much to drink and didn't mean any harm, Mr. Westfall. I hope you weren't too harsh with them.”
    “If they didn't mean any harm, honey, why did you poke one of them in the nose? ”Thad tightened his hand on her shoulder.
    “Would you walk around the block with me, Miss Jones? I have a few things to discuss with you about the oiling of the streets.”
    “I'd love to, Mr. Westfall. Excuse us, Thad.” Jill took the arm Hunter offered. “Oh, Thad, check the plumbing in the water closet on the second floor. It's been known to clog when the hotel is full.”
    “Sure thing, honey. Don't worry about it. I've already put rolls of that soft paper you have in the storage room in both the toilets. The woman in 206 asked for a chamber pot. Shall I take up a granite or a china or tell her to go down the hall? ”
    “I'll let you decide.”
    With her face flaming and her throat so clogged with anger that she couldn't speak, Jill let Hunter lead her down the steps and onto the walk. They turned away from the busy part of town and walked past the bank, the doctor's office and the small building that housed the telephone company.
    Hunter held her hand in the crook of his arm pressed close to his side and matched his stride to hers.
    “I've been wanting to meet you ever since you came to town. Tonight was the first excuse I've had. I was there at