A Promise of Roses by Heidi Betts Page B

shook her head. “There are none to tell you about."
    "You mean to tell me that no one, not a single man, has called on you? Even before you stopped wearing dresses?” He sounded almost incredulous.
    "Well, there was Bobby Spencer. But that hardly counts."
    "Why not?"
    "He was six years old.” She turned her head to avoid seeing Lucas burst into another fit of mirth. To his credit, he kept his laughter under wraps. But his voice wavered a bit, and she knew he was fighting a chuckle.
    "Six?"
    "Yes, he was six. And I was seventeen. He used to follow me home from Sunday services to bring me flowers. His mother had to come collect him more than once."
    "That's a cute story, but I still don't believe that nobody has at least tried to court you. I'd have bet the railroad payroll that you had to beat callers off with a stick."
    "Nope. I suppose Caleb might have had something to do with it. He does have a way of towering over people and making their knees knock if he so much as looks at them sideways."
    "I know the feeling."
    "Really? Someone was tall enough to intimidate you?"
    "Not since I was six years old,” he said, grinning. “I was talking about you. You have a glare that can be so cold, people might want to start striking matches."
    "And has it chilled you?"
    "Once or twice,” he said. “And you've got the staff of this hotel convinced you're a truly dangerous woman."
    She gasped. “That's not true."
    "Sure is. That poor chambermaid was quaking in her boots when I came up the stairs."
    "Well, if you hadn't handcuffed me to the bathtub, I wouldn't have had to put up such a fuss."
    "No, you'd be twenty miles from here by now."
    "I told you I wouldn't have run away."
    "Of course not. You like being in my company, especially knowing that I'll put you in jail at the first opportunity."
    "Things could be worse,” she said.
    "How so?"
    "I could have been kidnapped by Frank.” The very thought made her skin crawl.
    "He was a sight, wasn't he? How many different bugs do you think lived in that mangy hair?"
    "Ugh. I don't want to know."
    Lucas laughed. Then he pushed back his chair and rose. “Were you planning to go to bed soon?"
    "I'm not very tired,” Megan said, shifting to set both feet on the carpet.
    "That poses a bit of a problem, then,” he said with a frown.
    "What problem?"
    "I need to go out, and I can't leave you alone without cuffing you or tying you up."
    "Where are you going?” She stuffed her hands under her legs to keep from fidgeting.
    "To Big Springs."
    "Why can't I go with you?"
    " It's better that you don't,” he answered vaguely.
    "Why are you going?"
    "You know why."
    "Because you think that's where Silas Scott is?"
    "If he's not there now, he will be soon. He won't leave the area without visiting Nelly."
    A wave of fear washed over her at the thought of Lucas confronting Scott. “Can't you just tell the law where to find him? It would be so much safer."
    His jaw locked. “No."
    "Lucas,” she said, rising. “It isn't worth it. You could be hurt. Killed. And then what would it matter if you were the one to finally track him down?"
    "What's it going to be?” he asked, turning away. “Rope or cuffs? I'll have to tie both hands if I use rope, only one if you choose the handcuffs."
    "You don't need to use either. I won't go anywhere."
    "Pick one, Megan. I don't have all night. Where do you want to be for the next few hours?"
    "Can you at least let me get ready for bed first? I don't want to sleep in these clothes."
    "Make it fast."
    She darted behind the screen and shed the skirt and blouse. Lucas hadn't thought to buy a nightgown, and sleeping naked under the present circumstances was absolutely out of the question. So she left the chemise and drawers in place.
    "Close your eyes, please,” she called.
    "Not on your life,” Lucas returned.
    "At least turn around. It's not gentlemanly to make a lady parade by in her unmentionables."
    "Blasted unmentionables again,” he