Read Tracie Peterson - [New Mexico Sunset 03] for Free Online Page B

“What do you think?” she asked in a whisper.
    “I think she’s incredibly young,” Douglas replied gravely. “She’s not even old enough to vote, even if she had that right. Are you sure we won’t have her parents chasing after us and putting out warning bells to prevent her from accompanying us?”
    “I’ve thought of that, but from all indications, Angeline seems quite capable of getting her own way. My sources tell me she’s the only child at home, and the only girl in the family. I’ll encourage her to call home and smooth matters over or at least to telegram.”
    “You’d better hope she has the connections you’re looking for,” Douglas said, easing back into his seat. “It won’t do much good to have her tagging along if she can’t get us the audience we need.”
    “She will,” Willa replied confidently. “She’s putty in my hands. I’ll have no difficulty in controlling her.”
    “Has she any clue that you’re using her?”
    “Why, Mr. Baker, whatever do you mean?”
    Douglas chuckled to himself and very nearly sneered at the older woman. “You know perfectly well what I mean, but since I’m using you as much as you’re using her, I guess I won’t protest too much.”
    Willa’s normally stern expression broke into a smug look of satisfaction. “That’s good of you, Douglas. Very good of you, indeed.”
    ❧
    Angeline returned to find Douglas and Willa pleasantly chatting about the barren New Mexico scenery. “I’m positively famished,” she said, taking her seat. “Might I dare to hope that there’s a dining car on this train?”
    “There is indeed, and one of the best,” Douglas said with formal brava do. “Perhaps you would allow me to escort you lovely ladies to breakfast?”
    Angeline glanced at Willa who shook her head. “I’m not hungry, but you two go on ahead.”
    “Are you certain?” Angeline questioned her mentor.
    “Absolutely. Besides, why would you want an old woman like me along? This handsome young pup hasn’t taken his eyes off you since you’ve board ed the train. It will do you good to get to know an educated man of Douglas’s background.” Willa’s words caused Angeline to blush.
    “Don’t mind her,” Douglas said, tucking Angeline’s arm around his own. “Willa’s a very smart woman,” he added with a smile over Angeline’s head at the older woman. “Very smart.”
    ❧
    Breakfast was a pleasant affair and Angeline was almost sorry to see it end. She followed Douglas down the narrow train aisle on the way back to their car and found herself righted by his strong arm when the train suddenly lurched.
    “You must always be prepared,” Douglas said with a smile.
    His hand firmly held her at the elbow, and Angeline couldn’t help but gaze deep into his green eyes.
    “Prepared?” she whispered, completely captivated by the man’s charismatic appeal.
    “Yes.” He was already much too close, but if possible he leaned in even closer. “All battles are won with concentrated effort going into preparation.”
    “Oh,” Angeline managed to say, before Douglas pulled away with a dashing grin and another quick wink.
    “I think I shall enjoy teaching you the game,” Douglas remarked before once again moving down the aisle.
    “No more than I shall playing it,” Angeline muttered to herself with a smile.
    ❧
    “Here you are,” Willa said, waiting for Angeline to take her seat. “I was beginning to wonder if I’d lost you to Douglas’s wily ways.”
    Angeline looked from Douglas to Willa and shook her head. “No, I just like to eat a lot.” At this Willa joined Douglas’s laugh with her own.
    “It doesn’t seem to have hurt you any,” Willa finally said. She shifted in her seat to face Angeline. “I have something very exciting to talk to you about. Something I’ve been considering while you were gone.”
    “What is it?” Angeline questioned cautiously. She was still uncertain of what Willa Neal expected of her as a traveling