WildOutlaws by Destiny Blaine Read Free Book Online

forgotten years, lost days, or borrowed time. Call the past what you must but most of mine is completely forgettable. I want to better myself.”
    “Forgettable is regrettable,” David said philosophically. “Maybe we can change that.”
    She dropped her arm and traipsed back and forth again. “Is there something on your mind, cowboy? If so, please start talking. We’re dancing here and I’m afraid it’s liable to cost me a future suitable partner if we don’t move things along.”
    Tuff held up his hand before David added another jab. “We have a job offer for you but it will require you to make a move to Tombstone, Arizona. We need a teacher. I happen to think you’re the best there is for what we have in mind.”
    “A teacher?”
    “Yes, ma’am,” Tuff said.
    Her gaze darted from one man to the next. What on earth could these men possibly hope to learn from her?
    “We’d like to employ you as soon as possible. That’s why we’re here.”
    “You want to put me to work?”
    “Yes, ma’am and the sooner the better,” Tuff replied, his answer provoking a group chuckle.
    “Oh for heaven’s sakes, please stop calling me ma’am.” She peered in the mirror and readjusted her red tea hat. Loaded with silken feathers and a perfectly shaped rose at the back, the accessory was a charming appointment for the attire she chose. Dressed in an ivory shirtwaist with a matching chemisette, the fabrics were detailed with colorful embroidery. Set off with stunning wide pagoda sleeves, the slimming bodice made her look respectable. She certainly owned a flare for fashion.
    In fact, she looked like a teacher.
    Now, if she could just act like one.
    She considered Tuff’s last response. These men didn’t want a teacher. Perhaps what they really desired was a woman comparable to a mail-order bride. Considering her past, their looks, and her experience, the proposition was tempting.
    “What are you asking me?” she asked, wanting clarification as quickly as possible before she fantasized about all sorts of options. Perhaps they were truly interested in a teacher and if so, she’d love to know what they hoped to learn.
    Tuff cleared his throat. He studied the men on the bed and must’ve thought the fellows would come to his rescue. Mary Margaret turned toward David. “Oh this must be really good if you’re suddenly minced for words.”
    David pulled the brim of his hat low enough to cover his brow.
    “Coward,” she muttered.
    His arm shot forward and he secured her against him in a matter of seconds. “Want to test that theory again?” he asked, whispering against her lips.
    Her mouth dried. His lips were visibly moistened.
    “You get off on taking a woman by surprise. Don’t you?”
    “No,” he assured her. “Only by taking her altogether.”
    * * * *
    Creed had witnessed enough. There was something special about Mary Margaret and if Tuff didn’t hurry up and make his proposal, Creed feared they would lose her. After watching the way she responded to David, and more importantly, how David reacted to her, Creed wasn’t willing to let her go. Besides, he happened to believe his fate was on the line.
    Creed’s heritage included Shawnee Indian. His grandfather’s tribal customs mandated a call for arranged marriages. While Creed didn’t accept the traditions of his family’s past, he’d held fast to the belief that one day he would find a suitable life partner, a woman who was fated to become his.
    He was staring destiny in the eye.
    He’d first suspected it when they’d been riding into Cripple Creek. As soon as they hit the smooth dirt roads of the town, the air seemed to change. It was as if there were ghosts there, determined to guide him. They planned to lead him into town resisting and screaming, and that’s almost what happened.
    As the wind kicked up the dirt, and clusters of tumbleweed scattered in front of their horses, Creed’s senses had been on alert. There was danger in the air but not