Just After Midnight: Historical Romance by Lori Handeland Read Free Book Online Page A

tingled with anticipation, and Alex’s own spirits rose higher than they had been since he arrived in the Yukon. He resolved to put memories of his sister and his thirst for revenge aside for the day and savor the Americans’ frivolity.
    A crowd had gathered in front of The Celebration and Alex frowned, memories of the previous night assaulting his peaceful frame of mind. Glancing over the heads of the men in front of him, Alex saw Megan displayed in the center of the porch. She was lovely, fresh, and bright in a dress the color of springtime leaves. The neckline scooped low, but at least her breasts were covered more adequately than they had been the last time he had seen her. She had pinned her hair into a loose roll at the back of her head with soft tendrils framing her face. A yellow straw hat, complete with white lace and roses, perched upon her head. Cheeks flushed to a pale peach from the heat and green eyes sparkling with excitement made an exquisite picture complete.
    “Gentlemen!” A voice broke into Alex’s reverie. “Line up and pay your entry fee. The winner of this race wins a picnic dinner and the right to spend Independence Day with the beautiful Meggie O’Day, owner of The Celebration.”
    The crowd of miners, shopkeepers, and gamblers murmured, then shifted as several men rushed forward to enter the race. Megan looked out over the crowd, her face reflecting some concern at the motley assortment of entrants, many of whom considered a dunk in the muddy Yukon after a winter of abstinence a sufficient bath. With an effort, she forced her “customer” smile back onto her face and waved to the assembled throng.
    Alex’s lips tightened. She really was playing the game for all it was worth.
    The footrace was about to be run, and Alex recognized two fellow officers among the contestants. They had removed their scarlet coats and wide-brimmed hats in preparation for the competition. When they saw Alex approach, they shouted his name and motioned for him to join them. Knowing he had no choice now that he’d been seen, Alex reluctantly walked toward his comrades.
    “Carson, take off your coat and get ready to run.”
    “I’m on duty.”
    “No reason we can’t enjoy ourselves awhile. Come on, man, you’ve the fleetest feet in the force. We can’t let these Yanks best us.”
    Alex hesitated, looking again at Megan. She had removed her hat and the sunlight reflected off her hair, causing a halo of reddish gold to hover above her head. The innocence of her expression as she smiled at the milling men below her twisted something inside his chest. She glanced over the crowd, and he saw the uncertainty of her fate in her eyes. Without pausing to question his reasons, Alex stepped forward and paid his entry fee.
    His two companions laughed, pounding him on the back. Alex glanced at Megan and saw the commotion had caught her attention. She raised an eyebrow, her face reflecting amusement at his actions.
    Alex turned, pulling off his jacket and hat with angry, jerking movements before taking his place at the starting line. Why he’d entered the race was a mystery to him. But since he had entered, he had every intention of winning. Then he’d tell Miss Megan-Meggie Daily-O’Day a thing or two.
     
     
    The runners leapt from their waiting positions at the clang of a cow bell. Megan moved forward to lean her hands on the railing of the porch, seeking a better view of the race. The course ran from The Celebration, down Front Street, then returned up a side street. The starting line would become the finish line in front of the dance hall.
    A thin, gangly miner who looked to be no older than seventeen took the immediate lead. Behind him ran a stocky-but-muscular gambler whom Megan had seen in The Celebration on several occasions. The man was obnoxious in manner and odious in smell, and the thought of a day in his company made her shiver. In third place she recognized Alex Carson.
    Megan was impressed with the expanse