Wild Hearts (Lone Star Sisters, Book 0.5)
Susan Mallery
Language: English
Pages: 39
ISBN: B0028PVGXK
Format: PDF / Kindle (mobi) / ePub
Who can tame the wildest man in Titanville?
Zeke Titan has a reputation for breaking hearts, but the townspeople of Titanville can't deny all the good he's done for them. So they turn the other cheek as he seduces one schoolteacher after another. Until Alethea Harbaugh comes to town.
The new teacher brings with her a passion for women's rights that invigorates the ladies of Titanville, and instills fear in the men. Zeke is intent on seducing her, if only to send her running, ruined, from the town so that things can return to normal. But Zeke just might have met his match...in more ways than one!
thought of all the other schoolteachers before her and knew that if she tried to convince herself he was sincere, she was likely to find herself heartbroken. In addition, she would have behaved foolishly, and what could be worse than that? As they sat in the shade, Zeke looked out at the town spread before them. “I missed this,” he admitted. “I was away too long.” “Do you go east often?” “Every couple of years. I have business interests there.” “I’ve been to New York,” she said, then
Or how the children run home on Friday, eager to be done with school?” She smiled. “I don’t take their enthusiasm personally. I know they enjoy their time with me.” She drew in a breath. “The storms are so much more exciting than any I’d seen in Baltimore. The wind blows and the thunder is so loud, but everyone is home safe and cozy. I like that I know nearly everyone’s name and a baby’s birth is a celebration for all. I belong here. I’ve never belonged anywhere before.” She smiled at him.
“What happens this evening?” “We will dine together, Mrs. Harbaugh. You’re staying at the hotel, are you not?” He already knew the answer to that question. Teachers stayed at the hotel for a year. If they made it to their second year—and so far no teacher had—a house would be built for them. Zeke covered the cost of the room, easy enough, as he owned the hotel. Meals were taken in the small dining room in back. “I’m staying there,” she began, “not that it is any business of yours.” “It’s my
watching, speculating on his success or failure, was another. Alethea had taken the teaching job in Titanville to escape the oppressive dictates of her Baltimore family. Her mother had barely waited nine months after Wesley’s untimely death to hint that Alethea should consider remarrying. Both of her sisters wanted her to come live with them. Supposedly for her own good, but really so she would take care of their children. Only her father, a kind and generous man, had seen past his own wishes to
couldn’t hear what it was. Then Big John, the blacksmith, called out to him. Zeke held a hand to his ear. Big John ran after the wagon. As Zeke turned, he saw other men running toward him. Most he recognized, a few he didn’t. The crowd behind the wagon grew. As the driver slowed the horses, Zeke jumped down. He held his Winchester loosely, just in case there was trouble. Billy got to him first. His friend was gasping for breath and holding his side. “You’re back. We’ve been waitin’, Zeke.