Last Promise by Scarlett Dunn

was bare and on display and her . . . well . . . they were right there under his nose. He had never noticed how well-endowed she was, but he was certain it wasn’t proper for a lady to display so much skin in public. He hadn’t seen that much cleavage since the night the gals were hanging over the balcony at L. B. Ditty’s. Remembering George and Mary Ann were standing behind him, he glanced their way. It came as no surprise to see their faces mirrored his own shock as they interpreted this strange greeting.
    â€œThis is my partner’s wife, Arina White. Arina, this is George Granville and his niece, Mary Ann Hardwicke.” Luke could tell by Mary Ann’s appalled expression that Arina’s kiss just put the final nail in his coffin. As if he needed a final nail. Even though they had spent a pleasant evening together that night in the kitchen, the gals at the saloon had rekindled her ill opinion of him. And now there was no telling what she thought seeing his partner’s wife land a big kiss on him.
    George greeted the woman politely, but Mary Ann remained silent. She wasn’t sure she could even form a civil reply. How could a married woman throw herself at a man in the middle of the street in broad daylight? Actually, she was amazed the woman didn’t pop out of her dress when she hurled herself through the air at Luke. Did Luke McBride have any female acquaintances who were not tarts? His partner’s wife indeed!
    â€œArina, where is Sam?” Luke asked, but what he really wanted to ask was what in Hades was that kiss about. Normally, he might have been excited to have an attractive woman throw herself at him, but not Sam’s wife under any circumstances.
    â€œThat’s what I need to see you about, Luke darling.”
    Luke frowned. Darling? Darling? Where did that come from?
    â€œMrs. White, we were just going to have lunch, please join us,” George said.
    Arina looked Mary Ann up and down, and immediately came to the conclusion she was involved with Luke. “I’m sorry, but I need to speak with Luke privately and I’m afraid it is quite urgent.”
    Mary Ann breathed a sigh of relief. She didn’t want to be at the same table with the rogue or his . . . his . . . whatever she was to him. He was the worst sort of cad to behave that way with his partner’s wife.
    â€œI understand,” George held his arm for Mary Ann. “Come, my dear, let’s give these two some privacy.”
    â€œI apologize, George.” He turned his gaze on Mary Ann. “I was looking forward to our lunch.” He wasn’t a man who normally worried about what people thought about him, but at this very moment he was very concerned. It was inexplicable to him why Mary Ann Hardwicke’s opinion of him mattered, but he couldn’t deny it mattered very much.
    â€œDon’t give it another thought, we’ll do it another time.” George said as they walked into the hotel.
    Luke picked up Arina’s luggage that the stagecoach driver had placed beside them. Arina linked her arm through Luke’s and together they followed George and Mary Ann to the hotel.
    â€œCould we talk over lunch, Luke?”
    â€œYes, we’ll just get you checked in.” He’d allow her time to tell him what was going on before he asked her about the greeting she’d just given him.
    * * *
    George and Mary Ann sat at the table and waited for their order. “She certainly is a lovely young woman, although not extremely circumspect.”
    Her uncle seemed to be reading her mind, and Mary Ann couldn’t disagree with his assessment. The blond woman’s apparel, though costly, looked more suitable for the women she’d seen on the balcony at the saloon. Her bodice was way too tight and far too revealing for day. “I should say she is certainly not circumspect. But it appears Mr. McBride prefers that type of woman. You should have seen the behavior