Page 90 of Texas Splendor
“You should hear the music filling my heart right now,” he said quietly.
“Will you play it for me?” she asked.
“Sure will, Sugar, but not with my violin.”
His mouth descended to cover hers, and his hands began to play a song of love over her body.
Chapter 16
The January winds blew cold and bitter as Loree scooted across the bench seat of the wagon and snuggled against Austin.
“Stubborn woman,” he mumbled as he slipped his arm around her. “You could be at home sitting in front of a nice warm fire.”
“I’d rather be sitting beside you.”
He leaned toward her and brushed a quick kiss over her lips. “I’m glad.”
She tucked her shawl beneath her chin, bringing it in closer around her ears. The winds howled across the plains like a woman mourning a lost love. She imagined Austin would play the tune for her when they got home.
The town came into view. Her stomach always knotted at the memory it brought to mind. She brought the chilled air deep into her lungs, blowing it out in a smoky breath.
“Looks like Santa brought Cameron a new sign,” Austin said.
Loree looked toward the general store, her breath hitching.
MCQUEEN’S GENERAL STORE.
Her fingers tightened on Austin’s arm. “I thought their name was Oliver.”
“No, that was Becky’s pa.” He glanced sideways at her, an incredulous expression on his face. “All this time you thought their name was Oliver?”
She nodded, fear clogging her throat. “So Dee is a McQueen, too?”
“No, she’s a Leigh. Used to be a McQueen.”
“Do they have other family?”
“They have a brother, Duncan.”
“And that’s all?”
“As far as I know.”
He drew the wagon to a halt in front of the store, clambered down, and held his arms up to her. She scooted across the bench and he helped her down to the ground, his arms coming around her.
“Good God, Loree, you’re shaking like a leaf in the wind.”
“I’m just cold,” she lied.
“Let’s get you inside.”
He headed for the store—the last place she wanted to go. He shoved open the door and hustled her inside. The bells above the door clanged and nearly made her jump out of her skin.
Cameron walked out from the back, drying his hands on a towel. “You picked a bad day to come into town.”
“Wasn’t this cold when we left,” Austin said as he led Loree to the black potbellied stove. “Sit here, Loree.”
She did as he instructed and gave him the freedom to remove her gloves.
