While he cleaned the blood off her toe, she continued petting Sailor. There was a tenderness in her touch, a warmth in the way she stroked the dog's head that was so natural and unguarded, Boyd peeked up at her face.
The shadow of loneliness dulled her eyes. He'd seen that same forlorn look in his mirror for years, but to see the pain and emptiness in Claire's eyes bothered him. In that brief glimpse, he knew that she'd experienced loneliness, that she'd suffered loss, that she knew fear.
What tragedy was it that left the residue of those emotions in her eyes?
"I know it's going to sting," she said. "Just get it over with."
He ducked his head and saturated a corner of his handkerchief with iodine. "You like Sailor," he said, trying to distract her from the sting as he dabbed at her toe.
"Does that surprise you?"
"Maybe."
"Why? I had two dogs when I was a girl, and I trained both of them myself. I could make them lie down just by snapping my fingers. I named them Shakespeare and—ouch."
"Sorry. Just a touch more," he said. "Why?"
"Because I want to make sure it doesn't get infected. I think you're going to have a bruise on your instep."
"I was asking why you're surprised that I like Sailor?"
He finished wiping her toe, replaced the cap on the bottle and rose to his feet. "Because he's a weaseling, ill-mannered maniac. And because you seem to prefer your own company. "
Her lashes lowered like window shades, and Boyd knew he'd struck a vein.
He set the bottle of iodine on the table. "Is it too forward of me to ask how long you've been a widow?"
"Yes." Her chin lifted and she met his eyes, but he sensed that behind her brave front she was hiding something. "It's not that I prefer my own company, Mr. Grayson. It's that I prefer not to subject myself to the games, petty judgments, and humiliating exchanges that most relationships contain."
"Relationships also contain companionship and joy." "That's why I like Sailor. Despite being clumsy and a bit rambunctious, I don't have to wonder if his actions are sincere." She stroked the dog's bony back. "He just needs some training to polish his manners."
"Would you train him? If I brought him over each day, would you teach him some manners?"
The look on Claire's face told him she saw right through his ploy, but she didn't order him to leave. She gave him one of those looks women get just before they take you into the jeweler's shop and empty your pockets.
"Are you willing to fill my wood bins each day in return?" There it was. Her payment for services rendered. He was used to this subtle maneuvering. And good at it.
"Of course." He could barely contain his grin. He'd had women eager to bed him, women eager to be wooed, but this was the first time he'd ever had to use Sailor as a go-between. Claire Ashier was only eager to get her wood bins filled.
Well, he would change that.
"You'll have to bring him first thing in the morning. We can start this Friday. Before breakfast."
"Before breakfast? I'm lucky if I wake up before lunch unless I've promised to work at the mill that day."
"Morning is the only time I'll be able to do it."
She was playing him, and he knew it, but he was playing her, too, and she knew it, so the only way for him to win—and he intended to win—was to agree to her terms. But before breakfast? That would be dawn for a woman like Claire. Not even Sailor got up that early.
"If that doesn't suit you—"
"It's fine," he said, then gave her his most disarming smile. "But I was hoping we could arrange evening visits."
"I'm afraid that won't be possible. I'll be hosting prayer meetings in the evenings."
"Here?" he asked, unable to keep the disgust from his voice. The thought of a hundred righteous do-gooders, praying and caterwauling hymns only yards from his door, raised the hair on his arms. "Claire, it's bad enough having those women visit my saloon each day. It'll be torture having that noise seep into my life around the clock."
Her lips curved into a pleased smile. "I know."
For more of Boyd Grayson's story read LIPS THAT TOUCH MINE by Wendy Lindstrom
Electronic Books by Wendy Lindstrom
Historical Romances:
Shades of Honor
The Longing
Lips That Touch Mine
Kissing in the Dark
Author's Note:
THE LONGING
Upstate New York is a beautiful, timber-rich area, populated by majestic pines and maples that explode with color every autumn. Abundant forests sweep down across mountain foothills and give way to miles of sweet-smelling grape vineyards that skirt the shores of Lake Erie. Creeks cut winding paths from mountain to shore, bringing water and power and life to towns built along their banks. In the midst of this land you'll find the quaint village of Fredonia, and just south of that, a small hamlet called Laona where this story takes place.
Although Laona is now a quiet four corners, in the second half of the nineteenth century it was populated by grist mills, paper mills, and sawmills situated along Canadaway Creek. It boasted a hotel, several stores, two blacksmith shops, a cheese factory, and a tanner. For the purpose of this story, I've take the liberty of adding one little white schoolhouse.
I hope you enjoy Kyle and Amelia's story, and that it may encourage you to someday visit this beautiful area.
W. L.
Reviews for THE LONGING
“This author's talent shines through on every page! Recommended reading.” — Anny P. (wolfnme), PaperBack Swap
~
4-1/2 Stars - TOP PICK! - Romantic Times Book Club!
"Readers who enjoy deeply emotional reads will find THE LONGING impossible to put down. The dark and brooding nature of the hero and the horrible pain Amelia carries are very real, but it is the surprising plot twist that makes this a fresh and innovative read. It delineates Lindstrom as one of romance's finest Americana writers." — Reviewed by Kathe Robin for Romantic Times Book Club
~
"THE LONGING is a beautifully written relationship story that is a joy to read. Wendy Lindstrom does an outstanding job of delving into the hearts and minds of her characters and making them people that we can care about. This is a wonderful book written with love." — Reviewed by Betty Cox for ReaderToReader.com
~
"Ms. Lindstrom's fantastic characters are a treat, as is her rare ability to immediately develop conflict while at the same time introducing characters with enough depth and dimension to instantly captivate the reader in their dilemma. Her plots are expertly rendered, forging a relationship that compels urgent, can't-put-down page turning. " — Reviewed by Denise M. Clark for Road To Romance
~
"With a fresh, new title, the second book in the "Shades" trilogy is another powerful romance. Wendy Lindstrom is a fantastic author, and one that readers will not want to miss. She has a knack for creating dynamic characters, vivid settings, and tender passion. Though THE LONGING is the second in the series, it succeeds as a stand-alone, however I wouldn't have wanted to miss Radford and Evelyn's story. Readers find themselves reunited with them as well as learning more about the next brother, Boyd. Boyd is quite a character, particularly when it comes to describing how to attract a woman, I can't wait to see Boyd face off with his own significant other!" — Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth for The Romance Readers Connection
~
"Fans of tortured and brooding characters will love this book. The catharsis, when it comes, is quite satisfying...left me wanting to read the next book in the series, about the youngest Grayson brother, Boyd. Wendy Lindstrom gives me hope that the Americana romance is in good hands, and I hope all readers who like this period will give her a try. She is an author to watch.” — Reviewed by All About Romance
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-one
Chapter Twenty-two
Chapter Twenty-three
Chapter Twenty-four
Chapter Twenty-five
Chapter Twenty-six
Chapter Twenty-seven
Chapter Twenty-eight
Chapter Twenty-nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-one
Chapter Thirty-two
Chapter Thirty-three
Chapter Thirty-four
Chapter One, LIPS THAT TOUCH MINE
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Author’s Note:
Reviews for THE LONGING
The Longing Page 30