Tracie Peterson Read Online Free Page B

Garrett asked. Maggie said nothing, but she noticed over Garrett’s shoulder that the woman had leaned even farther into the aisle. Garrett turned to see what Maggie was looking at.
    “Have you lost something, Ma’am?” Garrett asked the embarrassed woman. The woman shook her head and quickly turned her attention back to her children. Garrett chuckled and continued his analysis of Maggie.
    “You have his eyes too.” Garrett’s voice sounded low and melodic. Maggie felt herself relaxing against her will.
    “I suppose one would have to share certain characteristics with one’s parent. It isn’t necessary to live with a parent to look like one. I also look a great deal like my mother, and she died nine years ago,” Maggie said rather stiffly, refusing to fall under Garrett’s spell.
    “Yes, I know. Your father showed me her picture. She was a beautiful woman, and you are the very image of her.”
    “Am I mistaken, or have you just complimented me?” Maggie questioned curiously.
    “And the lady is intelligent too!” Garrett drawled sardonically.
    Maggie could no longer play her part. “You’re insufferable!” she huffed and turned back to the window.
    “Ah ha! I knew the temper was still there. Don’t think that you can set my mind at ease by playing the prim and proper lady. I will not trust you on this trip, and you might as well know my terms right up front,” Garrett said firmly.
    Maggie stared incredulously as Garrett sat up and reached over to pull her to the edge of her seat.
    “Now, off with the jacket before you pass out. And take off that collar,” he ordered. He reached out as if to undo the buttons himself.
    Maggie noticed the widening eyes of the woman across the aisle. Garrett turned to the woman briefly. “I can’t believe you women actually travel comfortably in these getups you call traveling clothes.” The woman turned crimson, but Maggie noticed she didn’t pull back like before.
    “Take it off,” Garrett commanded a stunned Maggie.
    “I’ve never been so insulted!” Maggie tried to jerk away, only to find Garrett’s firm hands holding her upper arms.
    “I’m sure no one has ever dared to cross you, Maggie. But this time, you’ve met your match. Your father didn’t send me without considering the type of person this job required. Now do as I say.” Garrett loosened his grip as Maggie obediently began to unbutton her jacket.
    “This is totally inappropriate,” she muttered under her breath. “I’m a lady, and I demand that you treat me as such.”
    “Perhaps when you start acting like one, I’ll be more inclined to treat you differently. Fashion or no, I can’t see having you passed out from heat. I’m truly thinking only of your comfort. Now let me help.” Garrett’s words were so precise they sounded rehearsed.
    Maggie allowed him to help her out of the traveling jacket. She had to admit, at least to herself, it was an immediate improvement. She leaned back and sighed. Why was this happening? Did God hate her so much? Why couldn’t she live with her grandmother? Was it because she refused to hear God’s calling?
    “Now, as I said before, we really should talk.” Garrett’s voice intruded into Maggie’s thoughts. “I know you’re feeling badly. I know you don’t want to go, and I know that you’re afraid.”
    “I’m not afraid of anything!” Maggie exclaimed, raising her voice slight ly. When several of the train passengers joined the nosy woman in turning to see what the commotion was, Maggie immediately stared out the window.
    “You were saying,” Garrett whispered pressing close to her ear.
    “Get away from me,” Maggie hissed. “I may have to suffer through your deplorable presence, but I will not have you accosting me.”
    Garrett laughed loudly, causing people to stare at them once again. The woman across the aisle was thoroughly enjoying the scene.
    “Will you be quiet?” Maggie whispered angrily. “I won’t have the entire train