Wild Hearts by Susan Mallery Read Free Book Online Page A

telling you what she thinks? Does her not telling you make things better?”
    â€œIt sure doesn’t make ’em worse. I don’t want to know what she’s thinkin’.”
    â€œThen why did you marry her?”
    â€œIt was the only way to bed her.”
    Zeke shook his head. “You never loved her?”
    Billy shifted on his chair. “Maybe a little. Then.”
    â€œSo you don’t love her anymore?”
    â€œWhy are you askin’ all these questions? Are you gonna to get rid of that schoolteacher or not?”
    Zeke leaned back in his chair and looked at his friend. “That’s a good question,” he admitted.
    â€œAnd?”
    â€œI don’t know.”
    â€œWhat?” Billy came to his feet. “You promised. We had a deal.”
    Zeke nodded slowly. “I guess we did. You willing to challenge me, Billy?”
    Billy swallowed. “No. Of course not.” He sank back into his chair. “It’s just that I thought she’d be leavin’ town soon. Things was better before she came.”
    â€œI’m not sure I agree with that. I kind of like things the way they are now.”
    Â 
    The following Saturday Alethea found herself again walking toward the schoolhouse, but this time she wasn’t alone. She and Zeke went past the building toward the grove of trees that provided shade on the warm, sunny day. They both carried baskets. His was larger, holding their lunch, while hers contained the cake she had baked just for the occasion.
    â€œMost men don’t like picnics,” she told Zeke as he spread out a blanket on the spring grass. “I suspect they’re concerned about having to make too much conversation.”
    He took her hand as she seated herself, then settled next to her. “I’m not most men.”
    That was true. He was funny and intelligent and charming. She found herself thinking about him at odd times during the day. She would remember something he’d said and catch herself smiling. And the memory of his kiss made her feel all hot and uncomfortable at the most inopportune times. But more than anything, she found herself wishing he was spending time with her because he wanted to and not because of a bet.
    At times she thought he had to like her, at least a little. No one could pretend that well. But then she thought of all the other schoolteachers before her and knew that if she tried to convince herself he was sincere, she was likely to find herself heartbroken. In addition, she would have behaved foolishly, and what could be worse than that?
    As they sat in the shade, Zeke looked out at the town spread before them.
    â€œI missed this,” he admitted. “I was away too long.”
    â€œDo you go east often?”
    â€œEvery couple of years. I have business interests there.”
    â€œI’ve been to New York,” she said, then wondered if she shouldn’t have.
    Zeke stretched out, leaning back on his elbows. “With Wesley?”
    She nodded, not wanting to say it had been on their honeymoon. “Baltimore is large and growing, but it is nothing compared to New York. Still, I prefer Titanville.”
    â€œWhy? I would think you would enjoy the culture and entertainments available in a big city.”
    â€œI have plenty here to keep me entertained. Have you seen when one of the horses gets away from Big John and races through the center of town? Or how the children run home on Friday, eager to be done with school?” She smiled. “I don’t take their enthusiasm personally. I know they enjoy their time with me.”
    She drew in a breath. “The storms are so much more exciting than any I’d seen in Baltimore. The wind blows and the thunder is so loud, but everyone is home safe and cozy. I like that I know nearly everyone’s name and a baby’s birth is a celebration for all. I belong here. I’ve never belonged anywhere before.”
    She smiled at