Her Lone Cowboy by Donna Alward Read Free Book Online Page A

off base.
    It wouldn’t be the first time she’d misjudged someone’s character. Curtis had turned out to be a very different person than she had hoped. Not nearly as strong as she’d thought, for one.
    Not nearly as committed, either.
    She pushed back the painful memory and focused on the present. She was also helping Noah get fitted for his tuxedo today. “I think you’re more likely to be traumatized by what comes after your appointments today.”
    “I think you might be right,” he agreed, sliding down in the seat a little more so his knees were nearly against the dash, and closing his eyes once more.
    A few moments later she looked over and his lips had fallen open, relaxed in sleep.
    She had to be very, very careful. Because she was starting to like Noah Laramie. Too much.
     
    Lily read a book and drank coffee while she spent the day in waiting rooms outside the physio clinic, the psychiatrist’s office, at the pharmacy, and at the Area Support Unit whileNoah paid a visit with paperwork in hand. It was midafternoon before they left the Currie Barracks and made their way to Macleod Trail to the formal wear boutique. Noah was already looking tired from his day of poking and prodding.
    “We can do this another day.”
    Noah sighed and shoved his pack into the backseat. “That means another trip to town and prolonging another physio day. I’d rather just get it done. Besides if we don’t, the first thing Jen will do is remind us how few days there are until the wedding.”
    Lily shut the car door and led the way to the store. “You’re probably right. I’ll try to make it painless.”
    Inside they were greeted by a pleasant salesman who took one look at Noah’s arm and then raised his gaze politely to Noah’s face.
    “We’re here to rent a tuxedo,” Lily explained, as Noah stared around him at suits, shoes and novelties.
    “Is the wedding party registered here?”
    “No…the groom has his own tux. We’ll only be needing the one.”
    “Sir?”
    Noah turned from looking at the silver flasks at the counter and straightened at the word Sir . Lily had the sudden thought that perhaps he missed that particular word. It was as indicative of his former life as the uniform, she would imagine. She wondered why he wasn’t wearing his dress uniform for the wedding. She hadn’t even thought to ask. She wondered if it was his decision or Andrew’s request.
    “May I take your measurements, sir?”
    Noah and Lily followed the salesman to a back portion of the store, where the clerk retrieved a form and a measuring tape. After filling out the information, he procured his tape. But as he began to stretch it out, Lily saw him hesitate next to Noah’s arm. His cheeks suddenly colored and he stepped back.
    “I’m…I’m sorry, sir.” He stammered and then cleared his throat. “I don’t know if you’re comfortable with…I mean I…”
    Noah’s eyes darkened. “You mean you’re not comfortable.”
    Lily sensed the impending storm. Noah had had people poking and analyzing and asking questions all day. Getting fitted for his tuxedo was definitely not a good idea. He was tired and she felt the frustration coming from him.
    The clerk swallowed and bravely met Noah’s gaze. “I simply don’t want to presume, or inadvertently hurt you.”
    “Noah.” She stepped in front of him and caught his gaze, hoping to send a well-meaning caution. “I think he’s just unsure. It’s awkward, that’s all.”
    “Dammit, Lily,” he warned in a low whisper. “I didn’t want to do this in the first place.”
    “Then why not wear your dress uniform?”
    For a moment Noah’s gaze held hers. “Because for this one day I am not Captain Laramie. I am the brother of the groom.”
    “May I proceed, sir?”
    A muscle in Noah’s jaw ticked. Lily thought maybe everyone would be more comfortable if she used the tape measure. The clerk could note the measurements, and Noah might lose some of his stoic resentment.
    “I’ll