Donovan's Bed: The Calhoun Sisters, Book 1 Read Online Free Page B

but no one seems to know anything about you. Of course, you’re bound to attract attention.”
    “A man’s past is his own business, Miss Calhoun. That’s an unwritten law.” Warning underscored his tone. “But I’m not a wanted man, so the good people of Burr needn’t worry about being murdered in their beds.”
    “Who said anything about murder?” She held his gaze, eyebrows raised in challenge.
    He didn’t look away. “I won’t discuss my past. Ask me about something else.”
    “It’s my business to uncover secrets, Mr. Donovan.”
    “Take it or leave it.”
    She deliberated a moment, torn between pressing for more or settling for what he was willing to offer. “Very well, I’ll take it. For now. Would you be willing to discuss your ranch?”
    “Sure thing.” Pride lit his face. “I just bought some stock. In a few weeks the Triple D will be up and running.”
    She nodded with polite interest. “The buildings are quite impressive, but I’m really interested in the fancy furniture you bought. Take the bed, for instance. Most of the men I’ve known would be content sleeping in a bunk or a bedroll.”
    He stared at her with masculine interest, smiling when a flush heated her cheeks. “So, Miss Calhoun, you’ve been thinking about my bed.”
    Her blush deepened, and she grew annoyed with herself. “It just doesn’t seem like the kind of thing a man would buy for himself.”
    “You’re right. I didn’t buy it for myself. I bought it for my wife.”
    She stumbled, and his strong arms immediately tightened. “Your what?”
    “My wife. I mean to find one here.”
    “Oh.” She didn’t like the sprig of hope that grew in her breast. “And have you found one yet?”
    “No, but I have a list of three or four names that I can choose from.”
    “A list?” she choked. “Like a list of supplies you buy at the mercantile?” Good heavens, the man had spent a fortune building the house of any woman’s dreams and furnishing it as extravagantly as any Boston manor. The bed alone must have set him back quite a bit of money, yet he didn’t seem to care which wife would soon reside in it!
    “I’m looking for certain qualities in a woman,” he continued, oblivious to her growing ire. “I made a list of some of the unmarried ladies hereabouts who might have them.”
    “And what are these qualities ?” She could barely maintain a civil tone.
    “Well, my wife has to be a hard worker, used to ranch life. She’ll take care of my house and trust me to provide for her. And she has to like children. I aim to have a lot of them.”
    “So what you’re saying is that she needs stamina, blind obedience and good breeding potential.”
    “That’s right.” He smiled.
    “Mr. Donovan, you might as well just go buy yourself a horse!”
    The smile disappeared. “Now just a minute here—”
    “You can’t shop for a wife the way you would a brood mare! A woman needs to be loved, to feel important in a man’s life. To be his partner. You can’t marry someone just because you think she’ll be easy to break to the saddle!” Furious now, she jerked out of his arms. “I can’t stomach your company another minute.”
    Strong fingers closed on her arm before she could take a step. “You walk away from me now, you’ll just start up all that talk you’re trying to avoid,” he warned. “You want a piece of me? We’ll take it someplace private.”
    She stared at him, battling the urge to stomp off, consequences be damned. “What do you mean, private?”
    He pulled her back into his arms and began dancing her toward the edge of the crowd. “Don’t you worry about your virtue, Miss Calhoun. We’ll stay within screaming distance.” He grinned, and she wanted to smack that dimple right off his cheek.
    He swept her to the edge of the platform and then gallantly took her hand to help her down the steps. Given his strong grip on her fingers, Sarah wondered if he was holding her prisoner.
    Only a few heads