The Blushing Bride

“Just call me Ethan. It can get kind of confusing around here, otherwise.” He grinned and nodded toward the office. “Besides, I don’t like being mistaken for my brother, if you get my meaning.”

“I do indeed get your meaning.” Amanda glared at the office door, then looked at Ethan. “But your help isn’t necessary. I’m going to have Shady take me back to Beaumont.”

“Not tonight, he can’t.” Ethan shook his head. “Shady can’t make that trip after dark.”

“Then I’ll get a hotel room for the night.”

“There is no hotel.”

“No hotel?” Amanda asked. “But surely—”

“Just do like you’re told.” Jason walked up, his footsteps heavy on the wooden porch. Amanda sensed he’d been standing there, listening…watching.

Anger threaded through her again. “You may be in charge of the logging camp, Mr. Kruger, but you have no say over what I do. Now, I am going to find Shady Harper and arrange for transportation down the mountain tonight.”

“No, you’re not.”

His big hand closed over her elbow. Long fingers exerted just enough pressure to keep her in place. She sensed incredible power in his grip, power barely under control.

Heat rushed up her arm, twined down her throat into the pit of her stomach causing her anger to bloom again.

And it was anger. What else could it be?

Amanda jerked her chin. “I am not your concern, Mr. Kruger.”

He leaned closer. A raw physical energy radiated from him, engulfing Amanda with its potency.

“That’s where you’re wrong, Miss Pierce.” His voice was deep, heavy with authority and determination. “Everything and everybody on this mountain is my concern.”

“Including me?”

He tightened his grip and leaned closer. “Especially you.”

Chapter Three

“Let me give you a hand, Miss Pierce.”

Ethan’s fingers closed around Amanda’s elbow, steadying her over the uneven terrain. His grip was as strong as his brother’s but not threatening in the least. In fact, Amanda barely noticed it.

But she had certainly noticed Jason when he’d stalked back into his office, leaving his brother to deliver her to a safe place for the night. And that suited Amanda just fine. Jason’s mere presence rankled her.

“You’ll like Mrs. McGee,” Ethan said, holding the lantern higher to light their way. The road was rough and rutted, dangerous in the dark.

Amanda held up her skirt, picking her way along. “You’re certain she won’t mind if I stay the night with her? It’s hardly proper to show up uninvited and ask such a favor. I can pay her, of course.”

“Mrs. McGee could surely use the money, but I doubt she’ll take it,” Ethan said. “She’ll probably just be glad for the company. Meg works hard. Too hard. Sometimes I worry that she’s—”

Amanda dared to take her eyes from the road. Ethan’s expression was unreadable in the dark.

“I gather there aren’t many women up here,” she said.

“Half-dozen or so,” Ethan said.

“Your brother seems most adept at running them off,” Amanda said.

Ethan chuckled. “This is Mrs. McGee’s place.”

They both stood there for a moment gazing at the little wood frame cabin with lantern light shining in one window.

“Aren’t we going to knock?” Amanda asked, when Ethan made no move toward the porch.

“Well, sure, I just…”

Ethan gave himself a little shake and placed the lantern on the steps. He climbed onto the porch, pulled off his hat, slicked back his hair, brushed at his sleeves, and tugged down on his vest. Drawing in a deep breath, Ethan studied the door for a moment, then finally knocked.

It opened and Mrs. McGee stepped into view. Amanda had expected her to resemble the two women she’d met in Jason Kruger’s office, big women capable of weathering life in the rugged logging camp.

But Mrs. McGee was delicate and shapely, about the same age as Amanda. Her blond hair was twisted neatly atop her head, and her dress, while serviceable, was flattering.

“Good evening, Mr. Kruger,” she said.

“Mrs. McGee.” Ethan twisted his hat, then plastered it against his chest. “I, uh, I’m sorry to bother you so late, but I’d like to ask a favor, if I can.”

“What sort of favor?” she asked.

“Well…” Ethan seemed lost for a moment. He looked down at his feet, then back at her. “Well…”

At this rate they’d be standing here all night. Amanda climbed onto the porch. “Mrs. McGee, I’m Miss Amanda Pierce. I’m very sorry to disturb you, but I find myself stranded here on the mountain. Ethan felt I could impose on you for a night’s lodging.”

She turned a warm smile on Ethan. “How thoughtful of you….”

Ethan turned several shades of red. He seemed to stop breathing for a moment, as well.

“I hope it’s not too much to ask, Mrs. McGee,” Amanda said.

“Of course not. And please, call me Meg,” she said.

Ethan nodded toward Amanda. “Miss Pierce was supposed to get married up here, but—”

Meg’s eyes widened. “Married?”

“To Jason.”

Meg smiled broadly at Amanda. “That’s wonderful!”

“It’s all a mistake,” Amanda said. “I’m not marrying anyone.”

“But…” Meg’s shoulders slumped.