Rocky Mountain Dreams & Family on the Range by Danica Favorite (summer beach reads txt) 📕

just not sure where or how much they’ll be able to infiltrate the public psyche.”

Mary’s stride didn’t slow. “I haven’t heard such a thing.”

“But you feel the stares, don’t you? People look at you and see someone different than them. There’s distrust here in Oregon of foreigners. Our office found disturbing evidence that the Klan will prey on people’s fears. Especially with the influx of Chinese migrant workers.”

“This is nothing new to me, Lou.”

“It could influence laws,” he said gravely.

“That may be so, but I believe they’ve already been influenced since the beginning of the country. You’re a white man, Lou. Blond hair, blue eyes.” She stopped walking and turned to pin him with those bottomless eyes of hers. “For you, life in America has been fair. It has not been so for others.” She held up her arm, darker than his, and Lou found his gaze traveling the length of her bone structure, up to her shoulder, then across her dress, which he just now realized fit her perfectly.

He couldn’t recall seeing her in this outfit before and abruptly noticed how the dress tapered off at her knees, exposing her legs and ankles. Heat rose to his neck. He yanked his eyes back up to meet hers.

Her mouth was parted, and suddenly he was filled with remembrance of the kiss they’d shared. He blinked, jerked the direction of his gaze to the road and began walking. “Every day we’re making strides, though. The Klan is a dangerous group of people and the worst thing is, people in positions of authority are involved. I don’t want you traveling alone. Not just because of your heritage, but because you’re a beautiful woman.”

There, he’d said it. A lump clogged his windpipe. He peeked at Mary. A sober expression rested on her features. The wind stirred up her dark hair, and again he thought of their kiss.

“Many have called me beautiful,” she said quietly and without pride.

“You don’t like it?”

“Beauty brings challenges....” She trailed off.

“Life brings challenges to everyone.” He took her arm and they crossed to the other side of the road. “We’re almost to my office. After I deliver these papers, we’ll figure out what to do with you.”

“Excuse me?” She popped out of his grasp. “I have my ticket. Your twelve years of baby watching has finished.”

He halted, gaping, while she strode ahead. “Wait...”

Her hand fluttered up, waving through the air as if dismissing him. He set his jaw and forged ahead.

“Now, stop just a moment,” he said, grabbing her shoulders and stopping her. She felt fragile beneath his fingers and he loosened his hold. “You’ve been caring for us, Mary, not the other way around.”

Her gaze flickered. “Either way, that time has passed. We’re moving in different directions now.”

True, and yet the knowledge pained him. He studied her, taking in the faint flush in her cheeks and her dewy eyes. A stray hair fluttered across her cheek. Using the tip of his finger, he drew it back over her ear. She released a soft breath that brought him full circle, right back to their kiss.

“Please don’t look at me like that,” she whispered.

“Like what?”

“Like you plan to kiss me again.”

He couldn’t help the smile tugging his lips. “And if I do?”

“This can’t work. You know that. Do you plan to quit your job? Stop traveling to foreign places and saving lives?”

He shook his head.

“I didn’t think so,” she said. “Quit worrying about me and live your life. I’m thankful for the shelter you provided, but that season is over.”

“We’re here.” He gestured to the building in front of them with his briefcase, glad to stop this conversation in its endless tracks. “Come in and let’s work this out. Then we’re going to have an early supper and you can tell me what Langdon said to you in that hallway.”

A few hours later, Mary chewed her bottom lip, watching as Lou spoke with the waiter at the hotel’s restaurant. They’d returned to check out. A cramp tried to work its way through her toes, which she’d stuck into heels to try to look nice for Mrs. Silver.

And maybe for Lou.

It was the last day she’d see him after all. She fiddled with a button on her dress, wondering how he’d remember her. What would supper bring? More arguing? Surely so, if she told him what Langdon had said to her. He was to call her at the hotel, she’d told him, and she’d give him an answer.

There was only one answer to give.

Shuddering, she turned away from Lou’s direction. While she’d waited at his work, she debated her possible courses of action. She could tell him the truth at supper and see if he’d help her or offer a different solution. Or she could go home, ignore Langdon’s plan and look into getting a loan and opening a business.

“We’re ready.” Lou appeared beside her, his arm on her elbow and his breath minty. He brought her to the table. After they were given glasses of water, Lou gestured to the menu. “Order anything you want. My treat.” His eyes sparkled.

She’d been drawn in by those eyes for too long. Could she forget how he’d sold the ranch beneath her feet? Even though he’d arranged for her to stay, his action had felt like a betrayal of sorts. No, she could not trust that sparkle as much as she longed to.

It was a longing she must deny herself.

Ordering was brief. The waiter took their menus, and then quiet followed. Lou folded a napkin across his lap and leaned back in his seat, hands lightly clasped on the starched tablecloth.

“I finished some work at the office today,” he finally said.

She sipped her water. “Have they caught the man who shot you?”

“No, but we will. I’m on his trail. After supper today, I’m going to drop you at the train station, where a special agent will meet you and escort you home.” At her look, he grinned. “You really think I’m going