Nan Ryan by Kathleens Surrender Read Free Book Online

and this time his demanding mouth parted her trembling lips. She grew faint and thought perhaps the motion of the boat was making her dizzy. He kept kissing her and when finally he raised his head, she gasped, “Dawson, I’m weak, I’m going to faint, to fall.”
    His strong arms tightened around her and she could feel the violent trembling of his body as he stood against her. “No, you won’t, my darling, I’ve got you. I won’t ever let you go.” The old riverboat continued to slice through the icy waters of the Mississippi as the two lovers stood embracing in the cold night air.

Four
    Dawson came to Sans Souci the next evening and when Kathleen heard him coming in the doors, she flew from the library to greet him. Mindless of her parents sitting just inside the drawing room, she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him on the mouth.
    “Kathleen,” he whispered, gently pushing her away and looking around, “can’t you wait until we’re alone; what will your father think?”
    She laughed and kissed him again and said in a voice loud enough for the entire household to hear, “Darling, Father knows I’m crazy about you, so I’m sure he’s figured out by now that you’ve kissed me and will do so again, so why not here in my house?”
    Still unnerved, Dawson gently drew her arms away, cleared his throat, and walked with her into the drawing room.
    “Daddy,” Kathleen laughed, “Dawson’s afraid you won’t like it if he kisses me. Tell him that’s foolish.”
    Dawson’s swarthy face turned red and he looked at Louis to read his reaction. Louis Beauregard smiled, “Relax, Dawson, you know you’re always welcome here even if my beautiful daughter does insist on kissing you in the foyer of my home. Can I fix you a drink?”
    Dawson returned the smile. “Thanks, no, Mister Beauregard, we really need to be getting on our way. We’re going to a party at a friend’s home and we’re late already.”
    “I see, then you’d better run along. Do come back when you can stay longer. Why not come over tomorrow night for dinner? Abigail and I would love to have you, wouldn’t we, dear?”
    “Yes, indeed. We would greatly enjoy your company, as well as that of Kathleen. We don’t seem to see her much since she met you.” She smiled at Dawson.
    “Thank you. I’ll be happy to come over for dinner. Now, Kathleen, let’s get your coat and be on our way.”
    Kathleen ran into the hall and came back carrying a long beige cape. She handed it to Dawson and he slipped it around her shoulders. She went to her father and kissed his cheek. “Goodnight. We’ll be back early and thanks for being such a darling father. You’re the best on earth.” Louis’ face broke into a broad grin and he watched her walk out with Dawson, blowing a kiss to them over her shoulder.
    As soon as they were out the door, the smile on Louis’ face vanished and was replaced with a look of pure hatred. “The thought of that man being in this house, much less kissing my daughter, makes my blood boil.”
    “I know, dear. I feel the same way. Why don’t you do something about it? When he’s here, you act like you’re pleased he’s escorting Kathleen. Why, you even invited him over for dinner. I don’t understand you; why don’t you put a stop to it? I’m afraid Kathleen is growing too fond of him. He is coming over more often all the time. I think it’s time you had a talk with her. Tell her how we feel about Mister Dawson Harpe Blakely.”
    “Abigail, that wouldn’t be smart. If I forbid her to see him, she will only get upset with me and I couldn’t bear that. She’s just a child; she’s had crushes on boys before and gotten over them. She’ll get over this infatuation, too. You know how easily she gets bored with beaux when they stay around for a while. She’s always been that way. A new toy never entertained her for very long when she was a baby and it’s the same thing now. He’s a toy to her, but she’ll soon